Event Review: ILUVLIVE (Industry Special) – 12th March 2012

Time for another Industry Special edition of ILUVLIVE at XOYO in Old Street, London and there is a mellow vibe already within the atmosphere. Audience punctually present and mingling, small observation tells me that they’re ready to be entertained by the acts billed for the night; CHARLEE DREW, JOSH KUMRA, KAL LAVELLE, ENGLISH FRANK and MIC RIGHTEOUS.

First up Charlee Drew is welcomed back to the ILUVLIVE stage and once again the audience are hypnotized with his sharp tones. Within his last number titled ‘Did Me A Favour’ Charlee Drew hits notes that spur a grand applause from the audience as he makes way for Josh Kumra. Kicking off his set with ‘Don’t Go’ which he features alongside Wretch 32, Josh connects with his following numbers while also taking a picture of the audience so everyone can share the moment together.

Kal Lavelle steps to the stage armed with an acoustic guitar and without warning belts out piercing vocals strong enough to entrap the eardrums of those within the venue and out. The power within her second number ‘Disaster’ causes quiet throughout, allowing every word and melody to be soaked in. The talent held by Kal Lavelle will surely be remembered by everybody present tonight.

Ready to set the stage alight from the moment they’re under the spotlight, Big Cakes and English Frank give the audience food for thought within the first number and it’s clear to see the hype has been established as Big Cakes leaves the stage. Carrying on the momentum, English Frank shows off his talents once again for the ILUVLIVE audience, letting his sense of humour shine through while ordering a reload from the live band. Before leaving the stage, English Frank has everyone viciously bopping their heads until finally leaving to a rapture of cheers and applause.

Last act billed for the night Mic Righteous steps up and receives immediate interaction from the audience. The vibe within the venue is strongly prominent and infectious; many can be seen dancing and singing along with arms in the air. Following a heartfelt declaration about why he does what he does, Mic Righteous brings Kal Lavelle back to the stage for a last minute treat of goosebump inducing music to wrap up the night.

But before the show is over, the open mic competition takes place and it appears there is a lot of unearthed talent taking part tonight. But winning the crowd over with ‘Heard It All Before’ by Sunshine Anderson is Lauran, who will be back to open the show when ILUVLIVE returns on 2nd April 2012.

Event Review: ILuvLive (Kano & Mikey J Special) - 16th January 2012

First show of 2012 and the house reached full capacity. Tonight it cannot be argued, ILUVLIVE is surely the place to be! Industry individuals of every kind are in the building, from artists to managers and A&Rs to journalists, publicists and general music lovers alike! The word most definitely got out; the Kano & Mikey J special edition with guests like Maxsta, Roses Gabor and Ghetts was set to go off!!

That it definitely did! Ghetts never failing his reputation set the stage alight with a list of endless favourites. His set included tracks like Don't Phone Me, Artillery and of course Who's On The Panel, each keeping the audience highly entertained; singing and dancing with hands in the air. Ignited further by Kano running across the stage and back into the shadows, the audience is fully amped and going for it, intoxicated by the colossal energy source in front of them as a number of MCs jump on the stage bringing nostalgia to the present.

Atmosphere continuing to peak, it falls off the scale at the presence of Kano gracing the ILUVLIVE stage. The East London rapper has the house rocking and as he's joined on stage by North London's Wretch 32, the walls are surely about to start crumbling! Euphoric levels are off the richter scale, clearly depicted on every face in the venue. The guests just keep coming, it's hard to keep up! Mikey J of course is present as is Rapid and Lighter, but the most unexpected appearance coming from Napper, East London are holding the hotspot as the MCs continue to battle. But as the bars continue to drop, as do the reloads. The house is being burned to the ground!

Job complete, audience thoroughly entertained, the MCs leave the stage. Ras Kwame pays his own personal homage to Kano before hosting the open mic competition and closing the show. ILUVLIVE have started 2012 with an event sure to be talked about by every person present, and probably even those not present while wishing that they were. I know where I’ll be on February 13th when ILUVLIVE returns… Where will you be?

