Live Expressions – A Showcase of Original Acoustic Talent

Live Expressions returns for their tenth instalment with another diverse and international line-up to showcase ten of London's hottest new and emerging artists. Up-and-coming talent come together to perform their original compositions acoustically LIVE on stage in a unique, intimate setting in the heart of funky Brixton – Upstairs at the Ritzy.

Doors open at 7.30pm, where we welcome blues songstress Sophie Blackburn. Australian Alt Folk/Rock act Ed Wells joins us on his UK tour. Young upstart Alia follows. Dion Deverill returns with his blend of original and melodic Damian Rice-esque tunes. Up next is ethereal harpist Elly McCabe. Soulful Raff then takes to the stage. Alt/Soul artist Stevie St Omer performs his popular hits with an injection of rhythm and Soul. London’s newest wave-making indie/rock combo Amberland head the bill. Joining them are Brazilian talent Cléo with her band. Rounding off the evening Watts the SP play a set of fat beats, throbbing bass, and infectious hooks to have you dancing until close.

Capacity is limited to 120 guests, ALL previous events have reached capacity so don’t miss out! £6 entry, tickets available using the above link.

See below for performers bios:

Sophie Blackburn:

A soulful sound rooted in blues, Sophie's music switches between raw acoustic and a heavier sound filled with bruising guitar and dirty drums. Selected as one of last year’s EMI & Roundhouse 30/30 artists, her first release “worm” was released recently followed by a debut EP being released soon.

http://www.sophieblackburn.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/SophieBlackburnMusic

Ed Wells:

Ed Wells is a Sydney based singer/songwriter, playing alternative folk/rock music. Tinges of jazz and roots make Ed’s music something different, and a unique voice, combined with thoughtfully crafted and catchy tunes create an original experience which has proven to have crowds hooked.

Ed’s music has not only been noticed in Sydney, but also internationally. Both prior and following the release of his debut EP ‘Play For Me‘ in November 2013, Ed travelled to London to play several live sessions and gigs at the Gibson Guitar Studios, and is subsequently building a global following, one which is continually growing.

Releasing his second EP in early 2015, Ed is one to keep a close eye for the future.

http://www.reverbnation.com/edwellsmusic
https://www.facebook.com/edwellsmusic

Alia:

Alia is a multi-lingual Romanian-born, italian-raised Londoner. Writing well-crafted Rock/Pop songs, and packed with a belter of a voice, Alia is an old rebel soul in a '90s kid body. Influenced by artists such as Amy Lee and moving with the same Pop Force as Pop Punk Diva Haley Williams and Lorde, she is an artist who will not be ignored.

http://www.element79management.com/#!alia/c2356
https://www.facebook.com/Aliaamusic
@AliaaMartin

Dion Deverill

Dion Deverill hails from Auckland, New Zealand. His passion for music started at the age of 14 and like many other artists starting out, took up piano lessons. He acquired a strong interest in Jazz music and consequently joined a jazz band and small group combo in which he performed with for many years. While studying music theory at Auckland University he developed a strong interest in electronic music production. He soon started composing electronica and performing in clubs and venues as one of New Zealand’s premier Electronic Acts under the moniker of 'Fluid'. A number of his original tunes had some airtime on NZ radio.

Following his move to the UK Dion focused on composing downbeat and developing his voice and guitar skills. After a year of practicing his tunes in his bedroom, a stubborn new year’s resolution, and some timely singing lessons, Dion took the plunge and has taken his act to stage. He has been performing for voice and guitar regularly since his debut in April 2011 including festival performances at the Secret Garden Party and Boomtown.

Elly McCabe:

Elly McCabe is a singer/songwriter and self-taught harpist from Bristol, UK. Daughter of legendary Verve guitarist Nick McCabe, Elly started touring the UK with her harps after performing vocals alongside Grammy Award winning Coldplay strings arranger Davide Rossi on Black Submarine’s track ‘Lover’ in 2011. Since, she has played in venues all over the country and most recently she performed as part of the Sundance Film and Music festival 2014 at The O2.

Her haunting vocals and Gothic melodies have been compared to the likes of Tori Amos, Florence Welch and Charlotte Gainsbourg. Expect all things fairy tale, tea parties and harps.

http://www.ellymccabe.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ellymccabemusic

Raff:

Raff has always had a desire to sing. Seduced by the world of Soul music, Raff home-schooled himself singing along to the likes of Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Painfully shy, it wasn't until a job as a singing waiter that Raff found the courage to scratch this itch.
Raff started off singing in the jazz bars and clubs of Edinburgh, fusing soul with R&B and hip-hop, releasing an album and two EPs. On moving to London, he explored his love of club music and collaborated on the electro-pop-soul laiden Soul Electric EP with producer Dead Love Junkies to great acclaim. Since then RAFF has been collaborating with Dance producers all over the World bringing his signature brand of energetic soulful soaring vocals and showcasing his addictive writing-style evocative of his old-skool soul influences, as well as nuturing his own projects in the pipeline.

