Monday 25 June 2012

I Luv Live 8th Birthday 21.06.12




This week a very special event took place, it was the 8th Birthday of the urban live music event that is  -  I Luv Live.  I arrived early at around 8.30 in order to view the exhibition that featured photos of past I Luv Live performers from the last 8 years that were displayed to mark the occasion.  I entered a buzzing room filled with the likes of Cleo Sol and Kele Le Roc to be surrounded by images of artists such as Ed Sheeran, Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Roll Deep.  The exhibition is testiment to the fact that some of the great British artists of the moment have all at least once played at I Luv Live. Highlighting the events unique and crucial stance in giving British artists a platform to be heard.




The show kicked of at about 9pm with hosts Ras Kwame and Twin B paying homage to the event as the 'home of urban music'.  The hosts took a moment to list the I luv live team who have contributed over the last 8 years.  I would also like to give props to organiser's Rachael and Jay for keeping the night alive over the years despite dificulties. I'm sure it hasn't been easy. 




Moving on, the first act Mahalia swiftly appeared onto stage.
All humble as she approached the mic, Mahalia in turn graced the stage sucking the audience in, singing 'Let The World See The Light' with nothing but her voice and guitar.  Her soft acoustic performance showcased her angelic voice and boy what a voice, a gorgeous voice this girl has.  Despite her innocent persona her performance came across totally  confident and in control. I urge you to check her out.  https://twitter.com/mahaliamusic
Mahalia was followed by the second act, Josh Kumra.  You may know Josh Kumra from the haunting vocals on Wretch 32's 'Don't Go', which reached number 1 in the UK chart.  Mr Kumra played his debut single 'Helicopters and Planes' acoustic style.  https://twitter.com/joshkumra


One of my favourite acts who has had a very good  2012 so far was third on stage. Cleo Sol, recently signed to Island records, who is even more gorgeous in real life, performed 3 songs including one of my favourite's 'High!'. During which she brought energy to the stage breaking it down with her band, which I always love.  Cleo Sol also performed her upcoming single due out on 23rd July, 'Never The Right Time (Who Do You Love)'.  This lady's performance did not dissapoint. You can follow Cleo Sol on twitter: https://twitter.com/cleosol



Ghetts

Turning up the tempo, next up was one of my favourite MC's from the scene, Ghetts. As per usual Ghetts came on stage going in strong with 'Artillery' (with his shades on, as you do), followed by 'Don't Phone Me'. His shouty familiar voice confirms there is only one Ghetts in the game.  Ghetts also performed tracks 'Red Pill', (no mercston though :( ) and Rebel.  What I love about Ghetts is that no matter how many times I have seen him perform I never tire of his performances. He consistantly brings an energy that he is so notorious for,  making him one of the best Grime artists in the game.
https://twitter.com/therealghetts




Big Kids
Changing the tone completly the 5th act to perform was Big Kids, a duo which features Mr Hudson. I had not heard of this duo before and despite their alternative Camden style music they managed to fit right in with the previous acts. Demonstrating once again that I Luv Live is definitely a hub for all kinds of British urban acts. A trait that makes I Luv Live a truly unique night and worth your time. This was also reflected in the positive things that artists like Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Tinchy Stryder had to say about the night, which was showcased in the exhibition. Big Kids had a great energy on stage and the female singer would not  stop jumping round the stage which only made me admire her! twitter.com/#!/BIGkidsmusic

To keep the energy going who better to follow than the next act, Scorcher, who has been gaining some serious ground this year.  Scorcher invited Ghetts back on stage to join him and the chemistry between these two set sparks flying. Scorcher then brought out Terminator aka T from Dark Side on to the stage who brought the lazy flow.  For his 3rd and final  track Scorcher performed his latest single 'It's All Love' due to be out soon. I definitley have a new found love for Scorcher now.
https://twitter.com/scorcherslife

Sway
Soon after was the one of the most sucessful UK urban artists  of today, Sway aka Decipher opened his set with 'Still Speeding' , which got the crowd vibing.  I'm actually embarrassed to say thats it's my first time seeing Sway live especially as I've been a fan of his for year's. Sway actually smacked it with an acapella spit that really engaged me to his performance.  Sway then went on to play 'Level Up', my favourite track of his since his debut ablum.
As my first time seeing Sway he didn't dissappoint,  the delivery was good and you could definitely tell the hip hop influence in Sways style when he performed his song with mish mash of famous hip hop lyrics
Download Sway's mixtape The Deliverence 2 here: http://www.sway.uk.com/category/audio/
Kal Lavelle



