Ben Howard.
A little gem from Devon who, like Sheeran, is an up and coming singer-songwriter whose fame has been spread by word of mouth and a devoted fan base. He's been featured in an article in the Guardian in which my favourite blogger (miss flying with anna) was quoted so I feel there's no way I can't like him. Check him out at Grassroots or Greenman festival this summer, I'm going to try and see him on the 24th October at the Social.
WatchListenTell who I covered a while ago seem to like Mr Howard too. Yes it's the same song but it's pretty amazing how different it sounds. Have a listen to Empty Corridors too - it's an incredible live performance and one which I could only hope to see live.
Alela Diane.
Recently announced as the main support act for the Fleet Foxes July USA tour dates, Miss Diane is an American singer songwriter whose first solo public appearances were at the invitation of Miss Joanna Newsom. If Newsom invites you on stage, you know you're destined for great things. Her new album Alela Diane and Wild Divine is out now but I'm a big fan of her live performance with Alina Hardin which I've posted below.
Ed Sheeran.
A big up and coming star is Mr Sheeran. In fact, more than that, Sheeran is all the rage right now and has been for a while. You may known him for his well-coveraged song 'The A Team' but personally I love his version of Wayfaring Stranger, a well-known British spiritual/folk song originating in the early 18th century. Jamie Woon and Eva Cassidy also do great covers of this. He's playing at Bestival which I'm excited about - I'll definitely be getting myself along to see him.
Feeling sad that you haven't listened to any original Mumford and Sons for some time? Never fear. This is one of their new songs they are performing right now - Hopeless Wanderer.
Or check out anything by 'The Wedding Band' which is Mumford and Sons and Friends playing together. They released an EP available at a few gigs they played last year but if, like me, you were unsuccessful in getting hold of said EP youtube will have to do. It's great to listen to for that summertime country feel. Listen.
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