Raff has garnering rave reviews in National press, radio and podcast features across the globe, from Aberdeen to Dubai, London to NYC and even having a radio hit in Brazil. He also features on the PS2 global smash series Grand Theft Auto. Raff has appeared alongside acts such as Lily Allen, Plan B, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Marlena Shaw, Carleen Anderson and Ian Shaw, in venues such as Ronnie Scott's (London), Jazz Cafe (London), 100 Club (London), Shoreditch/Soho/Home House (London), The Ivy (London), The Hippodrome (London), Norwood House (NYC), The Bitter End (NYC).

http://www.raffmusic.co.uk/
https://soundcloud.com/raffmusic
https://www.youtube.com/user/raffsinger
https://www.facebook.com/raffmusic

Stevie St Omer

Hackney-born Stevie is a talented singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. His style is a unique mix of in-your-face soul with a twist of alternative Ska, derived from the streets and listening to 80’s and 90’s soul. His influences include Marvin Gaye, The Specials, and Bobby Womack.

Stevie, a former member of Sony-signed quartet ‘Evi-dence’, has worked with prominent producers and writers such as Gary Barlow, Kwame K (Missy Elliot), and Tim N. Bob (Beyonce, Michael Jackson). He has performed at MTV gigs globally and supported Ludacris and Ja Rule in concert. His hit track ‘You will never find’ is a club classic.

Following a stint in his band ‘Shanai and the Whoo Ha’s’ Stevie now performs as a solo musician and is currently working on his debut EP.

https://soundcloud.com/shanai-and-the-whoo-has
http://www.reverbnation.com/shanaistomer
@ShanaiMusicMan

Amberland:

Amberland are a London-based Indie-Folk band making a go of it in the 'Big Smoke'. Gigging regularly around the UK for the past two years they recently performed at the Isle of Wight festival.

"London’s newest wave-making indie/rock combo combine lovely intertwined keyboard and guitar driven melodies with some really rather skillful and elegant songwriting." Alphabet Bands

"An exciting start" The Mahogany blog, Monday Digest

https://soundcloud.com/amberlandband
https://www.facebook.com/Amberlandband

Cléo:

Cléo is pop, Cléo is rock, Cléo is dance! Cléo is a mix of simple elements but she's not just an average singer/songwriter/performer/actress/dancer based in London. She mixes in her unique style, the 80's and 90's pop/rock with her Brazilian flavour delivering upbeat, energetic and catchy tunes to make you dance all night long. Her major influences are Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, No Doubt, Green Day, Foo Fighters and many others.

With more than 9 years performing all around the world in musical theatre groups, events and shows, Cléo decided to focus on her true passion: pop music. She has always wanted to stop and do her own thing, from her heart and soul, and she is well on the way to making it happen. Her debut EP "Unlucky Girl" has been receiving complements from prestigious blogs and magazines from the UK and Brazil.

http://cleospage.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cleospage

Watts the SP

Watts the SP are two achingly charismatic performers in the form of Pete York (vocals/guitars/loops) and Steve Joseph (drums/vocals). Pete and Steve started together in 2005 in a band called ‘Johnny Quality’. Steve dropped their demo CD through Norman Cook’s letterbox who loved what he hears and offers to warm up for them, on the decks, at their showcase gig at the King and Queen in Brighton. Word spread that Fatboy is playing support to an unknown, unsigned band and the gig is a sell-out. Fatboy takes the band on his Palookaville tour around the UK and US, joining them on stage on his native bass for the first time in years. They appear on US TV host Conan O’Brien’s chat show, the Jonathon Ross show, MTV and Popworld.

In 2009 Pete and Steve bring a loops pedal on board – a move which revolutionises their sound. Watts the SP are in business and they land a plethora of gigs around the South Coast. Their performance at Meadowlands festival (May 2011) garners new fans, they’re booked to open the inaugural Shakedown festival, and are tipped as ‘a band to watch for 2011”. Media interest builds and the lads appear in ‘The Guide’ in the Argus, XYZ, Radio Reverb and on Brighton Festival Radio, playing an acoustic set for the first time. London is the next obvious step and London promoters Rudonatron secure the lads for a monthly residency.

Fast forward to 2014 and the lads have been beavering away on new tracks – more energy, more bounce and even more hooks.

‘Primal Scream and Kasabian’s lovechild’ – Fatboy Slim

www.soundcloud.com/wattsthesp
https://www.facebook.com/wattsthesp
www.youtube.com/wattsthesp
@wattsthesp

Rik
Since buying a pair of vinyl decks back in 1996 and having had a passion for the club scene since then, Rik decided to fulfil a lifetime ambition to bring the passion he felt as a clubber on the dance floor and get behind the decks to give back something to the scene. With years of experience he brings his own eclectic mix to clubs and bars across London, favouring tech, progressive and electro sounds. Being a versatile DJ he focuses and keys into the sound for the night he is playing for and more above all ensuring he brings enjoyment to the crowd and keeps their feet stomping on the dance floor.
Rik predominantly plays clubs and Bars in Brixton, Shoreditch and Clapham such as Plan B, Grind, The Jamm, Dogstar, Horse & Groom, Avalon, Gigalum, and Brixton Clubhouse.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Ritzy!

The Live Expressions team.