This article is sponsored by Sounds Like London.
June brings Sounds Like London to the capital — a thrilling programme of music concerts, festivals, exhibitions and more. Here are some of the best things going on over the month.
FIELD DAY: A mainstay on the London festival scene, Field Day heads south of the river to Brockwell Park for the first time — headlined by the incomparable Erykah Badu. Brockwell Park, £49.50-£85, 1-2 June
LOCKED IN, LOCKED ON: This exhibition organised by Red Bull, explores the vital role that pirate radio played in the genesis of Grime. Platform LDN, free, 10am-5pm, 1-30 June
JADE BIRD: A moment of music history, as singer-songwriter Jade Bird performs the first ever concert in Tower Bridge's North Tower. Produced in collaboration with Little Concert and Airbnb, this is a real 'I was there' moment. Tower Bridge, £25, 7pm-10pm, 1 June
KAL LAVELLE: Some of the most memorable musical moments happen in churches. Irish solo artist Kal Lavelle aims to create another such moment. St Giles-in-the-Fields Church, £12-£16, 7pm-11pm, 1 June
JON ALLEN: Folk rock singer songwriter Jon Allen plays music from his new album Blue Flame, filling The Borderline with the sound of his whiskey-soaked voice. The Borderline, £19.60, 7pm, 1 June
SUB ATOMIC SOULS: Though their name might lead you to believe you're heading to a soul show, this music skews more towards blues. Ain't Nothin But, free before 8.30pm/£5 after, 9.30pm, 2 June
WAKE UP GIGS: Being a new parent and going to a gig aren't two activities people usually associate with one another. Wake Up Gigs are here to change that, providing a relaxed atmosphere for parents and kids. New dad Nick Mulvey and ROB.GREEN bring the tunes for all to enjoy. Omeara, currently sold out, 1pm-4pm, 3 June
TARA MINTON: Another Little Concert and Airbnb offering, this time showcasing harpist extraordinaire Tara Minton, in Kentish Town speakeasy. Knowhere Special, £10, 7pm-10pm, 3 June
NORMA WATERSON & ELIZA CARTHY: A duo who between them have three Mercury Prize nominations and are some of the finest exponents of traditional song in the country. Union Chapel, £25, 7.30pm-10.30pm, 3 June
SARAH MUNRO: Rising jazz star Sarah Munro whips out tunes from her debut album, Say Hello To You. Bush Hall, £16.50, 7.30pm, 3 June
WOMEN IN MUSIC: One of the main focuses of Sounds Like London, is to promote women within the industry. This panel talk with Rebecca Allen and Imelda May aims to do just that. National Portrait Gallery, free, 1pm-3pm, 4 June
HAUX: Dreamy electro floats through the air in Haux's music, and the intimate Omeara is the perfect place to see him live. Omeara, £12.10, 7pm, 4 June
GOSPELBEACH & THE HANGING STARS: A band that harken back to the glory days of 70s West Coast rock and roll. Music to transport you to sunny California, no matter what the British weather is doing. Bush Hall, £17.60, 7.30pm, 4 June
YUJA WANG: Innovation and imagination abounds in the recitals of pianist Yuja Wang — let her dazzle you. Barbican Centre, £10.45, 7.30pm-10pm, 5 June
KATY HURT: A night of fresh music down in Balham. One Eskimo, HOPE, Jade Williams and headliner Katy Hurt are all sure to wow. What grassroots music is all about. The Bedford, free, 7.30pm, 5 June
GRM DAILY: One of the most popular British music YouTube channels, dedicated to Grime is in town to discuss the most memorable moments on the platform. Platform LDN, free to enter ballot, 6pm-9pm, 6 June
BLACK DOLDRUMS: Things are about to get heavy down in New Cross as psych duo Black Doldrums headline a night of angst driven music. New Cross Inn, £4, 7pm, 6 June
SLIM CESSNA'S AUTO CLUB: Experimental Colorado rock group arrive in London to make a statement. Expect cowboy hats and banjo. Omeara, £16.50, 7.30pm, 6 June
HIP HOP DJ BATTLE: Pitch up just off Carnaby Street to see some of the best women hip hop DJs (some from Radio 1 Xtra) battle it out for your entertainment. Carnaby Street, free, 5pm-9pm, 7 June
SOHO BLACK MUSIC CAPITAL: For decades Soho's bars, record shops, clubs and characters have been a hub of quality black music. Soul II Soul's Jazzie B and Sounds Like London author Lloyd Bradley discuss the influence the area and the art have on each other. Platform LDN, free to enter ballot, 5pm-9pm, 7 June
ANOUSHKA LUCAS: A night of warm and magnetic music from Anoushka Lucas in an exclusive east London member's club, all thanks to Little Concert and Airbnb. The Kings Head, £10, 7pm-10pm, 7 June
