James Bay unveils a new video for "Let It Go"

I swore down that James Bay already had a video for this track, and turns out he has. However this hasn't meant that he's not putting out a new one, this one however seems to have a different feel to the other. James clearly isn't happy here smashing things with a Cricket bat, and also sees a lot of youths having a party to a very distorted version of "Let It Go", also it sees James hat-less.

You can watch it all below.

[LISTEN] Kygo - Raging (feat. Kodaline)

Now this is a poptastic indie track if ever we saw one, it's Kygo's fifth single to be taken off his début album. Now what makes this track amazing is that it's not just Kodaline that features on the track, but that fact that none other than James Bay co-wrote the track with Kygo - making it one of the collaborations of the year in my mind.

So head on down and listen to it!

[GIG REVIEW] James Bay @ Zenith, Munich, 16 March 2016

James Bay's concert on March 16th was a mixture of powerful tones, happiness and emotional lows – with the crowd not being able to hold back “the river” any longer and letting tears stream down their faces.

The first insight in the vigour of this evening was given by supporting artist RM. Her strong voice and self-written songs impressed the crowd and warmed up the atmosphere song by song. Her cover of the Weeknds 'I can't feel my face' and her last title 'Money', which she wrote on tour, got the crowd dancing. Finally she went off stage leaving an applauding and screaming crowd behind.

Photo by "svenii_bxll" on IG

“Chaos and the Calm” is not only the name of James Bay's album: it's the perfectly played out motto of this tour and also represented in his setlist. The contrast between fast and powerful songs and slow and sentimental tunes was there right from the beginning and lasted right until the end. At first glance the varying content of James' songs is also contradictory – but it's completely harmonious in the context of the total of his work. The topic of the song 'Craving' (indifference, loneliness and missing love in the society) covered the total opposite of the spirit inside the venue, but had the crowd partying to the sound of the fast and fresh song from the first note onwards. James Bay's warm and catchy voice flooded us with emotionality and feelings, so that we left all our problems to the breeze and opened our hearts for the journey James wanted to take us on. 'Scars' – a fan-favourite – was performed using only vocals and a guitar and proved the authenticity and talent James Bay has. We weren't surprised to see members of the audience crying for joy. And the mood didn't change for the next song, with James Bay asking the crowd to hug the person next to each other and sway with this person while he was singing 'Move Together'. His message of the necessity of love, individuality and realness is omnipresent, and especially prominent in one of his last songs 'Incomplete': the attractiveness of not being perfect, but human, loved, faulty and still satisfied. You have to be real is the message of this song. And James Bay is real. He has this naturalness, authenticity  and realness as he proved at the concert in Munich. He managed to catch the public with the first note and not only entertained them, but made them feel the deeper message of his songs. He sent the audience on a journey to find their own peace of mind and overcome inner conflicts – and it worked. We were on fire.

Chapeau, Mr. Bay.

Review by Svenja Boll

Sigur Rós, James Bay, The Last Shadow Puppets, and Catfish and The Bottlemen to perform at Bristol Summer Series

Sigur Rós, James Bay, The Last Shadow Puppets, and Catfish and The Bottlemen have been all announced as headline acts to perform at the Bristol Summer Series over 4 days. The announcement has sparked some music boffins to assume all four acts will be performing at Glastonbury too - as it's just down the road.
 

None the less these gigs will all go down a treat in Bristol, tickets for the shows go on sale on the 18th of March - here - at 10am

Bristol Summer Series shows
June
22 - James Bay
23 - Sigur Rós
24 - The Last Shadow Puppets
25 - Catfish and The Bottlemen

Watch James Bay & Ed Sheeran perform "Let It Go" in Cambridge Corn Exchange

I'm a fan of James Bay's work and highly respect Ed Sheeran and how far he's come to become so popular, and the other day Ed joined up with James for a rendition of "Let It Go" in Cambridge's Corn Exchange venue. James is from Hitchin and Ed was raised in Suffolk, so this is literally the most perfect venue for them to have a 'home-coming' performance of two massive singer-songwriters from the region I call home. Watch the video below.

