September's already looking bloody splendid for those of you who love a good gig- which means pretty much all of you reading this right now.
We've picked out some of the hottest gigs for you to get locked down in your diaries in the coming week. Have a read about these unmissable shows, and if you fancy going along, follow the links below to find out more about the artists and listen to their tunes.
If you're looking fot finest up-and-coming talent and the most cracking shows in all the land, look no further than our Top Five Emerging Icons Live...
Thurday 5th September
For centuries, the Far East has inspired travellers from all around to venture there in the hope of experiencing beautiful and exotic sights and sounds. Next Thursday you can do the very same... by hopping on the tube and visiting East London's hottest of hotspots to bask in the wondrous beauty of a Persian Princess. While the royalty aspect may not be 100% official, Raphaella certainly rules the realm of emerging pop music. With a jaw-dropping voice and sublime back catalogue of hits-waiting-to-happen, she'll hold her own in a line-up that also features sets from hotly-tipped acts Lady Lykez and Little Nikki. This a show that's not to be missed.
Friday 6th September
As you lot know very well by now, we will always be at the front supporting unique talent. Well, you can't get much more unique than this lot. Josephine and The Artizans are mind-bogglingly different gazillion-piece. (Well, eleven-piece.) Led by their eponymous frontwoman, this eclectic collective blend together the chalk and cheese of the musical world with their crazy mash-up of classical and hip-hop. We know exactly what you're thinking. It shouldn't work, right? Well, go have a listen. Going "more Bach than Beyonce", the way their rapping and operatic elements bounce off each other a treat- and we reckon it'll make for a cracking live show. Go check em out...
Saturday 7th September
If we were to pick any act in the whole entire world- nay, universe- to headline a traditional English festival, it would always only ever be Gentlemen Duke. With their snappy waistcoats and waxed taches, the new-country folk fivesome are the perfect fit for their local Hops n' Harvest Beer Festival at Kent Life farm. In a weekend that brings together hop picking, tug o' war, pearly Kings n Queens, water zorbing and plenty of locally brewed ales; we cannot think of a more perfect way to round things off than a barnstorming party with one of the best live bands we've seen take to a stage. It'll make you feel proud to be British. You'd better be prepared to dance, by the way...
Saturday 7th September
A new discovery for us, Wax Queen Standard are definitely a band we're glad to have unearthed. As their first year anniversary as a band approaches, there's plenty about their formative nuggets of sound that we're getting into- notably the delicious sound of gutsy-as-f*ck frontwoman Emma Falk Dennis on the mic. Without even seeing her in the flesh, each smoulderingly delivered lyric just emanates rock n' roll attitude- think Karen O, PJ Harvey... pretty much any female musician who can make you feel endearingly intimidated by their devastating coolness. We reckon these guys are ones to watch as their sound develops... so enjoy one of those 'I was there' moments by heading to this show at the Hope & Anchor.
Saturday 7th September
This show is one to make us glow with what almost feels like parental pride- because one of our favourite new artists is set to perform at The London Acoustic Guitar Show 2013. Rob Johnson has always impressed us with his high level of skill and gorgeous instrumental tunes, and now he'll be showcasing his talent at "the ultimate event for acoustic guitar and music enthusiasts'. Appearing on the weekend's bill alongside the likes of Ben Montague, Antonio Foricone and Matt Cardle; this is a prime opportunity for our fella to get spotted by some of the world's greatest acoustic players, industry bods and megafans alike. Go get 'em, Johnson!
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Twitter:@emergingicons