At a time when donations to charity drop, while, conversely, demand for their services increase, Wednesday sees ActionAid host 6 Degrees Live, bringing together female voices to highlight the worldwide plight of women who face violence, poverty and injustice.
The line-up is pleasingly eclectic. First up is Alessi’s Ark, a young West Londoner whose beautiful fairy folk hangs like wisps of blossom in the spring air. Next, thecocknbullkid creates dark electro-pop in a refreshingly zeitgeisty mix of R&B, electronica and indie guitars, like a UK answer to Kelis.
Micachu and the Shapes, recent singings to the ever-reliable Rough Trade, layer acoustic guitars, grime beats, garbled singing, and homemade instruments; you won’t have heard anything like it.
Headliner Martina Topley-Bird came to prominence as muse and vocalist for Tricky. Her debut solo album, 2003’s Quixotic, earned her a Mercury nomination and follow-up The Blue God takes the sound further into vintage soul, Hollywood glitz, and beguiling noir vocals.
Plus there are special guests and DJ sets from Queens of Noize and Princess Superstar. Tickets are £10 from the ICA website.
Alex Cottrill