Coasts cover Sigma and James Bay in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge

This could be the best cover of the month's celebration of the Live Lounge's 10th birthday. Here Coasts popped in to cover Sigma's "Glitterball" with a chorus of the original being substituted for James Bay's "Hold Back The River", and it couldn't be any more anthemic if they tried. Coasts are about to blow up because of this, keep an eye on the Bristol via London band!

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Radio X to host gigs for Bloc Party, The Courteeners & more

The new radio station 'Radio X' - formerly XFM - have today relaunched with a bang, and it looks like they want to keep the hype up as they've booked 5 of the UK's best Alt/Rock acts to play special gigs up and down the country.

It sees Bloc Party perform in Glasgow, Noel Gallagher and Jonny Marr to play in Manchester and many more such as James Bay, The Courteeners and Stereophonics to perform too. More details to be announced soon, stay up to date by checking out Radio X's website.

November
03 - Stereophonics, O2 Academy Bristol
09 - Bloc Party, O2 ABC Glasgow
23 - The Courteeners, O2 Academy Leeds
December
02 - Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (w/ Johnny Marr, Neon Waltz and Pretty Vicious), O2 Apollo Manchester
08 - James Bay, O2 Academy 2 Birmingham

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James Bay covers Florence & The Machine's "Shake It Out" for BBC Radio 1

James Bay has covered Florence & The Machine's track "Shake It Out" which is off her album - "Ceremonials" - in the BBC Radio 1 Live lounge for Clara Amfo. The Live Lounge is celebrating it's birthday this month and is bringing in loads of artists to record sessions.

There is no doubt here that James has turned Florence's track into a blusey track with even more soul than Florence's original version. Just brilliant! Watch his perform it below.

James Bay's "Let It Go" gets beautifully covered by Jess Glynne

As a part of Radio 1's month of Live Lounge performances, Jess Glynne has been in today to perform a rather beautiful cover of James Bay's hit "Let It Go".

I know that Jess isn't exactly 'Indie', but here are some reasons why she's on the site, 1 - my site, 2 - it's a James Bay track, and 3 - it's a beautiful cover that deserves to be heard by everyone, not just 'the mainstream' lot, if you don't like this then you're just a hater on good music. Watch the cover below!

From Alt-J to Azealia Banks: Who Stole The Show at NOS Alive

It was The Prodigy’s Maxim shouting “All my fucking people here in Lisbon, all my Prodigy people” which created a swirl of euphoria amongst the NOS Alive crowd on Friday night. The day two headliners provided the highlight of the weekend and took years off their 25 year spanning career with tracks such as ‘Omen’, ‘Firestarter’ and ‘Smack My Bitch Up’.

MC Maxim paraded the stage, screaming and flicking his tongue at a bouncing crowd as the band played seven tracks from their new album, ‘The Day Is My Enemy’. It was the 21 year-old ‘Voodoo People’ though that sent the audience into hysteria as drummer Liam Howlett thrashed the drums with revived lunacy.

Muse close the first night of NOS Alive, streamers 'n' all.

Before them, Mumford and Sons had taken to the stage, opening up with their sinister new Ben Howard-esque track ‘Snake Eyes’. The band, who ditched the waistcoats for a much smarter, all black look, opted for electric guitars over banjos in light of their stadium-filling new album ‘Wilder Mind’. There was room though for the likes of ‘The Cave’, ‘Roll Away Your Stone’ and a thrashing ‘Dust Bowl Dance’ from debut album ‘Sigh No More’. 

Keyboard player Ben Lovett explained their “fond memories” of the festival before singer Marcus Mumford took to the drums for a symbol crashing version of ‘Lover Of The Light’. The intensity ebbed and flowed throughout the set, ending with singalong favourite ‘Little Lion Man’ and latest pop-rock infused track ‘The Wolf’.