Get your online ticket for ILUVLIVE on 13th February here 

Also featured on the ILuvLive Facebook page and website

Event Review: ILUVLIVE 10th October 2011

Back at XOYO for another helping of ILUVLIVE, the house is aptly filled for a night of entertainment from Bex, KOF, Molly, Dele, Lioness and headliner Donaeo who is celebrating his single launch. DJ Amzee in the wings, host Ras Kwame gets the show underway...

3ree-D; open mic winner at the previous ILUVLIVE, gets straight into his set. Interacting well with the audience in between tracks, he shows personality as well as talent. The atmosphere has been created for the night.

Mood reading as mellow and receptive, it's perfect for Bex who kicks off with 'Don't Mean A Thing’ that’s boasting a strong carnival feel and encourages euphoria. While a larger stage presence was heavily craved during her performance, the quality of her music shows she has great potential as an artist.

As Lioness steps on stage, a spell is instantly cast upon the audience as she drops 'Bomb', bringing all to a stand still, strictly focused on the stage. Later joined by songstress A.L. for 'All You Need', the duo overpower the venue with their vibe. Heads bop in unison, some not frightened to bubble away like they're in their own living rooms. Lioness finishes up with 'Mona Lisa' exiting the stage to a well-deserved rapture of applause.

Molly follows up, opening her set with an acoustic number 'It's You' which is received well by the audience. Slowing down the tempo with 'Pray for You' bringing it back up for 'Shadows' completing an entire set of sheer class.

After a short interval Dele takes his place and it's immediately his vocals serenade the entire female capacity within the venue as he treats ILUVLIVE to a couple of covers prior to getting into a some of his own tracks. His last number 'F U Right' created a strong level of steam in the air. Dele has turned ILUVLIVE into Seduction Central!

Continuing the slow tempo, KOF starts his set with 'Looking At Me', gracing the audience with his smooth tones. Keeping the audience entwined within his groove for the remainder of his time on stage, KOF performs a memorable set that leaves the audience wanting more.

Finally Donaeo takes to the ILUVLIVE stage and kicks off his set with 'Check My Swagger Out' immediately getting the audience rocking. Shaking them up a little more with 'I'm Fly', the audience are skanking hard and practicing their funky moves. Giving everyone a chance to cool down 'Love Is The Word' reminds the audience of the treat that is Donaeo's soulful vocals, often overshadowed by up tempo beats. Joined on stage by Terri Walker, the audience are shown exactly what it sounds like 'When Angels Sing'. Taking it back to the anthem ‘Party Hard’ Donaeo closes the show making way for the open mic session to decide who will be opening the show when ILUVLIVE returns on on 24th October.

Get your £5 online ticket for the next ILUVLIVE here!!

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

Jay Norton at ILuvLive

I managed to find the footage of Jay Norton's performance at ILuvLive (review can be found here) so thought it only right to share it with you guys.....

I hope someone makes a video of all the riot footage with this song as the background. It's so powerful!

Tickets are now available to purchase online for the  
ILuvLive Industry Special on 12th September here!

Event Review: ILuvLive - 22nd August 2011

Nightlife has resumed to the usual schedule following London warfare, meaning ILUVLIVE is back at the Hoxton Bar & Grill showcasing another great line up of homegrown talent. Opened up by host Remel London, the excitement levels are already bubbling...

Winner of the last open mic, Mizz Camara kicks off the show with a cover of Frank Ocean's 'We All Try' captivating the audience with her smooth tones. Raising the tempo with her own number 'Many Roots' a short request gets the audience participating throughout the song, many still singing along as Mizz Camara exits the stage.

Making it clear that she's representing Nottingham, Ms Tempz starts with an acoustic spoken word number. Followed up by 'Gyal on the Floor' accompanied on stage by a pair of electrifying dancers, Ms Tempz isn't quite content with having blown away the ILUVLIVE audience so drops some heavyweight bars over an instrumental of Jay-Z's '99 Problems'. With power to demand respect from the audience, it's straight fire!

