It’s not very often we get invited out on a school night and when we do, I am really selective as to whether I can attend as it’s usually a struggle getting across London during rush hour to get to the venue in time. I recently received an email invite to attend an evening in the downstairs room at the Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of London, I’ve been there before but never for an evening event, I checked the calendar, it was free, I was there!

Upon arrival, Luke Carey was already into his set, consisting of some superb acoustic guitar work coupled with interesting use of the loop pedal in order to obtain a sound that you would have heard at an Ed Sheeran gig. He had some friends with him who really gave him a boost and come the end of his all too short set, he had the room eating out of his hands.

Up next was Brooke Law who looked exquisite in a pair of floaty trousers and a leather top, something most ladies wouldn’t dare to even try to pull off but she managed to carry it very well indeed. As soon as her mouth opened, her voice erupted, soulful, heavy, tender in places but so so good. She recently released her new single “Hidden” on International Women’s Day and from the reception she received at the end of each song, I see wonderful things coming very soon for this superb singer who you MUST try to check out wherever she chooses to grace with her presence next!

The next act was another solo performer going by the name Matt Owens, I’m sure I’d seen this guy before and during the set, it dawned on me that he had headlined the acoustic tent at a local festival in Devon called Glas-Denbury. Matt’s set was chock full of his self-penned material which was nothing short of incredible. It was good to see that his wry sense of humour and quick witted comebacks were still there and I did a bit of a belly laugh when, after one song, he gave the audience 7.5 out of 10 and thanked them for coming down to listen to him  perform (the majority of the room were far too busy at the bar catching up with each other’s tales from the day) – I guess it was one of those times that you just had to be there in order to enjoy it at its best!

I caught up with Matt after his set and we chatted about future album releases and it was really interesting to hear his views on whether being ‘signed’ made a major difference these days (it was ALWAYS such a big thing back in the day!) He admitted that as he had found success in his younger years with gold and platinum selling albums, he no longer feels either pressured or rushed into making a decision as to how the next project will come about, he’s happy to take his time and get it right. We chatted about Peckham (where he now resides) and I enquired about the gentrification of the area, he turned to me with a slight grimace on his face and said that Peckham is one area that has stayed true t o its roots and has not yet buckled under the pressure of top knot wearing developers who are quite literally champing at the bit to build a drive through quinoa salad bar next door to Winnie Mandela Court. After far too many laugh out loud moments, I had to excuse myself as the next act were about to hit the stage.

Having seen Up Down Go Machine at a festival in Devon (Chagstock), I thought it would be nice to see how their music had evolved over the past couple of years. They took to the stage and launched into their set which was rammed full of soulful, sometimes bluesy tunes that sat nicely in the same camp as some Americana acts currently doing the rounds. Stephen Hallwood’s vocals were immense and he was on top form tonight, performing to a near packed room who had come to be entertained and did exactly what was required. Keep an eye on this band who, over the past couple of years have gone from strength to strength, I dare say that you might see their name on a few festival posters this summer too, if you do and you’re heading there, do everything you can to catch their set, you can thank me later! PS. If you want to find out how they settled on the name of their band, check out an interview feature I did with the guys a couple of years ago HERE.

The last act to take to the stage was a London based 12-legged monster, 6 headed beast called The Boondock Hippy. As well as headlining tonight’s event, they were also there to launch their new single “Dear Sir Arise”. Their music combined stomping blues with pure roots and their tunes just made people dance. After receiving a great level of radio airplay, they have gone on to dazzle audiences at both their live shows and festival appearances all over the country. By the time the guys were midway through their set, I was coming to the end of my evening (a combination of a few beers, no dinner and a long train ride back home) so I caught a couple more of their tracks which featured some amazing instruments such as harmonica, mandolin and even bongo drums before bidding the venue farewell.

If, like me, you LOVE the idea of a night out midweek in the hearty of London, watching bands that have been curated by some of the best minds in the music industry, PLEASE feel free to join me at The Hard Rock Cafe once more on April 25th When they will be teaming up with TALENTBANQ to put on a night of acclaimed rock and blues featuring acts such as The Second Sons, Woodley Taylor and Coffeepot Drive who I have been told are “as mad as a box of frogs on acid”, sound interesting? We’ll see you there!

For more information and to purchase tickets for the event on April 25th, please click HERE