Top Pick: Fousheé
Jazz Cafe, October 7, thejazzcafelondon.com
Your favourite artist’s favourite vocalist, Fousheé has worked with some of the coolest names in music — Steve Lacy, Vince Staples, you name it. This multi-hyphenate alt, folk, rock and R&B singer is one to keep everyone guessing, never sticking to one genre. The only constant? Bewitching vocals and catchy songs set to dominate in the coming year.
Jordan Rakei
Royal Albert Hall, October 4, royalalberthall.com
New Zealand singer-songwriter Jordan Rakei sounds good coming out of a pair of beaten old Apple earphones, so just imagine how he’s going to sound at the iconic Royal Albert Hall this Friday. Expect atmospheric tunes performed with world-class quality, goosebumps guaranteed. He’s also performing with special guests, so — who knows? — maybe you’ll get a little pinch of frequent collaborator Tom Misch, too.
Billie Marten
The Barbican, October 4, barbican.org.uk
Softly spoken Billie Marten has recruited a 24-piece ensemble to reimagine works from her four albums, and will be enchanting crowds tomorrow at the Barbican, offering a beautifully spooky combination of sound and space that will perfectly usher in those autumnal vibes. For couples seeking a romantic date night, this is the place to be this week. Or for anyone who needs a little cry. These are not mutually exclusive.
Slowdive
EartH, October 4, earthackney.co.uk
Reading-born rock band Slowdive are back in London this week for anyone keen to try out their sway-to-headbang dance move transition. They’ll be performing at the gorgeous EartH theatre, one of the best London gig venues out there. Expectedly, this one’s sold out already, but you can join the waitlist on Dice for official re-sales.
Lily Fontaine DJ set
The Fox and Firkin, October 4, foxfirkin.com
Want to get a feel for why English Teacher claimed the Mercury Prize this year? Well, you’ll have to wait for November for that, when the full band will be performing at Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Koko in Camden. But in the meantime, their impossibly cool frontwoman Lily Fontaine is doing a chilled DJ set at The Fox and Firkin in Lewisham this Friday.
Rinse FM celebrates 30 years
Drumsheds, October 5, rinse.fm
Legendary London DJ station Rinse FM will be ringing in its 30th anniversary with a massive night at Drumsheds (above left) this Saturday, featuring The Streets, Giggs and D Double E as well as an impressive line-up of DJs. So when you’re tired of lyrics, you can bust a move to DJ EZ, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Effy instead.
Habibi Funk Festival
EartH, October 5, earthackney.co.uk
Back to EartH where Habibi Funk and friends are bringing the groove this weekend, with the label’s biggest event in London to date. Offering an entire evening of concerts and DJ sets, this show isn’t just limited to one of EartH’s rooms, but allows guests to explore the whole venue while enjoying all sorts of folk, jazz and funk.