After party
So what was the after party saying?  Well, the organiser's kept the pace moving reeling off artist after artist. Kicking off the after party Kal Lavelle  featuring Mic Righteous beautifully performed her track 'Fell in love with My friend' which she explained to be a song where the words come from a place close to the heart and you could feel the emotion in her performance.  You can follow Kal Lavelle on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kallavelle
There after, the after party really picked up speed showcasing performances from Lioness, and Stylo G. Fem Fel performed his new track featuring Shola Ama, whilst Shystie brought the funky flavour dropping 'Pull It'.


A.Dot
Followed by fellow female MC A.dot who performed 'Semantics' and got the crowd moving.  Shortly after No Lay  performed 'Drugs'. and I have to say the females were definitely representing and brought a lot of energy to the stage.  I was intrugued to see west London's finest Ratlin who came on with 2 tracks including his latest single called 'On My Lonely'. Keeping it moving, GFresh pleased the crowd as he spat some heavy bars acapella, which I definitely approved off.
Overall, it was a very good night with many varied and entertaining performances.  Happy Birthday I Luv Live - I can't wait for the next I Luv Live line up.






Friday 8 June 2012

My 2012 So Far...

Wow, I can't believe how fast this year has gone by.  We are already in the first week of June and I'm off on my summer holiday to Gran Canaria for 10 days - a very well earned break indeed :).  Looking back at this year there have been some fantastic tunes and lots of developments in the world of UK urban music.  It has already been a great year for artists like Labrinth, Ratlin,  Sneakbo, Cleo Sol and Lady Leshurr.  So much so, that I really look forward to what the next six months have to offer.  We've just celebrated the Queen's Jubilee across the UK and whether you are a fan of the Queen or not the last weekend has made Britain unite during the Jubilee festivities.  I look forward to a spectacular summer in London and across the UK, where we will welcome huge events such as the Olympics, Hackney Weekender and London 2012 Festival.  Stay tuned for more posts from UrbanVoice UK across this summer and more exciting UK urban acts.

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Colside - Single 'Faded' Out 6th June

My favourite trio from Manchester are back and ready to release their single 'Faded'. Previously on the BBC 1Xtra Playlist 'Faded' is a cool blend of urban and rock genres.  The track features vocals from Zane, Aitch and Red.  I was lucky enough to see them perform this track at the Manchester Academy earlier this year and this track was definitely a crowd pleaser.  I like everything about this track from the electric guitar manipulating the tone to the catchy chorus.  It's memorable and an overall good tune - well worth the download!

'Faded' is available to buy on iTunes NOW! Make sure you support our UK Talent and buy the record!
 You can follow Coldside on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ThisIsColdside

Tuesday 5 June 2012

Artist Profile: Patch

New to UrbanVoice UK is Patch, a London based Rapper/Poet. Born and raised in North London to Guyanese father and Irish mother Patch first started rhyming at the age of 11 through poetry. At the age of 12 he became a full on hip hop head but didn't actually start to rap until 14. 'I didn't take it seriously at all at the time,it was just for fun' he says. 'From then on I would write raps on/off and until the age of 18. After finishing 6th Form I went to work in a bunch of different jobs never satisfied and always saving up to travel a load of different countries. What never left me was a sense of unrest and the feeling that writing lyrics was what I was supposed to do'. At the age of 23, Patch picked up the pen again and hasn't looked back since, he says 'I now know for sure that I'm meant for this!'  Check out his latest track 'Dream Chasers'.





You can follow Patch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/PatchandOnly

Artist Profile - George the Poet

I am definitely one to support UK Talent, as you know, and it's the only reason for why I write this blog. I was listening to Radio 1Xtra last week and they had a special guest by the name of George the Poet and I was instantly hooked.  George is a very talented lyricist in the form of spoken word. His word play is intriguing and intellectually stimulating. Spitting about politics and life experiences George's chosen topics make him relatable, real and very British. Please do check out his latest video 'My City' which 'is a poem about the forgotten parts of London, a collaboration between George the Poet and director Rob Ryan. Filmed by Paul Kirsop and graded by Fergus Hally (in Melbourne!) Part II - 'creativity in adversity' is now in production. I will definitely be keeping my eye on George the Poet.  Enjoy!!



Follow George the Poet on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/GeorgeThePoet
contact rob@deuce-films.com