The day before, the festival opened on the Palco NOS Stage with The Wombats and James Bay, who was greeted by a sea of white hats and a sign reading “James please give me your hat”. He toyed with the crowd, getting them to sing back to him before ending on a energetic performance of ‘Hold Back The River’. 

Alt-J light up the stage with one of the standout sets of the weekend.

 Later on the Thursday night, Alt-J gathered one of the biggest crowds of the weekend as they fused old tracks with new songs such as ‘Hunger of the Pine’ ‘Every Other Freckle’ and ‘Left Hand Free’ from second album ‘This Is All Yours’. Earlier track, ‘Something Good’ presented an epileptic onslaught of scribbles on screen and ‘Fitzpleasure’ brought about a clattering of lights. The band sounded as crisp live as they do on record from Joe Newman’s twisting vocals in ‘Matilda’ to the deflated bag pipe, bhangra fluttering ‘Taro’. 

Muse followed the band over ten years their junior to headline the first night following the recent release of seventh studio album ‘Drones’. The trio played an EDM inspired ‘Dead Inside’ and ‘Mercy’ from the new album but also delved into older tracks such as ‘Plug In Baby’, ‘Time Is Running Out’, finishing on ‘Knights of Cydonia’ with singer Matt Bellamy parading around the stage, draped in a Portuguese flag whilst big bouncing balls and streamers adorned the crowd. 

Scottish trio, Young Fathers give an intense show.

The same day also boasted sets from the entrancing Young Fathers and party starters Metronomy

on the Palco Heineken Stage. The electro-pop Londoners filled the over-capacitated tent with their up-beat catalogue, featuring the glitchy ‘Reservoir’, ‘I’m Aquarius’ and ‘Love Letters’ from the same titled 2014 album. Singer Joe Mount was on top form hopping between synth and bongo drums whilst sporting an even thicker, yes thicker, bundle of hair.

Unlike most British festivals, Saturday was the final day for the Portuguese faithful, who were treated to Sam Smith on the main stage. The ever-rising popstar showed off his vocals and got the crowd singing along to ‘I’m Not The Only One’ before dedicating his back to back covers of ‘Tears Dry on Their Own’ and ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ to Amy Winehouse. Smith explained how his next song was about someone he had been in the studio with who was “making music for money”, before launching into ‘Money On My Mind’. The singer also did his own slowed down version of ‘Latch’ which he worked on with Disclosure.

19 year-old Raury performs one of the rawest sets of the weekend.

Elsewhere, whilst Azealia Banks was getting rowdy on the Heineken Stage American singer and voice of the people, Raury took to the tiny Raw Coreto Stage to a crowd of dedicated fans who knew all the words to his hit ‘God’s Whisper’. In a few years he could well be playing the main stage, which is where people flocked for a last gasp of Disclosure before the end of the festival. The Lawrence brothers provided a mammoth lights and visuals show whilst showcasing new material from upcoming second album, ‘Caracal’. Infamous for their guests vocalists, the pair were joined by Kwabs for new track ‘Willing and Able’ but no Sam Smith was to be present for their ending song, ‘Latch’.

Musically NOS Alive had it all, and that’s not to mention the ability to remain dry and provide reasonably priced food and drink. It was a weekend of returning heroes and new beloved idols. Here’s our favourite quotes from some of them:

The Wombats

“The next song’s called ‘The English Summer’ which is pretty much the same as a Portuguese summer but with no sun.”

Mumford and Sons

“The only two words I know in Portuguese are Cristiano Ronaldo.”

The Prodigy

“This one’s yours, it’s even for the fucking security.”

By Josh Shreeve

James Bay announces UK tour after hitting #1 on the UK Album Charts

To celebrate the release of his No.1 début album "Chaos And The Calm", rising star James Bay announces the "Chaos And The Calm Tour" in September and October 2015. With the sell-out success of his upcoming April tour, this autumn 2015 outing will see James perform across 12 cities including a show at London’s iconic Brixton Academy, and Cambridge's Corn Exchange (which is his 'local' show).

