FEATURE: Laura Welsh - Ones to Watch 2014

*Originally published for The Tipping Point (11/12/13)

Seemingly arriving from nowhere with the Dev Hynes-produced ‘Unravel’ in March, London-based singer Laura Welsh was in fact giving her musical career another push. 

Previously heading up acts Laura And The Tears in 2010 and Hey Laura, the songstress had taken a hiatus to reset her ideas and “write songs for myself”. She later moved on to work with the likes of Rhye and Emile Haynie (Kanye West, Lana Del Rey). “It felt like a sort of period in time where I had a lot of freedom to just build on what I wanted to do”, she said.

That freedom is duly encapsulated in her music, particularly the candid lyricism of ‘Unravel’ – “I’ll give you all my love/ just take what I don’t need”. All the components are exposed to the elements, from bare piano notes to breathy vocal hums and hushes, allowing Ms Welsh to stand with the take-me-as-I am spirit of neo soul peers Jessie Ware and Laura Mvula.

In October, Radio 1 added her latest single ‘Undiscovered’ to the In New Music We Trust playlist and a flurry of famous producers have since jumped to remix her work.

Now putting the final touches to her debut LP due early 2014, it seems Laura has set herself up well for what we think will be her busiest year to date. A holiday does wonders for the soul.

REVIEW: Gathering 2013

*Originally published for The Oxford Mail (25/10/13)

Oxford gets its fair share of buzz bands and international stars, but sometimes a quick journey to London is needed to satisfy musical needs. When Gathering comes to town, however, it’s all eyes on us.

The festival, now in its second year, sees more than 40 acts descend on the city for one night of explosive music across different East Oxford venues. It’s a real treat for music lovers.

First on at the Cowley Road Methodist Church was singer-songwriter and St Edward’s School alumnus, Nathan Ball. His lulling, acoustic songs are reminiscent of British songwriter Alexi Murdoch, with his half-whispered vocals and warm guitar chords. Nathan was nervous of playing to a tiny crowd in a giant room, but it did the intimacy of his songs great service.

A brisk walk up the Cowley Road to The Art Bar (formerly The Bullingdon Arms) found 80s synth-popstress Pawws entertaining a lively crowd. Lucy Taylor’s vocals were crystal-clear and the energy rose once she beckoned the crowd to move closer to the stage for 'Slow Love'. Impressive, upbeat pop.

Laura Welsh was the evening’s game-changer over in the East Oxford Community Centre. Her take on modern soul (akin to electro-soul goddess Jessie Ware) is astonishing, and it’s easy to see why she drew a big crowd. Taking things up another level is Rhodes, who plays to a busy crowd in Truck Store. The Hertfordshire singer-songwriter only picked up a guitar in January but, coupled with his beautiful vocals, it’s like he’s been performing all his life. He completely unravels onstage, tugging at many a girl’s heartstrings with striking balladry.

One of Gathering’s low points, as to be expected at an urban festival, is venue capacity. You have to queue for a good 45 minutes to see the bigger acts and you might not get in. This was the case for many London Grammar fans. The O2 Academy was crammed with excitable gig-goers. Opener 'Hey Now' sounded sublime, with Hannah Reid’s arresting vocals soaring high.

Restoring any faith lost in technical issues were Temples, upstairs in the Academy. Close your eyes and transport yourself to the 60s; here lies flowery guitar, prog-rock basslines, electronic organ and supple harmonies. They were the slickest act of the evening.

NME favourites Wolf Alice brought their 90s rock to the East Oxford Community Centre at the end of the night. Singer Ellie Rowsel’s raw vocals helped to build mini mosh pits – a sure-fire way to leave everyone satiated.

Despite inevitable, though frustrating, logistical problems, Gathering is slowly starting to establish itself against the big one-day festivals. We’re more than lucky to have it in our humble abode.