Mike Dignam impressed at his gig at the Institute in Birmingham last night, which was packed with a number of the young musician’s highly dedicated fans.
The Preston-born singer/songwriter came to the UK’s second city as part of his tour across the UK on his ‘Sing With Me’ tour.
Dignam entertained the enthusiastic crowd with a range of songs that feature on the various EP’s, he has released throughout his career this far, including ‘Keep Up Lady’ and ‘Young’.
Though the setlist was expected to be an acoustic performance, fans were thrilled to find Dignam performing with a band. This fact didn’t change much though as fans continued to sing and clap along with the fantastic tracks (as they did with the support acts), while all standing in a very relaxed environment with a shared enjoyment of the performance.
After holding a competition to allow various fans or undiscovered musicians to support him at different shows during the tour. Birmingham voted and received two great musicians in the form of John Adam and Natasha North, who both completed amazing acoustic sets, which the fans happily listened to.
Dignam, who has recently finished a tour with Tich and another support slot during 5 Seconds of Summer’s UK AND Australian tour, made sure to entertain the fans by playing a number of his older and more well-known tracks, including ‘Great Escape’.
We would definitely recommend seeing the talented young man live as his tracks are incredibly catchy and will have everyone singing along.
Brumotions gives his performance 4/5 Microphones!
Why not watch the video of Mike’s performance of ‘Great Escape’ from the gig yesterday and let us know what you think!
After touring around the country with FutureProof, Canary Swing ended the tour with a BANG at the London Islington Academy on June 1st, alongside artists such as Tich, Rewind, Kingsland Road and many more!
Canary Swing, made up of Ben Crook (Bass), Sam Blake (Drums), Cory Gaffney (Guitar) and George Crump (Vocals & Guitar) entertained the audience with an array of pop/rock originals, each with a summery and feel good sound which left us humming along to the tunes hours after.
The group finished their set with crowd favourite ‘Second Star to the Right’, which gained an electric reception and is also the band’s latest single which can currently be bought through ITunes!
They also left the audience dancing around to Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ which was an unusual but incredible cover choice for the young, pop/rock band.
Canary Swing had great audience interaction as the lads entertained the relentless crowd – who were looking forward to the artists placed later on the bill – introducing each member as sexy, which gained large cheers from an array of dedicated fans, some of which had travelled far to see their favourites!
Overall we enjoyed Canary Swing’s performance – although this band had previously gone unnoticed by our Brumoters, we were slightly unsure at first and took a little while to get into the group, but we instantly began to like the boys who grew on us throughout their set and therefore we would like to find out more about this band!
On June 1st, Midlands based pop/rock band In Hindsight joined the jam packed line-up for the FutureProof party at the Islington Academy in London, alongside FutureProof themselves, Kingsland Road, Jake Sims and Canary Swing with headliners Loveable Rogues, just to name a few.
Two members of the band – Issac and Michael (as Daniel was revising for his exams… Good luck Daniel!) warmed up the audience with an exclusive acoustic set list as a preview of what’s to come on their own tour in July.
The band performed an array of original songs including ‘Sweet Valentine’ and their next single ‘Dangerous’, which left fans screaming back the lyrics to the two ecstatic lads.
They also performed many covers including Pharrell’s number one hit ‘Happy’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘Billy Jean’, which was a great addition to their set.
We have previously seen the full three piece band and were impressed with their set, therefore we were slightly disappointed that we weren’t getting the full In Hindsight experience. However, even with the acoustic set, both Michael and Issac really impressed the audience and left many of them wanting to find out more about the group.
Check out their new single ‘Dangerous’ below!
And why not book tickets to see the group live on their UK tour in July with special guests Orchard Hill.
In a huge send-off to a fellow band member, FutureProof performed a packed Gig/Party at the O2 Islington Academy in London and thoroughly entertained their ecstatic fans, along with other guests who were invited along to perform.
FutureProof, consisting of Kiran, Jonni and their now, ex-bandmate Charles, who will be missed! (Left to Right) entertained the crowd in the middle of the gig – we suppose they wanted to party the rest of the night away to properly send Charlie off – which was well deserved after their incredible performance, which rounded off their UK tour!
Joining FutureProof and performing throughout the afternoon were a number of amazing acts, such as Jake Sims, Canary Swing, Rewind, Tich, In Hindsight, Kingsland Road and the headliners of the party, Loveable Rogues!