James Bay UK Tour - 2015
September
23th – Manchester O2 Apollo
24th – Glasgow O2 Academy
27th – Newcastle O2 Academy
28th – Leeds O2 Academy
30th –London Brixton 02 Academy
October
4th - Cambridge Corn Exchange
5th – Brighton Dome
6th – Bournemouth Solent Hall
8th – Birmingham O2 Academy
9th – Swindon Oasis
11th - Belfast Ulster Hall
14th – Ireland Dublin Olympia

James Bay reveals "Let It Go" video

James Bay has TODAY revealed the video for "Let It Go" – the second single to be taken off his début album "Chaos And The Calm" which is ALSO out today and currently and No.1 on iTunes!

Scroll on down to check out the video!

Watch / [YOUTUBE]

James Bay covers "FourFiveSeconds"

James Bay has covered Rihanna, Kanye West And Paul McCartney's collaborative track "FourFiveSeconds" in the BBC's Radio 1 Live Lounge with Fearne Cotton earlier on today. You can check out the Brit Awards winner's cover just below.

Metronomy, Ben Howard And Jungle All Set To Play Parklife Festival

Parklife have announced their biggest line up to date for this year's festival at Heaton Park in Manchester.

The line up, which is usually predominantly made up of DJs, has more than a sprinkling of alternative musicians this year to make up an impressive looking weekend. Joining the likes of Ben Howard, Metronomy and Jungle will be; Disclosure, George Ezra, Mark Ronson, Fatboy Slim, Caribou and Mac Demarco.

There's also a return to the stage for Everything Everything and an appearance from The Brits Critic Choice winner, James Bay on the weekend of June 6th & 7th. Tickets go on sale here from 9am, Friday 13th.

Hard Actors share cover of James Bay's "Hold Back The River"

NMG winners for Best Duo in 2014 - Hard Actors - have shared a very delicate home recording of a James Bay cover, you can listen to their rendition of "Hold Back The River" below.

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

James Bay confirmed for The Isle of Wight Festival

The Isle of Wight Festival today announces that BRITs Critics’ Choice winner James Bay will be playing this year’s festival, which takes place 11-14 June.

The hotly tipped songwriter, whose début album "Chaos and the Calm" is released in March, has been selling out shows up and down the UK and this special festival appearance will undoubtedly be a highlight for fans who have been watching his ascent to be one of the most talked about acts of 2015.

The Isle of Wight Festival 2015 Line Up To Date:

The Black Keys - Fleetwood Mac - The Prodigy - Paolo Nutini - Pharrell Williams - Billy Idol - Counting Crows - You Me at Six – Groove Armada (DJ SET) – Jessie Ware - Paul Oakenfold - James - Kool & The Gang - Courteeners – Imelda May - Jess Glynne - Lightning Seeds - Chicks on Speed - Kodaline - Suzanne Vega - The Struts – Foxes – Coasts - Ash - Sheppard - The View – Ruen Brothers - Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band - James Bay- First Aid Kit – Visconti & Woodmansey - Pretty Vicious - UB40’s Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue - La Femme - Sharon Corr – Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson – Noasis

The Garden Stage:

Ben Montague - Bethia Beadman - Claydon Connor - The Carnabys - Germein Sisters - Little Eye - Honey Ryder - High Kings - King Eider – Pronghorn – James Walsh - Tim Arnold

A full range of ticket, travel and camping / accommodation options are available for The Isle of Wight Festival here.
Tickets:
Weekend with Camping - £195
Weekend Non-Camping - £185
Student - £180
Teen - £145
Children under 12 - free
Disabled Access - Must be purchased via the Ticketmaster Special Access number 0800 988 4440

James Bay announces new single "Let It Go"

2015 is shaping up to be a landmark year for singer-songwriter and guitarist James Bay. The BRITs Critic’s Choice winner and BBC Sound Poll runner up has been tipped across the board and releases the emotive and captivating live favourite "Let It Go" on March 8th.