Making way for Jay Norton, the audience is once again soothed by sensual tones. First number 'When You're Cheating' has the audience cheering, touched by the lyrics. Addressing the UK riots within next number 'Made in England' amongst other issues within the system, goosebumps can be felt from inside out filling the heart with emotion. Last number 'Forever' concludes the set, audience breathless throughout. Jay Norton is a name many won't forget after tonight.

A short interval allows the audience to refresh themselves before Clement Marfo & the Frontline take to the stage and open up with an intro that has the house rocking! Momentum carried throughout the set, second number 'Over Time' has Clement Marfo skanking on stage, resident DJ Jay Diamond skanking at the side of the stage and sentiments carried throughout the venue. The bass levels admittedly don't allow the human body to remain still. Finishing off the set with 'Champion' the audience are singing along, swept away by the energy and inspiration spilling off the stage.

Styled like the modern day Madness, Lazy Habits are next to grace the ILUVLIVE stage with brass instruments in hand. Giving it what they got, Baby Sol is called to the stage for their third number adding to the abundance of life within the performance. I don't think anyone in the audience had prepared for what Lazy Habits had to give...

The Rascals follow up bringing another level of extreme energy to the stage. They are clearly enjoying every moment of their performance, depicted by large smiles on their faces matched with sparkling eyes. The Rascals round up their ILUVLIVE set with 'G-Shock' and the audience have got their cameras are out while skanks are unleashed on stage.

Headline of the night Starboy Nathan takes to the stage instantly pleasing the ILUVLIVE audience with an acapella of 'Do Without Your Love' but the set has just started! Following up with 'Diamonds' many can be seen singing along to every word in awe. A cover of Sizzla's 'Dry Cry (Just One Those Days)' has the audience taken to serenity before Starboy Nathan finishes his set with current single 'Hangover' featuring Wretch 32. Dancing along, swept away by the vibe, the first hand effects of the track is witnessed promising a hit if enjoyed by the nation to the same degree as the ILUVLIVE audience. Here's hoping!

 A great night filled with a diverse collection of artists to represent homegrown music in it’s present day. I know I’ll be back here when ILUVLIVE returns on 12th September for the INDUSTRY SPECIAL!

Click here or flyer for event info and to purchase £5 online tickets 

or

send names for £7 guestlist to qosmakeda@gmail.com

Review also featured on 

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Love It: Jay Norton

WARNING: YOU MAY BE SUBJECTED TO GOOSEBUMPS!!!

I watched Jay Norton perform last night at ILUVLIVE and I was left feeling breathless. I can't wait to see the footage! My favourite from him was this one titled 'Made In England' written in response to the riots that took over England a few weeks ago....

I can honestly say I nearly cried!! (I know I'm a big softie!!)

Follow Jay Norton @JayNortonMusic and look out for my upcoming review of all the performances at ILUVLIVE

Event Review: ILuvLive - 25th July 2011

With Ras Kwame away on business, REMEL LONDON once again takes the hosting spot tonight introducing herself to the ILUVLIVE audience and let's all know what is lined up for the evening's entertainment. With forthcoming performances from Baby Boom, Royal Priesthood, Teezy, Kris Baya and English Frank, the show gets underway at East London spot Hoxton Square Bar.

Winning the open mic competition at the last ILUVLIVE, MISUNDERSTOOD open up with 'One Last Kiss’ that has a strong commercial pop feel that reminds me of Taio Cruz. Changing the flow for their second number holding a soft R&B feel, 'Heart Beats For You' pleases the audience and many can be seen bopping their heads.

Next up oozing with dancehall culture, BABY BOOM steps up to the stage sporting peroxide canerows, a starched black cotton shirt with a green, gold & red ribbon and embroidered lion of Judah on the back of the shoulders, black tee, starched jeans, red flannel in the back pocket, black bandana across the brow completed by a pair of dark glasses. He starts his set with 'Calling My Name’, which has a strong eminence of dancehall legend Tiger Cat. Second number 'Swagga Boss' gets a quantity of gun fingers in the air and when finished is greeted by a loud 'Boiiii' from the audience. Finishing up with 'Nah Normal' BABY BOOM calls a lady up on stage to show the ILUVLIVE audience just exactly what dancehall is all about!