The bass-pop trio that is FutureProof shared their relentless energy and fantastic performance with the eager crowd – some of which had been queuing to see the group’s last gig with band-mate Charlie since 8am!
The group made sure to include fan favourite’s ‘Good Vibes’, ‘Party Hard’ and ‘Everything’s Alright’ into their setlist, which obviously gained a positive response from the fans who proceeded to scream the lyrics back to the slightly emotional lads.
Although Charlie has now officially left the group, Jonni and Kiran promised the fans that this will not be the last we see of the lads and we sure hope not!
We definitely recommend that you see these boys on tour at your next given opportunity as they’re incredible live with a number of catchy tunes in their arsenal.
Brumotions gives their performance 4/5 Microphones!
Why not watch the video of their performance for ‘Everything’s Alright’ from the gig on Sunday and let us know what you think!
And if you don’t already make sure to follow the lads of Twitter:
And this week we have another 12 INCREDIBLE tracks!
And as always, it features BOTH of our own and YOUR favourite artists!
Including FutureProof! Who invited a few of our Brumoters to their party/gig at the O2 Islington Academy in London! (You can feast your eyes of a number of reviews from the gig starting tomorrow!)
Check out the playlist below! And don’t forget to suggest some tracks of your own to feature in our next playlist!
If you don’t already, make sure to follow us on Twitter: @Brumotions
So yesterday, we introduced you to the amazing Leo ‘Golden Child’ (If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 now!) and due to an incredibly hilarious and… long interview, we want to introduce you again with PART 2!
Featuring both Leo himself, 23, and his manager, Mark Tolliss, here is the second half of our amazing interview alongside some of YOUR questions from Twitter.
Enjoy!
And make sure to check out his music video, ‘Stay Positive’, below and read the interview with the amazing, Leo ‘Golden Child’!:
– So you’ve been added onto the Osfest line-up, how did that come about?
Leo: Well at the start, we had a lot of supporters saying that we should get involved with Osfest, so I brought it across with Mark and he said “We will get you into Osfest” with no hesitation, he just said that. So Mark went direct… and in a nutshell, after weeks of consistency, he made it happen and once again, it goes right back to the message of the music – Mark was talking about the genuineness, the school tour and the message and giving something back to the point where something had to give – they were more than happy to have me there and they want me there.
Mark: Carly Woodwood, the Events Director at Osfest is a lovely lady, but she must receive so many requests from people wanting to join the line-up. For me, as I said earlier, we’re nothing special, but we’re doing good because we want to and because it’s fun. So I just spoke to her and emailed her, telling her – this is what Leo is about, this is what we’re doing – my role is to be his manager, mentor, guide and guardian, I’m not here to make money. I told her that our ethics are exactly the same as the message we’re sending out.
Leo has been around for a couple of years, with his Union J stuff and onwards – from that, you don’t get a position on Osfest like that, it doesn’t happen. So the fact that it’s happened – we’re working hard, but it seems easy.
Leo: And enjoyable. We’ve had lots of positive feedback from the fans and I’m still not over it to be honest. Like I said, it’s the same if you’re studying… or you’re a manager, if you work hard – something has to give – So as much as it’s been a shock, it’s what we’ve achieved… It’s what our hard work has achieved.
– Is there anyone who you’re looking forward to seeing perform live yourself?
Leo: Conor Maynard I’d say… And meeting Union J again for the second time – especially as it’s more of a friendship now, so from Union J, who I’ve already supported, Luke Friend, Elyar Fox and Wiley, who I’ve already had a RT and comment back from on Twitter – So we’re at that stage now, where we’ve took it to another level, where it’s now a friendship. I’d probably say I’m most excited to see Union J though.
– So any new song releases to look forward to?
Leo: We have a song out for release this month – but I can’t release too much information on it, including the name. But it’s going to be epic, like all my songs, this one has a meaning to it – it’s more of a happy song.
Mark: It’s like the end of hurting, cause every song he’s doing – they’re about his life.
Leo: I mean, if you notice – like Mark said, they’re about my life. If you notice, I don’t do covers, all of my music is original and for an artist to get established without releasing covers is a hard task to do.
Mark: The fact Leo doesn’t do covers is, again, an absolute testament to him and his talent. Artists don’t really ever get noticed early on doing their own material. They normally have to do a lot of covers to get on the ‘scene’ before introducing their material, but Leo has been a one off – thankfully.
– What was the inspiration behind you track ‘Stay Positive’?