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Through One Ear and Out the Other; A Musical Shift From 2014 to 2015

Music is a constant, merely blurred by the boundaries of our calendar. 2015 will provide nothing different on the music scene as old rockers return and new names bubble to the surface, there should be something to savour for music fans this year. Here's some personal tips and moments to look forward to in 2015.

1. Return of the Maccs

On New Years eve Orlando Weeks and co gave us news of a new album and plenty more live shows hitting us in 2015. What the details are exactly we don't know yet but if it's anything like their last album, 'Given To The Wild', then their next instalment could be the record of the year.

2. The Rock 'n' Roll Revival Hits Wembley

In June Foo Fighters will take to Wembley Stadium to play some of their biggest shows to date but what's even more tasty is their support. It comes in the shape of hard-hitting duo Royal Blood who could soon rival Dave Grohl for a headline slot. 2014 was the definitive year for the pair but 2015 ought to firmly establish them as saviours of thick riffs and drums, a lot of drums.

3. Peace is the word

B-Town quartet Peace will bring some more shimmery vibes to your ear waves early on into the year with their second album, 'Happy People', dropping in February. Having spoken to the man behind the mic it seems that it won't end there though as a sea of tour dates and plans for a third album are very much in motion.

4. A Band Called Palace

With the return of the Maccabees already being noted, a band who will be hot on their heels this year is London outfit, 'Palace'. Their alternative tinting of archaic blues brought them a support slot on Jamie T's tour and 2015 will undoubtedly see them rise from their debut EP platform.

5. King Raury

If Outkast's comeback was too 2002 for you then welcome to Raury. The teenager from Atlanta is making rifts across seas and has impressed the likes of BBC to feature him on their Sounds of 2015 list. Over the past year he's released some interesting projects touching upon Andre 3000 and Childish Gambino influences which will carry him confidently through 2015.

6. Male music

Raury's not the only young man who you'll be hearing in 2015. Bipolar Sunshine will be delivering upbeat pop rhythms whereas the more gentle whirrs of Brits critics choice, James Bay, will be prominent and for the more rugged edge, Only Real will be bringing the skatty upbeat guitar playing back. Expect these three to be very much in and around some of the best things you hear this year.

7. Festivals

Hardly a surprise this but yes the dawn of 2015 means we move even closer to festival season. Despite the slightly under-par line up, Glastonbury was a stonker last year so if Eavis manages to book the bigger acts this year, it could be one of the best yet. Elsewhere Reading and Leeds have brought in Metallica, making their Glastonbury performance last year look not so special after all. Smaller festivals to look out for include Bestival - the biggest party of the year, and metropolitan festivals, Live At Leeds and Tramlines.

8. The Brits Bullshit

It appears the only good thing going for the Brits this year is that James Corden has been put out of his misery, his script tossed to one side as Ant and Dec take over the presenting duties. Don't expect any tongue in cheek public speech by Alex Turner this year though. Instead sit back and enjoy a festoon of faces who you'll have been tired of seeing since last February - Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift will all give 'big performances' on the show - all for the viewing figures eh.

By Josh Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

Sounds of 2015 - #4 - James Bay

The boy from Hitchin has come a long way in what seems to be a short space of time, but what a lot of people don't know is that he's been at it for a while now. 2014 has seen him perform all over the UK, US network chat-shows, such as Seth Meyers, and he's already won an award, a prestigious one at that too. He picked up the Critics Choice Brit Award for 2014 following in the footsteps of Ellie Goulding, La Roux and recently Tom Odell.

All of the previous winners have gone to get loads of acclaim from fans and and critics alike. With his début album out in the first half of the year the year he's going to be riding high off that for a while, so expect to see him on Jools Holland's show in the new year and high up the festival bills. Scroll on down below to check him out covering Alt-J and Haim! With smooth vocals and the storm he's causing give him a like and a follow, some big things are hiding under his hat!

James Bay performs on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers'

Check out James Bay performing his massive song "Let It Go" On Late Night with Seth Meyers. His full-length debut album "Chaos And The Calm" is available for Pre-Order Now!

The album is officially out March 24th!

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