California is nearly twice the size of the UK. With that in mind, it’s amazing how many artists originating from the UK have influenced – and continue to influence — music worldwide. It just keeps coming. Radiohead, Adele, and James Blake being the obvious artists we’re excited about.
As always, we like to be a few steps ahead in discovering new music and we’ve partnered with London correspondents Alex Kenning and Izzy Lawrence to introduce us to news bands. I’ll let them introduce themselves:
Hello! Welcome to the Love From London blog. Each week we’ll be blogging about fresh new music that is hot in London right now, and creating a buzz on the underground music scene.
I’m Alex; music is in my blood. I grew up learning to play violin, drums, guitar & piano and then started DJing when I was 16.
I now work as a specialist music radio producer – hopefully you’ve heard of Gilles Peterson’s show on BBC Radio 1, and I also produce Roger Sanchez’ internationally syndicated Release Yourself show.
My radio work has also seen me interview some of the biggest names in the industry, from Skream to Maryln Manson, Thom Yorke to Erykah Badu!
I broadcast my own weekly radio show live on HouseFM.net here in London, and I DJ regularly around town as well as at clubs and festivals all round the world. I’ve warmed up for the likes of Gilles Peterson, Lauren Garnier, Greg Wilson and a whole host of other big names and inspirations.
I’m on a constant search for the perfect beat and so it’s great to have been asked to contribute to KCRW’s blog. Music is a conversation so please feel free to get in touch and let me know if you’re enjoying the selections on the Love From London blog.
I’m Izzy; a TV host & Radio DJ based in London.
I have a weekly live radio show ‘Raw Like Sushi’ on Independent Station NTS Radio as well as presenting for The Big Chill Radio and contributing to BBC 6 Music.
My TV work takes me far and wide, from glamorous red carpets to muddy festivals, music shows to documentaries – I run around a lot! I have always been into writing and in 2011 was selected to be an Official Blogger for The Grammy Awards – while on the trip to Los Angeles I just had to swing by KCRW and pop my head in!
Based in London, I run a music night called Apocalypstick – the ethos behind it is emerging bands in an intimate setting with some special guests turning up to play secret acoustic sets. It has been a privilege to host the likes of Amy Winehouse, Martha Wainwright and The Rumble Strips over the past year. A huge festival lover and a gig goer, I can often be found DJing at festivals in the UK and beyond or simple sipping a cider and dancing like a freak!
I’m really looking forward to sharing my musical findings with you on the Love from London series and being a part of the KCRW family.