Selin – A Star is Born

Selin Gecit performing at The Troubador, London
Photograph: CloudwatcherUno © 2019

Selin is a force of nature. Musical nature. Music flows through her blood stream. Every cell reverberates with the frequency of her love for music. A natural performer she channels her energy into her voice and the effect is astounding.

The opening of ‘It’s Just a Feeling’ starts of gently but by the end you’re enraptured by the sultry voice who surely belongs alongside Billy Holliday for capturing your heart and mind. This song is Selin’s calling card to enter the world of ‘Billboard’ number one musicians which grabs you by the shoulders and doesn’t let you go. Transporting you with equal measure into the worlds of Jazz and Soul music. Haunting and mesmerising the senses revel in the beauty of her voice.

Selin Gecit performing at The Troubador, London
Photograph: CloudwatcherUno © 2019

Everything that I look for in an artist, Selin has in abundance. The voice that just hooks into you with it’s range, power and ability to connect with your soul. The performer who gives it her all for the audience. Selin sings for the joy of singing.

Live performance of “It’s Just a Feeling’ performed by Selin Gecit at The Troubador, London
Video: CloudwatcherUno © 2019
Selin Gecit performing at The Troubador, London
Photograph: CloudwatcherUno © 2019

Originally from Istanbul, Selin has been honing her songwriting and singing talents at BIMM (The British & Irish Modern Music Institute London). Graduating in 2019 she follows in the footsteps of artists like George Ezra and James Bay. Selin will carve her own way into the world of music. This is an artist to watch, long may her star shine brightly in the sky.

With Selin Gecit at The Troubador, London
Photograph: CloudwatcherUno © 2019

John Newman ~ Man of Soul

John Newman performing at Patterns, Brighton July 19th 2019
Photograph: CloudwatcherUno ©2019

Phenomenal /fr,nomm(Ə)/ adj. 1 of the nature of a phenomenon. 2 extraordinary, remarkable, prodigious. 3 perceptible by, perceptible only to, the senses.

John Newman is the dictionary definition of what a phenomenon is. A electrifying, mesmerising, mind blowing force of musical nature. Last night at Patterns, Brighton John Newman showed what he could do in a stripped back performance to fans who had travelled across from far and wide to hear him sing.

Currently on his Out of the Blue Tour, John is travelling back to those places and venues which have a special significance for him personally and musically and bringing his northern soul magic to more intimate venues. For him the main reason to do this is to reconnect with that hunger, passion and giving his all to his music and his fans. In October 2019 he will be going on a much larger stadium tour but for now he his half way through connecting with audiences on a deeper more personal level.

‘Stand by Me’ performed by John Newman, at Patterns, Brighton
Video: CloudwatcherUno ©2019

The anticipation for something special, something extraordinary for the senses was in the air. To the sounds of ‘I do like being at the Seaside’ a cheesy reference to the fact that this gig was in Brighton, John came onto the stage very much like a fighter, a fighter who was there to do battle with not only his personal demons, but expectations from record producers and music labels to produce the next ‘big thing’.

Opening with ‘Come and Get It’ this was a call to action for the faithful who had stood out in the wind and rain waiting to see this legend. They didn’t need to be told twice. The crowd joined in with all their heart and soul to become the backing singers to these anthems.

And what anthems they were ‘Use Somebody’, ‘Cheating’, ‘Losing Sleep’, ‘Feel the Love’, and ‘Love me Again’. The energy of the crowd added to John’s performance exploded into vibrations of pure musical heaven. These were songs that originated on a simple piano, in a bedroom, from a retreat in the lake district to number one smashes on the UK charts and success worldwide.

The next chapter in this story will bring more passion for John to pour his heart out into what he does best, singing. Whether it be in stadiums or venues like Pattern, one things for sure I’ll be there.

With John Newman at Patterns, Brighton, July 19th 2019
Signed ‘Tribute’ vinyl by John Newman

Sarah Darling ~ Angel of Nashville

Sarah Darling at Bush Hall, London, 13th March 2019

Have you ever met an angel? More specifically an angel from Nashville? Well, I have and her name is Sarah Darling. Sarah Darling is the real thing, with the voice to connect with your heart. Sarah has been making a name for herself and her brand of country pop in the US and UK country scene. Yes, country music exists in the UK and it’s being brought to life with help with artists like Sarah Darling.

Currently her latest album ‘Wonderland’ is number one in the UK country chart. Hardly surprising considering all the touring she has done in the UK promoting her albums. Country music is growing as a genre of music in the UK because the artists and music connect with their tales of heartache, love, sorrow and longing for romance. Universal themes played out with a guitar.

