PUNK in Soho

PUNK in Soho has hosted some of pop’s greatest artists... including Lady Gaga and VV Brown. It is a groovy anti-establishment bar that welcomes creative souls of all kinds. I decided to embrace this freedom of expression and got dressed up with big fake eyelashes and my twiggy-like COS shift dress. A bit of hairspray in my hair, and some exaggerated eyeliner, and I was rather pleased with the overall look.

I went to see Jetson again (I must be their biggest fan)...on a night that showcased a variety of hip young bands, who all seemed delighted to be performing to Punk’s enthusiastic crowd. I enjoyed all the music, although at times there seemed to be a few sound problems. Jetson played with their usual flair, commanding the stage and filling the venue with a really positive vibe. The laid back ambience of this club is immediately noticeable, there is no dress code (like many Soho venues) and Punk has become a hang-out for scenesters, fashionistas, indie rockers, nu-ravers and all kinds of other people wanting to express themselves. I loved this feel-good atmosphere and felt relaxed amongst the crowd.

The bands were all being filmed for a show called Tftv. The crew will be travelling all round the country recording bands for a documentary for Channel 5 and Sky 3. This added an extra element of excitement to the evening’s performances, hopefully some of the bands from this night will be shown.

I was there with a few lovely friends who came to catch up and enjoy the music. Unlike many London clubs Punk doesn’t sell drinks at extortionate prices, so you can have a beer without breaking the bank.

Coming up at PUNK:

Monday 1^st November: Anthem

Thursday 4^th November: YOUR MUM’S HOUSE

Friday 5^th November: Dirty Pop

Friday 5^th November: Rockaoke

Saturday 6^th November: Dead or Alive

Saturday 6^th November: FU*K REHAB

Located on 14 Soho Street (just off Oxford Street) and open Monday-Saturday this is definitely a venue to check out.

100 Club and Jetson

The venues on and around Oxford street are difficult to find at the best of times. However there's no problem with the 100 Club, whose address is conveniently 100 Oxford Street.

The exterior of the club isn’t particularly appealing, a small dingy red shop front. What goes on inside is a lot more exciting. The open interior provides an ideal space for bands to showcase their talent. And with artists such as The Rolling Stones and The Sex Pistols having graced this stage, it's no wonder it has become one of the most celebrated live music venues in Europe.

I went to hear Funk-Folk band Jetson for the second time, having previously seen them on Brick Lane. It was another great set from the boys, playing a larger venue that suited their big sound and personality. See my full review on the Visit London Blog.

Looking ahead, the 100 Club has some great bands lined up for the summer. Next week Jivin Miss Daisy takes the stage with her dynamic young swing band and later in the month the Latin collective Grupo Fantasma will be playing.

Check out other events on at the 100 Club here, it’s a fun venue with a rich history.

Vibe Live with Jetson and Graffiti 6

Brick Lane couldn’t be boring if it tried, there is always something to see there. Last week (after stuffing myself with copious amounts of Brick Lane curry) I went to VIBE LIVE at the Vibe Bar to see two new bands: Jetson and Graffiti6.

Jetson are a three piece, currently unsigned, but I’m sure for not much longer. Their music is a collision of Funk and Folk. Only together since 2009, they already have a certainty of sound and style and a large following including celebs like Jamie Cullum and Emma Watson and can boast performing in major venues such as the O2 Arena. The song ‘Ashdown Drive’ particularly moved me, lead singer Rohan Unni was completely possessed by the words, and moved about the stage with infectious energy (there were several moments I was desperate to get up and dance with them). Jetson work together as a team on stage, coherent and well organised. Their repertoire is individual with a laid back quality that is perfect for easy summer listening. Jetson’s obvious passion for performing would make any audience love to watch and listen.

See them next at The 100 Club on Oxford Street on Thursday 8^th July where they will be headlining, as well as a free gig at Roadtrip in Shoreditch this Thursday, 3^rd June.

Graffiti6 are a recent collaboration between Jamie Scott and TommyD, both separately and together they have impressive resumes. It’s surprising that they have only been an ensemble since Autumn 2008 because they work together brilliantly. When asked, Jamie described his music to me as “a dinner date between Northern Soul and Folk Music.” After listening I would agree with that meeting of styles, Jamie’s voice is luxurious and soulful and soars through each and every melody effortlessly. As a singer myself, I particularly enjoy a male singer exploring the upper register of his voice and Jamie certainly does this, with great confidence. The support of the talented band around him gives him the platform to play around and enjoy the music.