Tip Of The Week: Damien Ike 'Kingdom Come'

This weeks Tip Of The Week dropped into my inbox a bit like this.... 

"Hi

I hope you're well, I would love to introduce you to a new artist from Shoreditch in East London that we're all really excited about called Damien Ike."

And now, I am very excited to introduce YOU to Damien Ike! 

As his first online release, "Kingdom Come", is a fine way to debut his musical talents, it is one of those tracks which you instantaneously fall in love with, yet get to hear something new every time you play it (yep I've had it on repeat...!). 

The production surrounding it lends a certain depth, which is complimented by Damien's distinctive and not to mention gorgeeee vocals - fitfitfit voice, starting off pretty laid back and cool, which then crescendo's into an epic explosion of sound. The music video is dark, almost slightly sinister, which I'm a big fan of, although does lighten up a tad with the fireworks and the smooch at the end - you can check it out below.

Written by Damien Ike himself, this track and this new artist has evidently made a stir and pricked a number of peoples ears, already placing at #3 on The Hype Machine Chart - with his first release..! If you like Imagine Dragons and Kodaline, I'm certain this will be right up your street.

Check out "Kingdom Come" here:

Damien Ike is definitely one to watch, it all just leaves me wanting more - WHEN can we hear the EP, and WHEN can we get gig tickets... and WHEN can I buy the T-shirt?! 

Check the music vid hereeee:

If you hadn't already guessed, I'm a major #FanGirl ... maybe he's the one who needs to watch out... 

Find him:

www.facebook.com/damienike
www.twitter.com/damienike
www.soundcloud.com/damienike
www.youtube.com/damienike


Stay Tuned,

JJI

Hatfield Rocks at The Forum - Franklin !!!

Last night BBC introducing Beds, Herts and Bucks were broadcasting live from The Forum in Hatfield for their Hatfield Rocks gig, showcasing the musical talents of Rash LA, Declan McKenna and headliners: Franklin!

RASH LA

Rash LA kicked off the evening with some awesome harmonies and was then able to make it down to the Style bar for a quick interview on air with Gareth:

Find them:
https://soundcloud.com/rashlauk
https://www.facebook.com/rashelalami
http://rashla.co.uk/

DECLAN MCKENNA

Also being local to Beds, Herts and Bucks is this boyo Declan! 

Hopefully the next Ed Sheerhan in all his loop pedal glory, this one is for sure a guy to watch. He's got the whole 'one man band' kinda deal going on...

He even wore his 'Brazil' t-shirt to honour his latest single which has had plays on radio one.. and of course the standard gigging ripped knee jeans.... as you can see to the left stylishly modelled by Declan in a 'Jessarah' ripped knee sandwich.

Follow Him: 

twitter.com/Deccoooo

Catch a glimpse of his performance on the night here: https://instagram.com/p/zsAje0l3ko/?modal=true

Click here to hear: 'Brazil'

FRANKLIN

Hard to believe that this was in fact the Franklin boys first proper gig, also debuting the talents of their brand new drummer Seb! Last time I saw the boys, I heard an acoustic duo, this time round was very different though - the drums being the final touch making this band complete -as they say, three's a crowd!

Aside from a hiccuped encore, where technical issues meant that their Huw Stephens tipped track 'Colours' couldn't be played (bloody machines always letting us down....), the guys did a FAB job. Set highlights include the sing along to 'Wet Blue Jeans', their cover of  Mr Probs' 'Waves' and 'Drain' - a personal fave since I heard it at Three Counties last time they came in. ANDDD of course their latest track which they just dropped today on soundcloud, 'Cold Heart', which you can catch here:

Big things to come from these guys, I highly recommend seeing them live! 

Follow them:
facebook.com/FranklinUKOfficial
@UK_Franklin


Stay Tuned.

JJI