First time meeting Sarah Darling at C2C, March 2017.

Born in Iowa, Sarah moved to Nashville when she was 19 to pursue her dream of a life in music. The album ‘Dream Country’ brought her to the attention of fans across both sides of the Atlantic. Her sound has transformed from being purely US country to a unique blend of US country with UK pop music influences. One of her biggest hits from the “Dream Country’ album was ‘Where Cowboys Ride’, is a love letter to the Midwest. It showcases the voice that has captured country fans hearts.

Sarah Darling at Roundhouse, London, June 2019

I’ve been lucky to see Sarah take over the UK country scene with gigs from Union Chapel, Bush Hall, Green Note Camden, C2C, St Pancras Old Church, Old Queens Head, Roundhouse, London to name a few. The reason from going back again and again is to experience that first joy, that thrill of seeing ‘magic, being performed right in front of your eyes. Of seeing a singer electrify with their performance. To see the magic in their eyes when they connect with an audience.

Forever and Always performed by Sarah Darling and Sam Outlaw. The latest collaboration between these two amazing country artists has proved a big hit for fans .

With Sarah at Bush Hall, 2018
Set List, and signed memorabilia from Sarah Darling, Bush Hall, 13th March 2019

Aly & AJ ~ Sanctuary Tour

Aly & AJ (Aly Michalka and AJ Michalka) brought their ethereal pop act to London shares at Scala on 11th July 2019. Already famous in their own rights as actresses for iZombie and The Goldbergs respectively it was as singers that brought them to back to London to kick off the start of their European tour.

@iamaj chose my photograph to showcase her performance at Scala, London, 11th July 2019

It’s been over 10 years since the band brought their music to this side of the Atlantic. Die hard fans had started queuing for the gig from noon on a very humid day but others had gone that extra mile paying £150 each to get precious seconds with the stars and that all important photograph with the sister act. It was all worth it.

The anticipation of seeing something special was building as the clock counted down until Aly & AJ arrived on stage. Support for the duo came in the form of Audrey (see earlier post) who left the crowd pumped up for the spectacle ahead.

Aly and AJ at Scala, London 11th July 2019 Photograph: CloudwatcherUno ©2019

And then stage left Aly & AJ arrived and opened with the crowd pleasing ‘Church’ Immediately fans sang back and in unison with the sisters. Seeing Aly & AJ perform in person, connecting with the crowd showing each emotion of the lyrics was something special. Running through their back catalogue of hits such as ‘Closure’ ‘Star Maps’ and ‘Not Ready to Wake Up’ you could see how much they have grown as musical performers and stars in their own right.

The night ended with an encore and a rendition of ‘Potential Breakup Song’. This may have been goodbye from Aly & AJ but it wouldn’t be the end of the love affair between fans and their music.

Audriix – Coming at you like a ‘Stampede’

Audriix opened up for Aly&AJ the sister pop duo touring Europe. I saw Audriix sing at Scala in Kings Cross, London. I’d never heard of her music before but after the gig I made sure she was on my music radar. On came Audriix and from her first song her voice came and grabbed you and shook you to make sure you paid attention to her powerhouse of a voice. The performance was dramatic with lots of choreographed dance moves which mimicked the lyrics to add flair to what was being sung to the audience.

Looking around at the fellow gig goers you could see eyes wide and mouths open in awe of what was an incredible performance from such an independent artist. ‘Stampede’ is Audriix latest single with a video that shows what a force of nature she is. https://open.spotify.com/artist/42gR1zqqPFRWueHBgFOXec

‘Stampede’ by Audriix A raucous video showcasing her stunning voice.

After the dust had settled from her performance and the main act of the night I got the opportunity to meet up with Audriix after the show. She is a ray of sunshine specifically imported from northern California. A very sociable artist who makes her fans at ease with quick wit and humour. For all the latest news about Audriix go follow her website Audriix.com

Audriix ~ Scala 11th July 2019 Photograph © CloudwatcherUno 2019
Audriix  ~ Scala 11th July 2019 Photograph © CloudwatcherUno 2019

If music be the food of love play on.

A brave new music world awaits. This blog will showcase my experiences of live music through gigs and concerts. There’s nothing that can replicate the experience, the anticipation and the joy of seeing your favourite artist giving their all to the audience. All the photographs and videos have been taken by me to try and capture the magic of the artists and their music.

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