If you’re a music fan, February is looking pretty fun for you -with gigs starting off the new year in earnest, especially at many of the city’s smaller, independent venues…
Elkka at YES
Monday 7th February
Elkka burst onto the London scene back in 2016, bringing her hybrid blend of house, electronic, percussive beats and captivating vocals. Her 2021 EP release ‘Euphoric Melodies’ explored uplifting, intricate electronica, perfect for house party dance floors and sweat-soaked mid rave hugs. Over the past year she has toured with the likes of Caribou, cementing her as an authentic talent on the dance scene.
Werkha at Low Four Studios
Thursday 10th February
Werkha will be taking over Low Four Studios next Thursday for a live recorded showcase of his brand-new album, and tickets are FREE! Tom A Leah AKA Werkha is renowned for his experimental arrangements and production techniques, which curate a captivating live performance that sees Werkha take on the role of a full band.
Raymond Thomson Punk4RT
The Stranglers at The Apollo
Friday 11th February
Aging punks, The Strangler’s may well look like a bunch of your dad’s mates who can’t stop complaining about their receding hairlines, but the band had a pretty influential part to play in Britain’s early 80s music scene. With hits such as ‘Golden Brown’ and ‘Peaches’, the band are still managing to put on an electric live performance that’ll bring a nostalgic tear to the eye of many.
The Big Peach at The Rose & Monkey
Saturday 12th February
Drawing influences from the whirring melodies of The Beatles and The Kinks, The Big Peach are a portal right back to the 60s. The band also resemble a reminiscent bunch of bouffant haired lads from that time, and their latest single Rock and Roll makes you want to grab a pair of platforms and iron a paisley shirt to shimmy in.
Lily Moore at The Deaf Institute
Sunday 13th February
Armed with a set of pipes similar to Adele and Amy Winehouse, Lily Moore’s music is raw and brutally honest, covering love and loss through stripped back acoustic performances and tear-jerking lyrics, which are authentically her own. The singer is the daughter of rock-star royalty and Thin Lizzy guitarist, Gary Moore and has caught the eye of many a music critic, appearing on Top of the Pops, MTV and BBC Radio 1.
Mantaraybryn at Gullivers
Wednesday 16th February
Marrying intimate lyrics and computerised melodies, Mantaraybryn released his first album back in 2016, which explored the realms of synth-led sounds and indie-pop vocals. His on-stage performance is minimal in that he’s joined by no one other than himself, demonstrating his impeccable talent as a musician.
Bob Logg III at Night & Day Cafe
Thursday 17th February
Bob Log III is a Fat Possum recording artist and one man band crown prince of punk blues from Tuscon, Arizona. Witnessing Bob Log live is an unmissable and unforgettable experience, as he takes to stage in a small venue as if he’s performing inside a stadium. With his face masked in a crash helmet with a black visor and a telephone wired in it for a mic and wearing a blue jumpsuit, he’s an enigmatic character. Curious? This is definitely one you won’t want to miss.
Sons of Kemet at Gorilla
Saturday 19th February
Pioneers of the modern London jazz scene, Sons of Kemet are a political super group comprising musicians from across the globe. Their sound combines modal and free jazz, as well as African rhythms, Caribbean dub and Middle Eastern timbres. Their live shows are driven by energetic performances from the groups vastly talented musicians, which creates a kind of organised chaos that has been celebrated by jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
Dave at AO Arena
Thursday 24th February
Critically-acclaimed artist, Dave has grown a huge following from his socially conscious lyricism and wordplay, currently making him one of the most exciting and recognised British rappers on the scene. His show at AO Arena is sold out, but you can grab a resale ticket by following the link below.
GZA 25th Anniversary of Liquid Sounds at O2 Ritz
Thursday 24th February
Gary Earl Grice, better known as GZA and The Genius is one of the OG founding members of Wu-Tang Clan. GZA is the group’s “spiritual head”, being both the first member in the group to receive a record deal and, also, the oldest member. He’ll be celebrating 25 years of his second album Liquid Swords at the Ritz at the end of the month!
Horse Meat Disco, Nightmares on Wax, Kink and Michelle Manetti at Albert Hall
Saturday 26th February
If you ever needed a reason to cover yourself in a tonne of glitter and dance your little toes off until 4am, Albert Hall is hosting an end of month party to get you grooving! You can expect a blend of disco, funk and house from big names including Horse Meat Disco and KiNK, an experimental DJ and producer who will be performing a rare live set.
Girls in Synthesis at The Talleyrand
Saturday 26th February
Formed in 2016, Girls in Synthesis are a post punk collaboration with a DIY ethic. Full of raw, authentic and infectious energy, the band have been singled out as one of the most intense and unique outfits in the UK. Latest single Pulling Teeth builds up over vibrating synths and viciously direct vocals, and this is carried out into the band’s live performance, too. Expect instruments to be pulled off stage, fully breaking down the audience / performer barrier!
@love.is.the.message
Marcus Intalex Foundation presents: GOLDIE at Crazy 8 Golden Lion
Sunday 27th February
Goldie, one of dance music’s most iconic figures on the mighty Chum Chon HiFi, will be performing in Todmorden at the end of the month. This is sure to be a special night spearheaded by the Founder of Metalheadz, a label whose output has shaped drum and bass culture and contributed some of the most important records and innovators since the 90s. Also on the bill is ST. Files, a drum and bass namestay who helped define the 90s and noughties bass sound, and the evening will be hosted by Salford’s finest, Strategy one of the key artists shaping UK bass music. All proceeds go towards the Marcus Intalex Music Foundation.