LAURA OAKES: Lap up the cocktails in a secret Kentish Town speakeasy, as British country artist Laura Oakes provides the perfect soundtrack for your evening. Knowhere Special, £10, 7pm-10pm, 7 June
AMBER ARCADES: Dutch musician Annelotte de Graaf goes by the name Amber Arcades, and will play songs from her new album, European Heartbreak. Omeara, £11, 7.30pm-10pm, 7 June
BBC MUSIC INTRODUCING: It's an all female line-up of tomorrow's superstars at legendary north London music pub, The Lexington. There's a solid soul lilt to those performing. The Lexington, £8, 7pm-11pm, 7 June
DOC BROWN: Rapper, comedian, writer and actor, Doc Brown has done it all. Hear him chat about said all and bringing underground culture into the mainstream. Platform LDN, free to enter ballot, 5pm-9pm, 8 June
ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO: Singer Angélique Kidjo reinterprets the classic Talking Heads album Remain In Light. She's taking the African elements touched on in that album and turning them up to 11. Royal Festival Hall, £15-£45, 7.30pm, 8 June
JUNCTION 2 FESTIVAL: Way out in Boston Manor, comes a festival filled with some of the biggest superstar DJs on the planet. The lush surroundings of suburban London juxtapose with thumping bass. It's headlined by the beloved techno queen, Nin Kraviz. Boston Manor Park, £41-£70, 12pm-10pm, 9 June
UMPALIFIRE: The Nest Collective's family friendly, worldwide roots festival returns to Deptford. There are four stages showcasing music from all over the globe along with a campfire sing-a-long area. The Master Shipwright's Palace, £28-£35, 3.30pm-11pm, 9 June
JUMPIN JACK FROST: In honour of his new autobiography, join legendary Jungle pioneer Jumpin Jack Frost as he recounts stories from his quarter century career. Platform LDN, free to enter ballot, 12pm-6pm, 10 June
KATIS: Funk-infused pop from KATIS in the heart of Hackney, thanks to Little Concert and Airbnb. Behind The Wall, £10, 7pm-10pm, 10 June
WAXAHATCHEE: One of alternative music's most honest and beguiling solo artists graces the stage at Oval Space. She's touring her fourth album, Out in the Storm, an incredibly raw album that digs into the breakdown of a noxious relationship. Oval Space, £15.95, 7pm-10pm, 11 June
RAINTOWN & JESSICA LYNN: Country music's Raintown and Jessica Lynn bring the sounds of the States and of Scotland to central London. Two acts; two different brands of the genre. 100 Club, £24.20, 7.30pm, 11 June
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE BIG SCREENS: There is something quite magical about sitting in Trafalgar Square on a summer evening, watching Swan Lake unfold on a big screen. Don't miss this chance to see Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet. Trafalgar Square, free, 6.45pm-11pm, 12 June
VOCES8: A capella octet VOCES8 are joined by Eastern Mennonite High School (EMHS) Touring Choir from the USA and the City of London Academy Shoreditch Choir for a concert certain to inspire. Gresham Centre, £10, 7pm-10pm, 12 June
CHIP WICKHAM: "So, so good" is how Gilles Peterson describes British jazz musician Chip Wickham. Hear him play from his Arab-inspired album Shamal Wind. Camden Assembly, £9, 7pm, 13 June
CATALYST MANAGEMENT PANEL: Get an insider's perspective into the music industry, courtesy of artist managers Guv Singh & Nim Jani — plus a few of their successful artists. PLATFORM LDN, enter to win, 6.30pm-9.30pm, 13 June
@LONDON STAGESIDE WITH ALEX TRACEY: Expect infectious funk and indie-pop rhythms courtesy of Alex Tracey, the musician behind the brilliant Same Old Animals. DJ on the deck in between sets. Newburgh Quarter, free, 5pm-9pm, 14 June
CAMPFIRE CLUB: An all-female line-up — featuring Gwyneth Herbert and Noemie Ducimetiere — performs at Campfire Club, a series of carefully curated, unamplified concerts. Spitalfields City Farm, £9-£13, 7pm-11pm, 15 June
THE SOUNDS AND INFLUENCES OF AFRO SWING: A thrilling evening of panels and performances, featuring artists from their first mixtape project The Tape, explores the evolution of Afro Swing's and Afro Bashment into a new London sound. PLATFORM LDN, enter to win tickets, 6pm-9pm, 15 June
FEMALE MARKET TAKEOVER: Female-led independent record labels take over Soho's beloved Berwick Street Market, with a seriously special selection of vinyl stalls. One day only. Berwick Street Market, free, noon-6pm, 16 June