 

Slowing it down, ROYAL PRIESTHOOD follow up with a smooth number titled 'Beautiful Woman' which takes the mind to a serene place and is openly appreciated by the audience. The serenity continues throughout the set. ROYAL PRIESTHOOD has definitely connected with a number of hearts within the audience as well as ears.

Having already graced a large number of stages alongside Jay-Z; the ILUVLIVE audience is next greeted by TEEZY  who keeps the crowd thoroughly entertained throughout his set. His last number 'Feeling It' is received best by the audience who can be seen dancing along with him as he bubbles along to the vibe on stage.

 

Following an interlude with entertainment provided by Rinse FM's JJ, KRIS BAYA  takes to the stage with guitar in hand, immediately breaking it down which continues throughout his set until he slows it down to give a small helping of Amy Winehouse's 'Love Is A Losing Game'. Picking back up the pace for his last number, KRIS BAYA leaves the stage to applause of gratitude from the audience.

Having made major impact online, DRU BLU is up next and the place is pounding to the beat during his second number 'On Our Own' which is produced by headliner of the previous event; DaVinche. Blessed with four number set, DRU BLU finishes up with an acoustic Adele cover titled 'Someone Like Dru' received very well by the audience.

Rounding up the entertainment for the night, ENGLISH FRANK takes to the stage and declares his love for the host of the night REMEL LONDON as well as music. Second number 'Get Em' is a treat as ENGLISH FRANK rides the beat like rodeo and his delivery is on point! ENGLISH FRANK's stage presence is an experience many are pleased to not have missed.

Make sure you don't miss the next ILUVLIVE taking place on 8th August. Same time same place...



Click image for event info and to purchase £5 tickets

Event Review: ILuvLive - 11th July 2011

Still buzzing from the previous ILUVLIVE, the euphoria within has been increased by the line up gracing the ILUVLIVE stage this week. I eagerly find myself at Hoxton Bar & Grill, East London to enjoy performances from Luke Bingham, Incisive, Iman, Aaron Delahunty, Lady Leshurr and DaVinche. I've woken up this morning with a tingly feeling inside telling me to prepare for something amazing! I don't think I'm alone, the word has got out. The venue is packing up and we're all geared up as the show begins...

BRIT school student Meron, winner of the open mic session at the last ILUVLIVE is elegantly introduced by host Remel London to open up the show. Kicking off with a self-composed number 'I Used To' the levels are being set from the start as ILUVLIVE goes off with a bang! Meron cranks them up further showing off her vocals with a cover of Jessie J's 'Who You Are'... The audience are thoroughly impressed!

Travelling all the way from Leicester, Luke Bingham opens up his set with his upcoming single 'Nothing To Lose' and the way he works the stage shows exactly why he has been dubbed as the UK Trey Songz. A few stars can be seen in the eyes of the females within the audience. His vocals are smooth with a stage presence to replicate. Luke Bingham has surely increased his fan base at ILUVLIVE tonight.

Making it known that he's representing the MyIsh family, Incisive takes to the stage and the energy is explosive! Between Incisive, his backing singers and the band (namely his keyboard player) an amazing atmosphere has been created. The audience aren't even aware as the contagious vibes seep off the stage and spread throughout the venue, causing the majority to subconsciously bubble and sing along to the words. Ending off his set with a jam re-iterating his name announced numerous times prior, Incisive has ensured that this audience remembers his name; Incisive.

Iman continues the show and demands the audience's undivided attention. Making the declaration known via her raw powerful tones, Iman finishes her second number 'Only You' in receipt of a much deserved loud applause. The set is rounded up with 'I Hold The Stars' which includes a few moves from the songstress who has clearly enjoyed herself tonight.

  

 

Following a short interlude from Rinse FM's SK Vibemaker, Aaron Delahunty brings a fresh vibe of gypsy jazz to the venue as his band join him on stage each with guitar in hand. His third number 'Face for Radio' transforms into the dubstep genre, receiving a cheer from the audience. The cheer pauses as the track continues in its original gypsy jazz style and the immediately resumes as the set completes.

