Gig Review - Gavin James @ Scala, London.

Gig Review - Gavin James @ Scala, London

This guy is undoubtedly my tip for 2016. Although he has begun to enjoy notable success this year, I feel things will get a lot bigger and better for Gavin James over the next twelve months.

I first came across his music in 2012 and have since seen him play live 6 times, with the crowds gradually getting larger and the gig in Scala, London on December 8th was no different - his first headline performance in the English capital and he sold it out and it was clear from the reaction of the crowd, that he was an instant hit. 

Performing songs from his debut album 'Bitter Pill' which is available in Ireland but also to pre-order elsewhere and covers of songs such as Billy Jean, I Cant Feel My Face, You Dont Know Me and What A Wonderful World, the Dubliner certainly made it a night to remember at the packed venue - especially because of the fact that he covered You Dont Know Me by Ray Charles, unplugged, amongst the crowd, which added to the intimacy of the gig. 

Although some of the crowd may not have understood him when he was talking because he felt as though he sounded like a "leprechaun on speed", his vocals and lyrics when he sang made up for it and swoons could be heard from the pit when he hit those high notes!

I have to say, Gav's performance that night was the best I have seen of him so far - suggesting that he is going to continue to improve. His album is doing extremely well here in Ireland, and recently peaked at number 4 in the charts just last week - with songs like For You and Bitter Pill receiving a huge amount of airplay nationwide, including in my radio station, KFM. 

Speaking to some people after the gig on Tuesday, they said that they are excited for the release of the album in the UK and feel as though he could become quite big in the country.

Also performing on the night was fellow Irish artist and good friend of James', Orla Gartland, who also gave a fine showing of her own, playing songs from her EP 'Roots' which went down very well.

 

Gartland is another artist who I believe will have a very successful 2016, if her EP is anything to go by, it is absolutely incredible! I will hopefully be interviewing Orla soon and it will be posted ASAP!

In the meantime, you can check her out on Twitter @orlagartland and YouTube - musicmaaad.

Also, if you haven't already, I would strongly advise you to listen to Gavin James. Here is his single of the album, Bitter Pill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPl2MU-6rpM. Listen to it and tweet me what you think. Also, keep an eye out for his album in your country both online and in hard copy - I promise you won't regret it. 

For Irish fans, well, he has quite a hectic month or two planned in his home country, he is playing numerous shows in Whelans over the festive period, performing at the RTE 2FM charity gig in the 3 Arena on the 23rd of December plus headlining gigs at the Olympia towards the end of January. Check out Ticketmaster.ie for all the ticket details! 

His gig in London was absolutely incredible and well worth the flights over, plus tickets were only £11 so it was a bargain! Watch out for him in 2016, you'll thank me.

EOIN!