Ah. Another long awaited Artist Feature.

I was lucky enough to be able to see a live performance of Tom Odell with my lovely friend Alycia last night, at Manchester's O2 Apollo. Just to mention the gig was amazing. However, I wanted to take a moment not to praise Tom, (although he was as usual great) but instead, one of his support acts.
I'll admit i'm as surprised as you are, I was anticipating writing a post on Toms set, not some random guy he got to hype the crowds up.
However, The first of Tom's two great support acts was a 22 year old young chap from London, James Bay. After clearing up the fact his name was infact James Bay and NOT James May, (like the fella from Top Gear) I'm just going to admit it right now. When he came out, the audience made primarily of women, went wild. Myself included. Looking pretty casual in jeans and a hat, I wasn't expecting much from him (I never do with support acts).
But it was, just wow. His voice was so on point throughout his set it almost hurt. James Bay manages to possess an untarnished strain of talent that not many musicians possess anymore. His raw expressions and gravelled voice work perfectly in unison, magically capturing the audience immediately, and the melodies sending goosebumps over the crowd with perfect ease. It was clear he knew what he was doing, elegantly and effortlessly charming the crowd in between songs, made much easier by his voice. Lets get one thing straight, He has serious talent.

His music was that of a singer/songwriter that had a sort Ben Howard/James Morrison essence about him and yet he held the acoustic charm of James Taylor. I think we can tell already that he was a winner in my book. He played an acoustic guitar, as well as a vintage semi-hollow body too.
They say its better to leave the audience wanting more, rather than outstaying your welcome, and I think its fair to say he did just that. His set was quite short, and I desperately wanted to listen to more of his tracks.
I had never heard of him until that night, but from what I heard, I predict things are going to get big for James Bay in the future.
After listening to his EP and his demo's I would have to say my favourite tracks (although I love them all) are 'When We Were On Fire' 'Collide' and 'Need The Sun To Break'. They are all beautifully put together songs, with sincere vocals and matching lyrics. I love all of his songs, a rare quality I love to find, and I hope you will too.
I was also lucky enough to meet James after the gig, where he was LOVELY and gave me a signed demo. (and a picture of us both) I won't share the picture as I look awful, but it was an amazing experience getting to meet him in person, and to just say hello.
Mr Bay has already managed to gain a great deal of support already, mustered from his touring across America in support of his debut E.P 'The Dark Of the Morning' and a UK tour with Kodaline.
After his tour with Tom Odell, James will be headlining 15 dates of his own, only to finish with more dates alongside Kodaline.

I will be no doubt making desperate efforts to try and see him again. I loved his performances and feel confident that he's going to go far.



Any particular advice from me?

Go for it James.


 Millie x

Finally a group from across the pond. This isn't necessarily going to be a straight out 'rev
iew' as such, more my thoughts and feelings toward the band.

NeedToBreathe, are a four piece from South Carolina, consisting of brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart, (Lead vocals and Lead guitar) Seth Bolt on Bass and Josh Lovelace on Keyboard. NeedtoBreathe have been playing the music field for an impressive 14 years and I've been a fan for about 4 of them. In 2005 the band were signed to Atlantic records and have since toured with the likes of  Train and opened for Taylor Swift on the North American leg of her 'Speak Now' Tour. NeedToBreathe have released four amazing studio albums: Daylight (2006) The Heat (2007) The Outsiders (2009) and finally, The Reckoning (2011).

 I find it hard to imagine my iPod or iPhone without their music in it, and I don't really want to. As a band they are so versatile yet so impeccably put together. The 14 years that NeedToBreathe have spent as a band is quite apparent in their music. They show such a passion for their craft and have their music down to a T. The band also have their various musical styles down to perfection too. With their combination of rural country-folk and bluesy, Springsteen-inspired Americana sound, their latest album The Reckoning is a perfect example of this. Its as if they have their foot in almost every musical genre available. Want huge guitar riffs, drum solos and blistering electric guitars? They've got it. Maybe you want a little but more country, clad with banjo strumming and acoustic guitars? Don't panic their songs 'Slumber' and 'Drive all Night' have it covered and will be sure to leave you wide eyed wanting more. Bears vocals will leave you transfixed and wanting to hear every other song they've ever recorded. The band do too have an almost mainstream quality À la Kings of Leon, or somewhat David Ramirez. So quite honestly, what's not to love? When they perform, or you listen to one of their songs, you can certainly hear the 14 years of hard work that they've put in, it's extremely hard to ignore.

So you wonderful readers of this blog, if you're a fan of heartfelt folk, with a chunk of alternative rock, and a bit of passion, maybe you should take a listen. They're one of my favorite bands, and are up there with my 'Other Loves'. NEEDTOBREATHE are definitely ones to watch out for, and I personally cannot wait to see what they come up with next.





Please, enjoy.




Millie x

London Grammar are a British Trip Hop trio, formed by Hannah Reid on lead vocals, Dot Major on KeyBoard and Dan Rothman on Guitar. Vocalist Hannah Reid and Guitarist Dan Rothman met at University in 2009, with Dot Major being added to the trio later, after being introduced to the band.

When the British newcomers London Grammar released their amazing 'Metal and Dust EP' it was clear that they had the talent to create an amazing follow up LP.  And as it happened 'If you wait' their debut album, has done just that.

I find it hard to believe that just last year London Grammar were a band unknown to the world. Though, that being said, I at one point was one of the unfortunate few who had no idea who the group were. Considering their recent popularity on various music blogs and their features on radio stations, to even consider the fact that they were unknown seems ridiculous. With their haunting melodies and beautiful lyrics it's no wonder they're capturing the hearts of critics everywhere. I must admit, I too have become infatuated with the group, Their debut album 'If You Wait' is stunning, truly showcasing the deep sultry vocals of Hannah Reid. Her breathless vocals draw you into every song, with Dan and Dot's instrumentals finishing the masterpieces. As one music blogger perfectly put it 'The tracks bloom into a hypnotic sway of pianos and snare taps. The final result is both current and timeless; like a phantom gramophone echoing through the digital era.' I couldn't have worded it more perfectly.

It would be easy to brand London Grammar's vocals as being brooding and melancholy, however Hannahs beautiful deep, ethereal vocals present a reflective and soulful vibe to the album itself.  The music is a blend of classical, gentle sounds, Overall presenting a finished album of  powerfully chilling vocals and airy guitar riffs. Hannah's vocals
quickly reminded me of a mixture of Florence Welch, Jessie Ware and Lana Del Rey, instantly capturing my attention. My favorite tracks are 'Hey Now' and 'Wasting my Young Years'. Considering that they have been in the music industry for just a year their achievements are profound, and quite frankly, they deserve it. Creating an album that flows as well as this one does, rather than putting some homemade tracks thrown together on a home CD, is hard to succeed at and London Grammar have perfected it. This group have certainly captured not only the attention of myself, but many others since their collaboration with the disclosure brothers. I have no doubts in the fact that London Grammar would have risen just as far on their own, and I cannot wait to see how they grow as artists. I expect to see even better music from them in the future and I am very much excited about what is to come from the trio.




London Grammar? You're doing great.




Millie x