CROUCH END CRYPT: Descend into the Crypt Studio at Crouch End, and be beguiled by the music of Amaroun — which deals with topics such as coming out and moving up. The Crypt Studio, £10, 7pm-10pm, 16 June
MATILDA GRATTE AND TATYANA: Keys and controllers merge with strains of the harp, as Matilda Gratte and Tatyana create beautiful soundscapes beneath railways arches in London Fields. London Fields, £10, 7pm-10pm, 17 June
AND STILL WE RISE: Celebrate womanhood and women’s expression, in this eclectic night of performances from female artists, led by Melissa James, described by BBC 6Music's Tom Robinson as the "best current British blues singer I know." Rich Mix, price TBC, 7pm-10pm, 17 June
KARMA TO BURN: American rock trio Karma to Burn bring their riff-driven guitar tunes to the achingly hip Black Heart in Camden. Over 20 years on the scene, these guys don't intend on slowing down. Black Heart, £15.40, 7pm, 18 June
SAMANTHA WHATES: Celebrity hangout and drinking den The Phoenix Artist Club reverberates with the spellbinding voice of Samantha Whates. It's a sound so rich and warm, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were out in the wind wrapped up in merino wool. Phoenix Artist Club, £10, 6.30pm-9.30pm, 19 June
LONDON BULGARIAN CHOIR: An evening of worldwide roots music from London Bulgarian Choir, and special guests Harbottle & Jonas. A magical night under the stars. Phytology Garden, £9-£13, 7pm-11pm, 20 June
STARCRAWLER: They've only been going a couple of years, but this dynamic young L.A. bred quartet have already made a name for themselves. They promise hooks that sink into the synapses and refuse to let go. The Garage, £13.20, 7.30pm-10.30pm, 20 June
MAKE MUSIC DAY: 750 cities worldwide celebrate Make Music Day, and London is no different. There are concerts throughout the city, and it all culminates at the amphitheatre in City Hall, The Scoop, for a brass band party. The Scoop, free, 6pm-10pm, 21 June
FERRIS & SYLVESTER: A London-based union of folk and blues, currently working on their debut EP titled Made In Streatham. They're playing in Ziferblat, which someone described as a treehouse for adults. Ziferblat, cost TBC, 7pm-10pm, 21 June
EMBERS COLLECTIVE: Campfire Club search for the best green spaces across the capital for their authentic, acoustic shows. The team have uncovered a real gem in Brockley, a space that complements musical storytellers The Embers Collective. Secret location in Brockley, £9-£13, 7pm-10pm, 21 June
DEAF RAVE: An eclectic mix of deaf and female DJs take the decks at Fabric, along with MCs who get their music across using sign language. This is completely unlike the regular house and techno played in Fabric, so it's a rare chance to see the beloved venue in a fresh light. Fabric, free, 8pm-midnight, 21 June
LONDON CONTEMPORARY VOICES: Behold the power of the human voice... in a park in Peckham. Choral genius best appreciated in nature. Glengall Wharf Gardens, £9-£13, book ahead, 7pm-11pm, 22 June
EALING ECLECTIC: Louise Marshall & The Brethren regale Ealing with soul, jazz and a fair bit of funk. The Brentham Club, £15, 10pm-11pm, 22 June
SPIZZ ENERGI: Feel the heat, feel the fun at Spizz Energi's punky reggae party, with a dash of paganism and a hint of sci-fi. Your guess is as good as ours. Dublin Castle, £8.80, 7.30pm, 23 June
SEVEN DIALS SOUNDTRACK: Spend your day in a thankfully traffic-free Seven Dials, for free music, food, a music themed tombola and much more. Seven Dials, free, noon- 6pm, 23 June
GIRLS TO THE FRONT: One of the most exciting things about Sounds Like London is its championing of female artists, and this gig is emblematic of that. From indie folk to seductive jazz, Girls to the Front has it all covered. Green Note, £13.75, 5.30pm, 24 June
JAH WOBBLE: Music industry mainstay and ex-Public Image Limited member Jah Wobble, brings his incredibly named backing group, Invaders of the Heart, to the Half Moon in Putney. Half Moon, £18.70, 8pm, 24 June
SUMMER PEARL: Sisterhood Sundays is a regular live, open jam session pulling together words, music and stories from a collective of women with things to say (one of those being south London singer Summer Pearl). Their rallying cry is 'Come as you are, bring what you got and let's make some music.' What's not to love? Mama's at The Railway Garden, free, 7pm, 24 June.