Leo: My inspiration was my mum – My mum and life. It’s about the way I felt at the time I wrote it, it was about staying positive and at the time, I was thinking ‘how can I stay positive?’ – I needed some source of positive character cause I didn’t have one really. I didn’t have that father figure around me. I didn’t have anybody I could really ring at this point – So I needed to do something as a backup.
So I’d say my mum was the biggest inspiration for that song… definitely.
– Now, the video has quite a lot of fan involvement, why did you decide to get them involved?
Leo: To put a legacy on… I want everyone to be positive! I genuinely wanted for that video – loads of smiles, loads of smiles and lots of different faces. Some people weren’t up for doing it and yet, other people were. I wanted people to see different characteristics, not just myself, so I thought – why not get everybody as a unit involved in this video.
It was a good way to get creative and do something for a good cause with a good song.
The song isn’t just a song and wasn’t supposed to be just a song, it’s more of an act – with real people smiling and staying positive – I just wanted to do something good.
So speaking of you amazing fans! We received quite a few questions from you guys on Twitter, so we asked and here is what Leo had to say!
– Which artists do you look up to? – @jadesaltx
Tinie Tempah.
– Whose your celebrity crush? – @jadesaltx
I have two: Fearne Cotton and Tich.
– What’s your childhood nickname? – @jadesaltx
In school, I was bullied a lot, I went to a school where everyone was different ethnicities, backgrounds and such – And I used to be picked on for being the darkest of the group. However, I decided to make a name for myself to stop people from saying stuff, so I decided to call myself Chalky – to resemble a chalk board.
– What is the best moment of your career so far? – @DaniTurner00
Meeting Mark – Definitely, no questions about it. He’s my manager and mentor, but has become like a father figure to me and I owe him such a lot. I have learnt so much about the industry, performing, etc. but I have learnt about life from him too. Our friendship is long term and I am thankful for that.
Mark: Wow, Can’t say anything other than thank you Leo! And I’m here for you throughout the whole journey!
– Which venue has been your favourite to perform at? – @thevamps5sos13
Buttermarket!
Mark: He did a gig at the Buttermarket, he does a lot at the Buttermarket – and Grant from there, supported him – to the point where, he doesn’t put Leo on first anymore – he puts him on second or third, ready to open the place up. It’s like… Leo did a gig there on Saturday (April 12th), supporting Tich and he was third on stage.
– Is there any advice or motto you live by? – @DaniTurner00
I would say, ‘Fly high like an eagle’ and ‘don’t settle for average.’
– Explain your music in five words? – @DaniTurner00
If I had to explain it in five words, they’d probably be: positive, story, emotional, creative and original.
– If you were to take the Queen on a date, where would you take her? – @_ortisewilliams
I’d probably say TGI’s. That way we can get deserts and chill out with chocolate waffles.
– Will you marry me? – @jadesaltx
Yes, of course!
So there you have it!
Leo ‘Golden Child’ is definitely one to look out for this year, with a list of amazing opportunities lined-up, we wish him all the best!
With great talent and an even better message being spread through his songs, Leo is the one to watch!
Here at Brumotions, we LOVE discovering new artists!
And although Leo ‘Golden Child’ has already received amazing opportunities within his career so far, we decided to meet with the young star and see what he has planned and allow you all to discover the talent that is: Leo ‘Golden Child’!
An interview with lots of laughter and a few more serious notes with Leo himself, 23, and his manager, Mark Tolliss took place along with some of your questions and we’re sure you’ll enjoy reading it as much as we did conducting it.
His songs have great meaning and spread messages for good causes to connect with those that hear it and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with this artist, just as we have.
Make sure to check out his music video, ‘Stay Positive’, below and read the interview with the amazing, Leo ‘Golden Child’!:
– Why don’t you tell us about yourself, what makes Leo, Leo?
Leo: What makes Leo, Leo? I’d say unique, not your average musician, just being me really – I’m an artist, as well as being a role model, as well as being a young carer – So it’s not just about being an artist but the whole holistic approach of being just myself really.
Mark: I met Leo… Just over four years ago, while he was working at Marks & Spencers – he was on the till at the time and I was yawning, so he said “Oh, have you been working hard?” and I said, “Yeah, I’m gigging tonight as well.”
