Rock Revolver: Tom Odell

Showing posts with label Tom Odell. Show all posts

Are you a festival junkie looking to get your last fix before the summer fizzles out? Look no further than Bestival. Held on the Isle of Wight, the music festival is now in it's tenth year and celebrations are to follow this September throughout the duration of the event. Fusing music with creative arts in a remote country setting, this festival is like no other. With a theme based around the HMS Belfast, fields will be turned into an underwater paradise. Expect fishy fancy dress, pirates, sailors and wacky watery adventures.

Festival waters will be infected by headliners such as Elton John and his band, Snoop Dogg and Fat Boy Slim. Whilst, rock fans may not be catered for on the main stage, there's plenty of action on smaller stages coming from the likes of Sheffield based blues duo Drenge, who made waves after the release of their self-titled debut album recently. The 1975 have been tipped by almost everybody in 2013 so far, but don't just take their word for it go and check them out for yourselves, when they bring their hook laden sound to the festival.

Bringing solo material and hits of former band The Smiths to the table, NME's current 'Godlike Genius' Johnny Marr is worth a watch if you fancy a taste of guitar driven music with fantastic beats, equally measurable vocals and cracking on stage banter. There are instances when you might want to slow the pace briefly; Tom Odell's the guy for you. The singer/songwriter from Chichester is hardly a young Bob Dylan but he has some woozy harmonies that will definitely cause a delight.

One of the biggest draws at the festival, Bombay Bicycle Club will do their best to set their mood to a shimmering pace, in one final attempt to convince us that it's really summer (even if the sun's not shining). Meanwhile, a young and wildly talented four-piece rhythm and blues band from Cavan, Ireland - The Strypes will get hearts beating faster with their slick sound. Finally, Performance poet John Cooper Clarke puts on a hell of a live show, and in the late 70s the 'punk poet' became the voice of a generation and crowds gathered to witness the revolution. Experience it once more, as the poet by trade is welcomed to the festival to deliver a hell-raising live set. Jump aboard shipmates and prepare for Bestival to reach a new level of cool.

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With a mixed bag of talent on offer for all, the UK's widely popular (and arguably more commercial) festival is back for another year. Split between two sites in Essex and Staffordshire, festival-goers and music fans have commented on the decline in quality of the event in previous years. However, there's plenty of festivals to choose from and this could finally be the year V Festival prove everyone wrong.

This year's couldn't be more different, which adds just the right amount of variety to the fest. Superstar Beyoncé picks up where she left off after that Glastonbury performance back in 2011. For those who weren't at Worthy Farm, V is offering you another opportunity to catch the hits played out in all of their glory. American rock band Kings of Leon will take over the remaining headline slot. Expect current single Supersoaker, everyone's favourite KoL tune Sex on Fire and if we're lucky new material from the band's upcoming sixth studio album Mechanical Bull, due for release September 23rd.

Also on the Virgin Media Stage, you can catch unmissable performances across the weekend from Northern Irish indie rock trio Two Door Cinema Club, one Scottish four-piece who haven't been around in a while but we'll always reserve a soft spot for them,The Fratellis and one of the biggest guitar bands in the UK - The Vaccines. To save a repeat of last September's popularity contest between Two Door Cinema Club and The Vaccines, when their albums were released on the same day sending the album chart into meltdown, the bands are billed to perform on different days. There's no real rivalry though, and even if there was it would be nothing compared to that of Oasis vs. Blur in 1995 at the heart of Britpop.

Offering an alternative scene, the 4Music stage is the place to chill for all you indie darlings out there. Beady Eye were expected to fill one headline slot, however news broke on August 08th that they decided to pull out of the festival, to allow guitarist Gem Archer to focus on his recovery after suffering a head trauma. The Courteeners may not be adored by the masses, however they have a huge following on social networking sites. We can only hope their set will raise awareness of their talent and allow them to receive the recognition they deserve. Brit Award winner Tom Odell was slated by NME for the release of his debut album Long Way Down, now it's his chance to shine and show the crowds that the reviewers don't always get it right.

The Arena Stage is handy if you're looking to shy away from the blistering sun for a bit. It also helps that there are some stellar artists billed to play this stage throughout the weekend. Make sure you catch B-Town Britpop band Ocean Colour Scene during their headline slot. South London singer-songwriter Jessie Ware is also worth a watch if you're about. Word is finally spreading about her sound and here at Rock Revolver, we've backed her since the beginning.

If you're looking to discover raw talent and the stars of tomorrow, look no further than the Futures Stage. A few X Factor contestants are thrown into the mix, but if they don't tickle your fancies, Liverpool band James Skelly & The Intenders should not be missed as they show the rest of the line-up how it's done properly.

