What's on in Portsmouth, Hampshire

Ben Howard

2011 and has been a triumphant year for twenty-three year old Ben Howard. With catchy single "The Wolves" he caught the attention of potential fans away from his growing fan base in Devon and Cornwall - Howard being both a Totnes resident and former Falmouth University student - due to extensive plays on both national radio and TV. Through this song he proved that comparisons to the lengendary John Martyn was just, but also that he should not be dismissed as just another new folk act on the scene. Debut album "Every Kingdom, released just last November, is sure to place him firmly in the publi…

The Wombats

Liverpool-based indie rock band The Wombats formed in 2003 when three of the band members met one-another at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. The lads found a common interest in music and started to jam together, releasing their debut single Girls, Boys, and Marsupials in 2006. Best-known for their catchy hit Moving to New York, The Wombats have gained national and international recognition, with a numerous world tours performances under their belt and their first album, The Wombats Proudly Present: A Guide to Love Loss & Desperation, reaching number 11 in the UK Albums Chart.…

Although best known through their seat in Alternative Music's class of 2005, Kaiser Chiefs originally began life as the less successful Parva in 1996. Their reinvention a decade later saw them take the country by storm, and with the combined song writing talents of Nick Hodgson and the natural stage presence of front-man Ricky Wilson they showed that they were a force to be taken seriously - despite their tongue-in-cheek attitude and songs such 'Everyday I Love you Less and Less'. After Mercury nominated debut 'Employment' the band went on to three more album, their latest - 'The Future is Med…

Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca Ferguson, a singer songwriter from Liverpool first caught public's eye in 2010 when she was fighting her way to the stars in the popular star search show The X Factor, where she finished as a runner-up. Her astonishing vocal abilities and unique character quickly gained the sympathy of the public. Overtly shy, but incredibly talented, Rebecca Ferguson prophesied her success with the first audition song she performed: "The Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke. Not winning the title didn't stop her from pursuing her dream to perform. Her debut single "Nothing's Real but Love", which she co…

English Folk musician Seth Lakeman was born and raised in Devon and along with his brothers Sam and Sean has played a variety of instruments and recorded folk music in their own band first of all. Seth's solo career was launched in 2002 when he released his debut album 'The Punch Bowl' to much critical acclaim. Subsequent album releases were; 'Kitty Jay' in 2004, 'Freedom Fields' in 2006, 'Poor man's Heaven' in 2008 and 'Hearts and Mind's' in 2010. Seth's instrumental range includes vocals, banjo, fiddle, viola and guitar.…

McFly

Following a string of sold-out intimate gigs to celebrate the release of their fifth studio album Above The Noise, McFly return to play first arena tour in two years. Having recently conquered colossal venues around the world, McFly are excited to return and showcase their infectious and soulful electro-pop sound across UK venues. …

The metalcore scene in Britain is alive and kicking and 'Rise to Remain' is a perfect example of that. These boys from London have been giving the metal heads in Britain a good time. With a solid lineup 'Rise to Remain' is certainly bracing for good things to come in the future. With front man Austin Dickinson, son of legendary vocalist Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden, on the vocals these guys will surely give other bands a run for their money. Rise to Remain in their short career as a metalcore band have already made their presence felt at music festivals like the Sonisphere and Download …

Maverick Sabre

Hackney-borne and New Ross native Maverick Sabre got his start in the music industry in 2008, alongside Irish rappers Terawrizt and Nu-Centz on their "Sense the Terror" album. The 21-year-old rapper then went on to perform and collaborate alongside such artists as Jermicide, Danny Diggs, Professor Green, and Chase & Status. His collaboration with Professor Green on "Jungle", debuted at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart. Sabre's debut mixtape, "The Traveling Man", featured fellow rapper Wretch 32. His blending of rap and folk music styles, along with his haunting and soulful vocals, helped his …

Jaguar Skills

Among England's new elite lineup of hip hop DJs is the very talented Jaguar Skills, a DJ that has cut across the London club circuit five times over. This is a DJ that has been very high in demand not only in the club but also in the music store, selling a couple million records and hitting the billboard charts more than once. His taste in music is quite eclectic within the hip hop genre, but he always makes it a point to return to his roots of old school when he has a chance. This is a music loving musician for music lovers, and he is a talent that will continue to deliver innovation and f…

Matt Cardle

A true rags to riches story, English singer songwriter Matt Cardle first made a name for himself by winning the seventh series of popular UK reality TV show The X Factor in 2010. A consistent fan favorite during his tenure on the X-factor, Matt Cardle captured the viewers attention performance after performance with his passionate rock style, heavily featuring both his abilities as a guitarist as well as an impressive vocal range. A set of skills undoubtedly honed during his time spent as a lead vocalist and guitarist for rock bands Seven Summers and Darwyn. His first single, a recording of hi…