JAMES GILLESPIE: The man dubbed 'quietly explosive' shows off his oxymoron baiting acoustic pop tunes. Omeara, £13.20, 7pm, 25 June
DESIGN AN ALBUM COVER: Part of the Today at Apple series, designer Ben Arfur shares his tricks of the trade at this free workshop. Get inspired by his boundary-pushing techniques — then get hands-on with an iPad and Apple Pencil to create design of your own. Apple Regent Street, free, 6.30pm, 25 June.
ROCK THE BELLES: Ladies! Take a crash course in DJing from one of London's hottest female crews, Rock The Belles. Platform LDN, free to enter ballot, 6pm-8pm, 26 June
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE: Opera fans should make their way down to Trafalgar Square to see Puccini's La Bohème up on the big screen. Here's hoping the traffic surrounding the square isn't too bad — we don't want honking horns drowning out those high notes. Trafalgar Square, free, 6.45pm-11pm, 26 June
CORDOVAS: Spend your Wednesday night alongside the music of American folk aficionados Cordovas, who spent the last three years writing their new album in Baja, Mexico. Borderline, £17, 7pm-10pm, 27 June
THE BIG MYSTERY GIG: Boiler Room are taking over a high-profile London location — still a secret — for one night only, with an all-female running order featuring the likes of A.G. and Ellie Prohan. We're intrigued by the mysteriousness, dazzled by the line-up... and pretty sure this is going to be one hell of a show. Secret Location, free, 6pm, 27 June.
DAVID FORD: Dartford's David Ford was once dubbed "the best singer songwriter no-one's heard of". It's not a phrase he's particularly fond of, but see him in concert to understand where the "best" bit comes from. Omeara, £17.60, 7.30pm, 27 June
DIRTY BONES BEATS & BITES: They're rolling out the lawn at Newburgh, for people to lounge about as NYC restaurant Dirty Bones provide the beats and bites to help you revel. Newburgh Quarter, free, 5pm-9pm, 28 June
LAURA MISCH: Laura Misch presents a kind of jazz that looks to the future. Accompanied by mesmerising visual projections, she plays in a former boxing gym — now a trendy bar — in Soho. Jacks Solomons Club, £10, 7pm-10pm, 28 June
LEVEL UP: Women who are looking to get into the music industry, could do worse than attending this industry networking event, stuffed with well connected figures. Fabric, free (sign up to attend), 8pm-11pm, 28 June
JIMMY ALDRIDGE & SID GOLDSMITH: Sway along with the farm animals to the folk sounds of Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith, as the duo's sensitive storytelling takes control. Spitalfields City Farm, £13, 7pm-11pm, 29 June
REN HARVIEU: Born in Salford, Ren Harvieu first heard traditional Irish music thanks to her father. Well we'd like to say thank you to her father as well, as this fascination with the style led to the genesis of a prodigious talent. Ziferblat, £10, 7pm-10pm, 29 June
RAY GELATO & HIS GIANTS: Swing, jazz and R&B. Ray Gelato's been doing it all as far back as 1988. Let the experienced entertainer get you moving with his high energy show. 100 Club, £16.50, 7.30pm, 30 June