“Gigging, what do you mean?” – it was as simple as that, so I explained what I did and he said that he was interested in it as well, but he felt the need to work on his singing. So I offered him advice and vocal coaching, but more for the mindset than simply singing a certain way. For me it was all about self confidence to allow the natural voice and talent out. He brought his mother, Patricia with him and we got on fantastically well. It all began by accident really.
Leo: That’s why I say fate. When things are going to happen… they happen.
Mark: So the Golden Family carried on…
Leo: And it will carry on for many years!
– So you’ve supported a few people including Tich and Union J, what have your career highlights been so far?
Leo: I’d say the Union J show… that was possibly my biggest show – the turnout for that was epic! I was in a position where there were thousands there and to be in that position where I tore it up and won the crowd over – so I’d say that. However, the school tour that I’m on at the moment has been the most monumental.
– Do you prefer to play your own shows? Or for the larger acts?
Leo: I don’t mind really, I prefer to work with big acts. However, the approach when I’m performing myself is a bit more personal. I can relate with the audience so I would say possibly on my own to be honest.
– So who would you love to support on tour?
Leo: Tinie Tempah, definitely, definitely.
– So what exactly are you fans called? We decided to have a little creative session earlier and came up with Golden Children.
Leo: It used to be Golden Children at one point, but it’s the Golden Family. We normally say Golden Family really, the fans generally just make their own up with golden in front of it – it’s cool.
– How’s the school tour been so far?
Leo: It’s been interesting, monumental, emotional and it’s been exciting. I’ve definitely took my career to another caliber. It’s a testimony to my life story really, the questions I have been asked so far have been pretty memorable – they’ve been both funny and also emotional with the responses we’ve received like students having problems at home – including those I can relate to, it’s been touching to the point where we’ve had tears.
Mark: People have been emailing us from various schools we’ve been to – we’re not councilors but when we’re connecting with these people and hearing their stories. We get stuff like “Leo’s lyrics mean so much to me because my parents are splitting up” and “I get bullied and have considered taking my own life” – that’s deep and we were there… If Leo hadn’t of been performing there or reached out, who would they have spoken to? So we’ve alerted the right people to make sure these youngsters aren’t left out on a limb or feeling alone.
We are giving supporters ‘real music’ and at the same time, an outlet for them. To speak to, to get things off their chest and even feel like they have a friend. When we say we are ‘saving’ some young people from themselves, it is exactly that, you’re giving people that lifeline so they have someone to talk to. We’re just normal people, Leo’s had a touch life, and I’m his friend more than his manager – it’s just so enjoyable to watch this lad, more genuine than anything, going out to do what he wants to do – you can’t beat that.
– So do you have any more schools lined-up?
Leo: I should crack the diary out. It’s moving at a rapid pace – but we’re trying to get more in the Birmingham area as we’d like more gigs on our doorstep. I’d love to stick with the school tour – we actually discussed this on the way here and I said that it’s what is needed! It’s what creating a legacy is about and it’s what people want to hear.
Mark: I can honestly say that with the response we’ve had so far and the feedback from pupils, we will continued to the school tour for the coming years… it’s so rewarding.
– Any plans for international gigs? Especially as you have your French Street Team?
Leo: We actually have some stuff happening over there soon, we have a secret video shoot – which we can’t give you much detail into, but it’s going to be epic – but yes, we’re doing that over there (Paris) and meeting the street team. We’re also meeting a few people from the States, like in Colorado, Holland and also Germany. The interest has been massive but it is all stemming from the ‘message’ we’re sending out.
Mark: This has all come from people actually following and being interested in what we’re doing – they like the message that Leo’s putting out there. We’ve had quite a few anti-bullying campaigns wanting to work with us – I’ve seen it many times already and yet still, sometimes when I watch Leo and see those kids completely drawn in and listening to what he’s saying – tears.
Leo: It’s gotten to the point with school tours where, we’re in magazine and random publications that we didn’t even know we were going to be mentioned in. Half of them we aren’t aware of – the message is that strong, it’s creating waves and we’re not even aware of the waves. So it’s viral and essential – I always strongly believe that you shouldn’t create music if you don’t have anything to talk about – if you don’t have a story to tell, there’s no purpose.
So that’s all for PART 1 of our interview with Leo ‘Golden Child’!
Make sure to check out Part 2 TOMORROW! Where we’ll be discussing OsFest, A new song release and the inspiration behind his track ‘Stay Positive’.
He’ll also be answering some of your questions from Twitter!
If you haven’t already, make sure to follow Leo and Mark on Twitter:
Brumotions 