Co Arts Editor Barney Evison rounds up the latest music news from our corner of South London.
Local dance legends Basement Jaxx narrowly missed bagging their second Grammy Award last month. Their song Never Say Never was nominated for Best Dance Recording but was beaten by Clean Bandit’s UK number one single Rather Be.
A Brixton singer won over Welsh pop icon Sir Tom Jones on BBC’s The Voice. Lara Lee (pictured), known locally as spoken word artist Floetic Lara, appeared on the BBC talent show on Valentine’s Day and was picked up by Sir Tom to progress to the next round. Go Lara!
Windmill Brixton put on a surprise gig with riotous local rockers Fat White Family last month to celebrate Independent Venue Week. Tickets sold out within the hour and the Windmill was at full capacity. According to venue booker Tim: “Everyone got covered in beer. Everyone got a least one bruise and had a great time.”
The Thirst are set to release their long-awaited second album this month. The self-titled record from the Brixton funk rock band follows 2008’s On The Brink, and they’re showcasing their new tracks at a gig on 7th March at 100 Club in central London.
Jessie Ware came home to Brixton to play two sold-out shows at the Academy last month, her first local gigs since she played at Electric two years ago. She told an enraptured audience that she was more nervous performing here again than on her wedding night! Check out our review.
12-piece afrobeat outfit Nubiyan Twist are to release their eponymous debut album on Wormfood Records on 30th March which will likely appeal to fans of Jill Scott, Fela Kuti, The Heliocentrics and Common. They’re celebrating the launch with a party at Brixton Jamm on Saturday 14th March.
Brixton dreampoppers Boy Names have released moody new single called Fox Mobility. The track builds from soft, soulful vocals to a pumping disco crescendo, and the video is worth a watch. The band are playing at Underbelly in Hoxton on the 13th March.
Herne Hill-based singer-songwriter Sarah Kayte Foster has launched her debut single as Daisy and the Dark. Waltzing was released on her own label and is a haunting piece, with echoes of the Cocteau Twins and Kate Bush. Sarah previously sang with classical chart-topping ensemble the Mediaeval Baebes.
