We recently caught up with aloud.com Editor Callie Morris to get her recommendations on the top live acts for your radars in 2011. Check it out:
Janelle Monae
With her penchant for dapper tuxedos, perfectly coiffed hair and massively energetic performances, Janelle Monae is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Her debut album The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III) was released in May last year, gaining her a Grammy nomination and a massive following of fans. With music style similar to Outkast, Funkadelic and James Brown this is definitely one act I will be checking out in 2011.
She is currently touring the UK but keep checking her Myspace page for more news and info, you can get tickets here .
Warpaint
With the release of their debut album The Fool in October 2010 LA based band Warpaint have been steadily rising to the top of their alternative/dreamy rock genre. They also frequently appear on 2011 ‘ones to watch’ lists including the BBC Sound of 2011 poll, so if you haven’t already checked them out it’s definitely time to do that..!
They will be touring the US extensively from 5th March, following this with a UK tour in May. Keep an eye on their Myspace site for more details and get tickets here.
Pete Doherty
Anyone who was at the British festivals Reading or Leeds in 2010 (or just follows music news) will know that one of the most talked about acts were The Libertines and their epic reunion performances… With that it seems frontman Pete Doherty has been catapulted back into the music scene with his solo tour in May this year. As well as his solo stuff the crowd can probably expect to hear tracks from The Libertines and Babyshambles too. Pretty flippin exciting.
Hercules And Love Affair
Hercules And Love Affair is a musical project started by DJ Andy Butler in New York, playing with disco, dance-punk and nu-disco Andy has said that he likes to feature different guest vocalists and band members to keep audiences on their toes – including vocals from Antony Hegarty (from Antony & The Johnsons) and Nomi Ruiz on various tracks. Live they bring charisma, energy and a lot of fun… Definitely on my to-see list for 2011!
They’re off on a European tour in March, which will be well worth your time. Get tickets.
James Blake
James Blake has a pretty amazing voice. When this voice is mixed with the experimental dubstep beats that have now become his trademark, he creates awesome tracks and gets a lot of attention from both the media and his ever-expanding fan base. Originally from London, England he began by recording tracks in his bedroom, fast-forward a couple of years and he is busy promoting his debut album James Blake which was released in February this year and preparing for his European tour beginning on 10th March.
