(Love From London is an ongoing series where correspondents Alex Kenning and Izzy Lawrence introduce us to bands generating excitement across the pond.)
Roberto Fonseca has already established himself as one the standout pianists of our time.
He comes from Cuba and over the last few years, he has worked on projects will Gilles Peterson (The Havana Cultura project), Ibrahim Ferrer & Cuban singer Danay.
The first time I saw Fonseca was in and swanky Jazz café in Cuba in 2009.  I was out there making a documentary with Gilles and Roberto’s fantastic …

(Love From London is an ongoing series where correspondents Alex Kenning and Izzy Lawrence introduce us to bands generating excitement across the pond.)
Hint has been a Tru Thoughts staple for a good few years. He rose through the ranks & released his debut album on Ninja Tune in 2002 (and recorded a session for John Peel that year).
T Fly hails from Austin and it was Austin Hip Hop Cipher – a charity community project which helps young performers explore their musical talents — who hooked this up this collaboration.
Hint’s album …

(Love From London is an ongoing series where correspondents Alex Kenning and Izzy Lawrence introduce us to bands generating excitement across the pond.)
Zemmy is a singer/songwriter originally from Nigeria. She has been based in London for the best part of 15 years and has been honing her unique twist of pop with catchy melodies and great lyrics.
If comparisons need to be made, there are bits of Sia, Sade & Dido in there, along with influences of church hymns and classical music from her school days.
It’s early days as Zemmy has …

New York record label RVNG (as in Revenge) Intl launched a project called FRKWYS (think Freakways) a while back. The aim of the project is to pair up contemporary musicians with their progenitors.
For the ninth instalment, L.A’s Sun Araw and M Geddes Gengras have collaborated with The Congos (who played with Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry) & have created a brilliant album called “Icon Give Thank”.
If this first taster track is anything to go by, it’s going to be a brilliant album. It’s a bit of a risk to call your tune …

Kumi is an exceptionally mulit-talented singer songwriter and producer based in London.
Her influences are broad – possibly explained by the fact she was born to a Japanese father, an Italian mother and is very much a citizen of the World.
She has a unique and distinctive vocal talent, which can range from intimate and delicate to intense and powerful. She writes her own lyrics and music, using a wide range of standard instruments, and draws on other sounds from everyday life (including empty crisp packets!).
Kumi is a name you’ll be hearing …

Gil Scott Heron, a poet and songwriter who passed away last year, has inspired countless musicians and it’s great to see his spirit living on through the new generation. We know very little about her, but J’Danna is just 15 years old and from London. And if this is a sign of what’s to come, then I’ll happily wait patiently!
J’DANNA – Winter in America (Gil Scott-Heron Tribute) by 2morrows Victory Records
I’m also feeling Joey’s cover of “Revolution”, probably Heron’s best known track.
Both songs are available as free downloads …

What happens when the countries most exciting young opera singers get together and a form a quirky new outfit? Well, they become talk of the town!
Having trained at Britain’s best opera and music schools The BeauBowBelles combine their funny lyrics and burlesque decadence with their incredible singing talents, making for a charismatic live performance. Download and stream some of their songs via their Soundcloud page, including “Tingle“.
Tingle by The BeauBowBelles
They perform on an array of instruments, from violins and flutes to keytars and stylophones. Check out the video …

Berlin-based electronic duo Jean Jacques have been causing a stir in London, playing out to a lucky crowd across the capital in between their hectic schedule and country-hopping.
The results of their hard work can be heard on the first single, “All That Could Have Happened”, off their new release on fine British indie label Jazzsteppa.
all that could have happened by JEANJACQUES
It is a prime example of what these boys have to offer. Their plan is to offer a new single off the LP every month and you can …

Sarah Williams White (and her band with Timmy Rickard and Benjamin Burrell) is easily one of the most exciting acts breaking London at we speak.
She has been played piano since she was seven, then got her digital fix on Cubase when she was about 13, and basically she hasn’t stopped creating since.
She has a soulful integrity to her voice which when matched with her witty and clever lyrics makes for catchy tunes just the right side of pop for my liking. One of my favorite tracks of hers is an …

Dems are a trio that you’ll definitely be hearing more from in the next few months.
The have a track that’s just about to be released called “House” on Bad Life. It’s a track which holds great emotion to it and with slightly ambiguous lyrics there’s a bit of added mystery and intrigue. They’ve just released the video for this track, which they produced themselves.
The first time I heard it was live, in a small basement venue in East London’s Shoreditch, with an intimate crowd – it was the third or …