Event Review: ILUVLIVE 12th September 2011

Taking place in what hopes to be the new home of bi-weekly homegrown talent showcase, ILUVLIVE is homed in XOYO, Central London. House packed to the brim, there is a rich audience filled with not only the regular ILUVLIVE spectators, but also many industry personalities from journalists to A&Rs to managers and budding homegrown producers and artist alike. An atmosphere brimming with unsigned talent, 6 of the best are taking the stage tonight; Femfel, Sinead Harnett, Dirty Goodz, Duke, Marger and Aaron Delahunty.

It’s only correct that the DJ and Host duo of the night are ILUVLIVE’s finest residents Ras Kwame and Marcus Nasty. The atmosphere concocted by the two oozes of euphoria and pleasured vibes. Entertainment is in full swing throughout the night, each artist putting down what they do best in the spotlight. DUKE a beat-boxing who tore down the walls the last time they performed, graced the stage to take the genres throughout the various continents of the world, sounds created by the instrument of their mouths accompanied by an acoustic guitar.

Heads in the audience bopped along throughout MARGER’s set, during which Scrufizzer and No Lay joined him on stage for the track ‘Goons’ taken from Marger’s ‘Cheeky’ EP. It’s received well by the audience who he lets know that a video will soon be getting released for it. Thoroughly enjoying his moment, Marger even treats the audience to his own beat-boxing session he lets know was inspired by earlier act Duke.

Another act recently on the ILUVLIVE stage was AARON DELAHUNTY who also dropped a number from his previous set. ‘Face for Radio’ which is finished off with a hefty dubstep injection causes heads to rock uncontrollably. It’s loved by the audience and depicted within their applause which is also received by following act DURRTY GOODZ. An act that shows exploration of his roots, the young man on the stage gleams with essence of a Jamaican culture, something he declares he is proud of while on stage. I’m reminded of Capleton at Sun Splash while I watch him performing his second number ‘God Bless Ting’ and his stage presence shows how blessed he truly feels.

Headline of the night FEMFEL is welcomed to the stage by a rapture of cheers. Cameras and phones are withdrawn from new spots throughout the venue. Femfel’s flow is easy, takes you on a journey through his mind as he releases his thoughts. The band is smiling along with him as he turns around to give his message of approval for the vibe that has been created on the stage. Joined on stage by Kurt Collins for my personal favourite number from his set tonight ‘Hero’, Femfel received much praise within whistles and cheers etc as he modestly thanks everyone for coming out and supporting his album ‘Eyes Closed’.

Marcus Nasty an attribute of his own tonight, holding the audience within his own spotlight while providing a selection of music satisfying appetites and adding to the plethora of positive vibes already in the air. XOYO a sound warming venue, allowed the sound waves to be absorbed throughout the night and a party of girls are soaking up the last moments possible as they sing and dance along to the music.

The industry special of ILUVLIVE which hummed far and wide as a great place to be in London tonight, has finished a great success despite a venue change in the week leading up to the event. An atmosphere filled with positivity and progression, I’m sure many ILUVLIVE regulars will be hoping XOYO will be a new home when ILUVLIVE returns on the 26th September with Baby Blue, Joe Calpepper, Robyn Kavanagh, Phaze One, Mym, Rebecca Storm and beyond.

For more info/tickets click here

Photography by Adeyina Adepitan

Review also featured on ILUVLIVE Facebook Page and RWD Online

Event Review: ILUVLIVE 18th April 2011

Kicking off the brand new MusicConnex conference primarily focused on UK Urban influenced music, tonight's ILUVLIVE is promised to have an extra helping of influential personalities in the house. In addition, there is a highly talented line up. I'm geared up and expecting some spectacular performances to take place within Cargo tonight.

First up is Conrad the Scoundral a grime emcee who kicks off with Computer Age; a track focused on the effects of social networking on relationships etc and immediately has the audience rocking. Ending the next number titled Despite of You, the infamous Eskimo beat drops and everyone is skanking!

Up next the beautiful songstress Lovelle returns back to the stage having performed recently but who's complaining? Especially as we get treated exclusive performance of her upcoming single Uh Oh. Although she lets us know the original track features Lady Chann, Lovelle delivers the track perfectly on her own.

Following up is Duke; a trio consisting of a guitar player and two beat-boxing artists. The originality has the crowd more than entranced. Going through an array of genres there isn't a single person in the house who isn't thoroughly entertained. Getting into dubstep, a rendition of Magnetic Man’s I Need Air gets the crowd pulling out their cameras and at this point I have to admit I'm jealous I didn't bring mine. Grime, garage, bangra, hip-hop into Wretch32's Traktor to finish up, Duke exit the stage with the crowd pleading for more!

A short interval allows for refreshment to get ready for Random Impulse who provides an innovative cross between Grime & Rock. Entertaining with charisma as well as music, Random Impulse connects with the crowd personally as well as musically.

Up next G-Frsh finally takes to the stage and it seems that amidst all the great entertainment, he's the act many have been waiting for. Alone starts the set, the cameras are out, heads are bopping and shoulders are swaying. By time his set finishes with Urgh the crowd are literally bubbling, some with one finger in the air, lost within the moment.

Time for Black the Ripper aka Samson to grace the stage and immediately he lets loose those hard bars that make his reputation what it is. The vocals within 'My Interpretation' compliment the number elegantly. Closely listening to the lyrics on the next titled 'Like Me, Black the Ripper is giving a detailed take on his 24/7 grind many would definitely choose to retreat from. Salutes!

Finishing the line up, McLean gives the crowd a helping of his smooth vocals. Although the set isn't as high energy as the performers beforehand, the heads are still bopping and shoulders swaying. A few even have their eyes closed lost in the sound of his sensual tones.

Open mic time and talented members if the audience battle to open the next ILUVLIVE showcase. The only female contender Cookie triumphs over her male counterparts. One even eliminating himself by also cheering for her, bringing Cookie back to complete a full set on May 16th.

RSVP for the next ILUVLIVE showcase here

Photography by Din of London