As someone who's attended V Festival in previous years, it can be confirmed that if you only like a select genre of music (such as the alternative scene), then perhaps this is not the right choice of festival for you. Whilst there is decent music to be found here, it must be noted that V has a tendency to attract people who might only go to get pissed in a field instead of being there for the music. This can be a shame as there are people who wait to see certain bands for years, only to have their experience dampened by other people. This does happen at most festivals and nothing can be done about it, so grab a beer or two and enjoy the music anyway.

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Last night (20 February), The annual Brit Awards rolled into town. Awards were handed out, the nation were treated to a variety of performances and (host) James Corden put on an unforgettable show.

Man of the night Ben Howard collects the first of many Brit Awards he received

Louis Smith and Jack Whitehall present the award for 'British Live Act'

The complete list of winners:

British Breakthrough Act - Ben Howard

British Female Solo Artist - Emeli Sande

British Group - Mumford & Sons

MasterCard British Album of the Year - Emeli Sande - Our Version Of Events

Live Act - Coldplay

British Male Solo Artist - Ben Howard

British Single - Adele - Skyfall

Special Recognition Award - War Child Charity

British Global Success (for international sales in 2012) - One Direction

Critics' Choice - Tom Odell

International Female Solo Artist - Lana Del Rey

International Group - The Black Keys

International Male Solo Artist - Frank Ocean

British Producer - Paul Epworth

A lot of people have said they felt this year's ceremony was a bit of a disappointment (and admittedly there was something missing), however I felt those who won awards this year were more deserving than in previous years. Obviously I'm not a fan of everybody on the winners list, although I was delighted that Ben Howard, Mumford & Sons, Tom Odell, Lana Del Rey and The Black Keys were awarded for their music.

Lana Del Rey receives the 'International Female Solo Artist' award

Mumford & Sons collect their award for 'British Group'

Guests were treated to performances on the night from the likes of: Muse, Robbie Williams, Emeli Sande, Mumford & Sons, Ben Howard, One Direction, Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake. The majority of these performances were very good, however One Direction sounded a bit out of tune - it may have been the 'high energy' dance routine incorporated to accompany the track, but that's just my opinion don't take it to heart.

Muse opened the night with their latest track 'Supremacy'

Everyone's favourite guilty pleasure brought 'sexy back' with his performance last night

Sassy Taylor Swift showed her ex what he's missing. Girl power at it's best.

Emeli Sande closed the night with a medley of hits.

In addition I thought it was great that War Child were recognised, as their work is truly invaluable. My highlight of the Brits was when James Corden sat in Nick Grimshaw's lap and the pair locked lips. It was hilarious. Finally, I am already looking forward to next year's show, however there is a long way to go and hopefully more underground artists will receive recognition next time.

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As of this afternoon, Christmas has officially begun for me. Over the past week I've heard nothing but Christmas songs everywhere. I like the majority of festive tunes, however older music will always be my favourite.

The Kinks - All Day And All Of The Night

The Kinks are one of my favourite bands from the sixties, and this is what it's all about. This song is included in the band's better known material. Also I watched The Boat That Rocked last weekend, and it was featured on the soundtrack.

For fans of: The Animals, The Who, David Bowie, The Turtles and Bo Diddley.

The Rolling Stones - Paint It Black

I'm in love with this song so much it's not healthy, I swear. You have probably heard it before but give it another listen, because you can and you should.

For fans of: Bob Dylan, The Who, Elvis Presley, Oasis and The Beach Boys.

Tom Odell - Another Love

I have been hearing this on the radio a lot, and this guy is tipped for big things next year. I downloaded the EP 'Songs From Another Love' and was not disappointed.

For fans of: Ben Howard, Jake Bugg, Lucy Rose, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Laura Marling.

Django Django - Life's A Beach

I only started listening to this band a few months ago, and Life's A Beach is one of my favourite songs from their debut album. This is a band you should check out if you haven't already.

For fans of: Spector, The 2 Bears, Tame Impala, Field Music and Cloud Control.

The Jam - Town Called Malice

I've been listening to this old favourite all week. It's catchy, cool and classic. What's not to love?

For fans of: The Who, Paul Weller, The Undertones, Buzzcocks and The Kinks.

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BBC's Sound of 2013 is a longlist decided by British DJ's, bloggers, critics and broadcasters who each chose their top three 'ones to watch'. For 2013, fifteen rising bands/artists have made the list, which is one that features plenty of variety to suit everybody.

Each day from New Year's Eve the top five acts will be announced, with the winner revealed on January 4.

The BBC Sound of 2013 longlist:

1. AlunaGeorge