One To Watch: Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean (real name Christopher Francis Ocean) is definitely one to keep an eye on this year as he is set to finally establish himself as a solo artist of worldwide acclaim.

This year he came second place (behind Micheal Kiwanuka) in BBC's Sound of 2012, which aims to find 'the next big thing' in the music industry. A winner is selected from a list of mostly unheard of musicians which have been put forward by radio DJ's, producers, critics and magazine/website editors. Previous winners have included Jessie J (2011), Adele (2008), Keane (2004) and 50 Cent (2003). Other artists in the top five in previous years include Florence and the Machine (2009), Duffy (2008), Klaxons (Sound of 2007), and Dizzee Rascal (Sound of 2003). The list of previous winners and runner-ups shows the calibre of artists that Frank Ocean is considered part of.

At 18-years-old Ocean moved from New Orleans to Los Angeles following Hurricane Katrina to work on his music and in 2010 he joined sprawling hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All - better known as Odd Future. Ocean made a name for him self as a songwriter, writing tunes for the likes of John Legend, Brandy and most recently Beyonce (I Miss You from the album 4).

Friday @ Lovebox Festival

Yesterday I went to the 10th Lovebox Festival held in London's Victroia Park. 
On the tube to Mile End, armed with my wellies, a brollie and a waterproof, I was stuggling to find the enthusiasm for the festival as the weather forcast was for heavy rain all day - which I didn't quite fancy. But I was in luck - there was very little rain and in fact some sunshine! The feeling in side the festival was so electric - despite all the mud - that I quickly found my enthusiasm and had a fantastic day!

Coldplay at the Emirates!

Last week I went to see Coldplay at the Emirates with my sister and mum and I was not disappointed!

The band played all their hits, new and old, and despite the dire weather the crowd seemed in good spirits as everyone sung along and danced. 
A highlight of the show for me was when the band disappeared from the main stage, and one by one began to appear on a much smaller stage towards the back crowd where they performed 'Us Against the World' and 'Speed of Sound' acoustically in the pouring rain. The various areas of performance and wristbands all add to the inclusiveness of the show that is so hard to achieve in stadium performances which are usually detached and impersonal. The intimacy that Coldplay creates was most seen during some of their classic tunes such as 'Yellow', 'Clocks' and 'Fix You' were the audience was vocal throughout - which seemed to be visually moving to Chris Martin.

Album Review: John Mayer, Born and Raised

Born and Raised is the fifth album from the gorgeous John Mayer. Following the criticisms of 2009's Battle Studies, health issues, some very not-well-thought-through interviews and a move to Montana to 'reflect in peace', this album is a 'clean slate' and is very much a back-to-basics kind of record, filled with dreamy melodies and nostalgic lyrics.

Not content with soft pop, alternative rock or jazz genre, Born and Raised marks a move to a more stripped back country sound and the multiple Grammy award winner sounds better than ever claiming it's the "most honest" he's ever been.

My top tracks are 'Shadow Days' (supposedly written about his relationship with Jennifer Aniston) and 'Queen of California' and 'Something About Olivia' which is one of the more light-hearted songs.