Tom Du Croz from LondonGigGuide selects five small/medium gigs around town this week.
Monday 18 August
Lotte Mullan, Boogaloo, Highgate
This track is from her stunning album Claw Marks, which is out now. The event is called Under The Influence and is a platform for new songwriters/bands with each act performing two of their own songs and one cover version by the featured artist of the month. This month they have picked Pulp. @LotteMullan, @TheBoogaloo
Tuesday 19 August
Stephanie Jane Oliver, Road Trip, Old Street
https://soundcloud.com/stephanie-jane-oliver/fault-lines
This week's shameless favourite. She recently graduated from London School of Music. Rarely do I hear a track that commands my attention like this. The song is a beautiful vehicle to showcase her breathtaking voice.
Wednesday 20 August
Mike Hughes, The Garage, Highbury
https://soundcloud.com/mike-hughes/temple-blues-single
Last year Hughes released his debut single, Misery. With a percussion-heavy sound set against layered, rapturous vocals, he has created his own trademark sound, which he describes himself as "apocalyptic". Tonight he performs at The Garage. @MikeDHughes, @TheGarageHQ
Friday 22 August
London Afrobeat Collective, Hootananny, Brixton
https://soundcloud.com/londonafrobeat/lagos-junction
This band is loud, political and their music is beautiful — just how afrobeat was supposed to be. Earlier this summer they played Secret Garden Party and they've just come back from Boomtown Fair. This gig starts at 9pm and doesn't finish until 3 am — so start working out your night bus now. @LondonAfrobeat, @HootanannyBrix
Saturday 23 August
Up Down Go Machine, Underbelly, Hoxton Square
https://soundcloud.com/up-down-go-machine-1/01-shake-me-up-mp3
These guys are an acoustic indie band from London and recently announced that they have just booked studio time to record their new EP. There are tonnes of indie bands out there - to stand out from the crowd you need a great vocalist - this band has two. This gig is to celebrate their drummer Sam's Birthday. @updowngomachine, @zigfridhoxton
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