Knowing it's a big favourite many have come to see performed first hand, Lady Leshurr kicks off her set with a cover of 'Look At Me Now' showing off her talents, immediately connecting with the audience. As Lady Leshurr gets into 'Bam Bam' the entire place is set alight with reggae vibes! Lady Leshurr shares a few dance moves and skips across the stage conforming to the style of music. Taking the set into the last number 'Lego' Infa joins Lady Leshurr and the track turns into a jam session filled with an abundance of laughter and entertainment for the audience.

Last act of the night DaVinche graces the stage and immediately it's clear exactly how much he loves music. The passion is written clearly all over his face, only interrupted for key moments as he smiles at members of the band in appreciation of them for having not missed their cue. Bringing Shola Ama to the stage for his second number 'Blow' which would usually feature Giggs, Shola Ama protests to deliver his bars in his absence and does them commendable justice! DaVinche admits he has been humbled before going into the last number for the night 'Ready to Go' when he is joined on stage by Cleo Sol to wrap up ILUVLIVE with a moment of musical magic....

 

If you'd like to enjoy the moment first hand, make sure you join us at the next

 ILUVLIVE - 25 July 2011

ENGLISH FRANK // ROYAL PRIESTHOOD // BABYBOOM // TEEZY // KRIS BAYA // DRU BLUE

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Event Review: ILuvLive - 27th June 2011

For the past fortnight I've been gearing up for this night, so I eagerly get myself down to Hoxton Square Bar to enjoy some live music at ILUVLIVE with performances from Brooke Bailey, Abimaro, Virus Syndicate, Chozen, Ny and A.Dot. As I enter the venue there is something in the air... I have a feeling that tonight is going to be a big one!

Brook Bailey is the first act to grace the stage and she engages the audience well. Her vocals beam throughout and it seems she has connected with the crowd emotionally via her lyrics and the ambience of the melodies. The audience show their appreciation through enthusiasm their applause. Host of the night Ras Kwame thanks her for her mellow tones stating that they were the perfect start to the show, specifically with the hot weather.

Up next is Abimaro with a neo soul flavour, showcasing her smooth vocals perfect to soothe. I'm secretly hoping there are some CDs of hers being given out so I can listen back regularly as I settle down to sleep. There is a technical hitch in the middle of her set but it doesn't ruin her focus at all. Like a true performer she picks up exactly where she left off with perfect delivery. The audience are impressed and Abimaro exits the stage to a well deserved rapture of applause.

Ny takes to the stage to the delight of the audience and before she starts her set the happy birthday wishes are being called causing Ny to blush. Nevertheless her set goes down remarkably. Treated to some future gems, Ny finishes her set with her most recent release 'Be With You' and although the audience are satisfied, I secretly wish she had pulled an old skool number out the bag for her those who have supported her since her early days.

After a short interval Chozen takes to the stage and although he's not the usual act seen at ILUVLIVE, it's clear that this is an audience that are open to new things. They love Chozen and what he has to deliver. The set is very energetic and Chozen is evidently enjoying every single moment.

Having come all the way from Manchester Virus Syndicate, the grime/dubstep collective follow up and these guys are going for it. The flows are hard and skippy as they start off with a rap number titled 'Your Life'. The energy continues throughout the set wrapping it up with a dubstep number titled 'The Sign' and the applause from the audience is on a major scale. The long road trip has proved to be worth it's while.

Headliner of the night A.Dot is finally on stage and the audience are immediately bubbling as the set kicks of with 'Semantics'. The audience are singing along to the words showing how much they have patiently been waiting for this moment. A.Dot continues to deliver throughout but the venue heats up further when the third number within the set drops. Body Bag which has a reggae vibe is really tearing it down but A.Dot isn't satisfied with her accomplishments for the night and offers a quick freestyle. As the house band start to play the Woo Riddim, it's evident. A.Dot has truly smashed ILUVLIVE tonight!!

If you missed out, make sure you don’t make the same mistake when ILUVLIVE returns on 11th July 2011.