Just Some Musical Notes

After seeing Lawson at London Roundhouse on the 12th of October 2013, I was beginning to have some serious withdrawal symptoms. So as soon as Adam Pitts (Lawson’s drummer), tweeted about a charity concert that they were headlining with up and coming Scottish sweetheart Nina Nesbitt, I just had to buy tickets.

Hosted by well-known Capital FM presenter Dave Berry, the IndigO2 opened it’s doors on Thursday 13th February, to raise money for Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Help a Capital Child.

The show began with the winners of a East London singing competition judged by Dave Berry himself, after a few technical hitches all 3 acts performed, one act performed a flawless acoustic rendition of Drunk in Love which received a warm applause and cheers of approval from the crowd. After a few awful jokes and cheeky lines from Mr Berry, he gave way to Edinburgh’s very own, Nina Nesbitt. Personally, I had never listened to any of her music but had heard great things from my friends. Performing hits such as festival feel-good track ‘Brit Summer’, 18 Candles, and ‘The Hardest Part’, a beautiful track which silenced the IndigO2 as she poured her heart out, accompanied solely by her acoustic guitar. She showed her diverse musical talents, playing the bass guitar and keyboard whilst belting out my favourite track, which titles her new EP, ‘Peroxide’. I am certain of Nina’s forthcoming success this year and will be following her, as her fan base and music grows.

The familiar sequence of flashing lights and guitars filled the packed venue alongside continuous chants of “WE WANT LAWSON!” as the lads emerged onto the stage, to be greeted by high pitched squeals and thunderous applause. Kicking off the set with ‘Poilce-esque’ hit ‘Juliet’ accompanied by a sultry red background and united cheers of “SHE KNOWS-OH-OH-EE-OH’S!” Well known tracks such as When She Was Mine and my personal favourite ‘Taking Over Me’ heightened the feel-good atmosphere. With Valentine’s Day occurring the next day, it seemed necessary that Learn To Love Again and new soulful/jazzy track ‘Love Locked Out’ were performed. We were also treated to the first ever live performance of one of the new tracks on the Chapman Square Chapter II album; ‘Back To Life’ which was a great success and was a refreshing moment for regular Lawson concert attenders such as myself!

It is a Lawson tradition that ‘Standing In The Dark’ is the final song of the set, as the lads describe this to be “the song that sums up Lawson as a band and a genre of music.” It begins with the audience singing back at Andy which then cascades into singing at the boys as they smile and thank everyone for coming and for our continued support. The boys then start the song over and close the set with a bang.

The show was a great success, it opened my eyes to new talent, Nina Nesbitt, and reinforced my ongoing love for Lawson. It was a great feeling that I was able to raise money for 2 worthy charities and watch some great artists perform at the same time.

Check out this video of 'Standing In The Dark' filmed by another audience member! (All rights to the video owner, I do not own this video.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7PcX-3ke5c&feature=youtu.be

After seeing Mike for the first time at Shepards Bush Empire when he supported Lawson on their 18-date, UK & Ireland sell-out arena tour, I was first in line to purchase his EP ‘Paint’ outside the venue, and have had it on repeat ever since.

Born in Preston, Mike is a singer/songwriter who has been involved in the music industry from a very young age, independently producing his first EP ‘World Of Our Own’ at just 18 years old. He then moved on to release his second EP ‘Paint’ which includes 8 very unique tracks, all united by Mike’s signature chilled acoustic sound. The first track ‘Young’ along with ‘Great Escape’ are Mike’s best known tracks and never fail to get the audience singing along wherever he goes. With their upbeat, acoustic rhythms and catchy lyrics, Mike literally ‘paints’ the perfect picture of youth and freedom. To contrast, the fourth track ‘Lungs’ conveys a more vulnerable side to Mike and his music, the heart-felt lyrics, bring out the raw emotion within the listener as they begin to relate and hang on to Mike’s every word. My personal favourite song on the EP is ‘Keep Up Lady’, with its soulful, funky rhythm and flawless melodies, it is impossible not to sing and dance along!

This album is a must for the summer, perfect for those days when you’re sat in the car with the warmth of the sun on your face or even when you're sat watching the rain trickle down the window as is normally the case in Britain!

Rating: 5/5

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MIKE DIGNAM HERE!