Already a quarter of the way through the year, I cannot believe it. Here’s a quick fire list for gigging in London in April. I am sure there are some stellar gigs I have missed so pay attention of Twitter, Facebook and the like.. either way you cannot go wrong with these ones anyway!
April 1st – JMSN – Ace Hotel Shoreditch (£10.50 + fess)
His show at The Independent (SF) was spontaneous, exciting and had a whole lot of soul. His ripped shorts, battered trainers and unkempt look betray the masterful crooner and explosive live performer he is. Very highly recommended. Plus, never been in the Ace Hotel before… looks fancy!
April 2nd 4th – Lock Tavern Festival – The Lock Tavern (Free)
A free music festival over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, what more could you want? At least y’all in the UK get a Bank Holiday!!!!!! Enjoy it mo fos, enjoy it!
April 7th – Nneka – Village Underground (£19.80)
I have never actually seen Nneka perform live and it pains me things have never worked out. Her music is always powerful and political. I love the way she fuses African influences squarely with the sounds of western youth culture. A gem who I need to see play soon! The claustrophobic feel of a packed Village Underground should make the gig that much more special too!
April 7th – Cymbals – The Lexington (£12+fees)
Indie music to dance and be extremely merry to… that is all 🙂
April 8th – Say Lou Lou + Salt Ashes – Heaven (£10+fees)
Scandinavian/Australian dreamy pop from Say Lou Lou, mixed with dark synth pop from Salt Ashes. Both are set to have massive years so it’ll be a treat seeing them both playing together. Say Lou Lou hit San Fran in April… just waiting for Salt Ashes to do the same!
April 9th – Luke Concannon – KPH (£8+fees)
Quite simply one of my favourite live performers, period. I honestly think if it were not for the magical performances him and John still pull together for Nizlopi I would never have gotten the live music bug. Three line whip and then some!
April 28th – Charlotte OC – St Stephen & St Thomas Church (£10+fees)
Following her stonking performances at SXSW you are probably gonna want to make the time to see Charlotte O.C. in small venues while you can. I saw her at my last Gold Dust in London and she took the roof off. She’s one of those singers who, IMHO, hasn’t quite figured out how to translate the power and grace of her live shows in to her recorded music. Once she finds the right producer, she might just take over the world. You have been warned.
April 29th – Akala – The Jazz Café (£12.50+fees)
Think a UK Version of Immortal Technique and that will give you a sample of what you can expect when you see Akala perform. One of the God Fathers of the UK Hip-Hop scene, go to be enlightened, empowered and thoroughly entertained; Hip-Hop of the finest order!
SoulSide Funk 