Summer has become the season of countless festivals, featuring every artist and genre under the sun. But in between the big ones like Coachella and Lollapalooza, we thought we would share some individual shows for those of you looking to catch some quality music without the craziness of the festival experience. Here are three of our favorite up and coming acts touring this summer, and some of the best venues to catch them at.
WHO: Jamie xx
WHEN: Saturday, July 27th
WHERE: Bimbo's 365 Club -- San Francisco, CA
WHY: Jamie xx, who has made a name for himself in recent years as half of the indie-pop group The xx, released his first solo album, In Colour, this year to high acclaim. His musical style spans a wide range of decades and genres, from 70's accapella to hardcore breakbeat from the earlys 2000s... all the while sounding like something completely new. In Colour is a complex, addicting debut -- full of unique samples and twists on classic sounds. For his live shows, Jamie incorporates his own work into larger sets full of mixed 90s house and deep bass sounds that keep crowds on their feet from start to finish. If you are in the Bay Area this summer, don't miss his show at the historic Bimbo's Club on July 27th.
WHO: Vic Mensa
WHEN: Thursday, July 23rd
WHERE: Best Buy Theatre -- New York, NY
WHY: You might know newcomer Vic Mensa from his successful stint with rock/hip hop group Kids These Days, but these days Mensa is better known for his solo work. 2015 is shaping up to be a big year for the up and coming Roc Nation artist -- Mensa is slated to appear on Kanye West's upcoming album SWISH, and his own much-hyped debut album Traffic is due by the end of the year. His live shows reflect his musical style -- high energy hip hop with a strong rocker vibe... complete with crowd surfing, mosh pits and stage diving. Don't miss his upcoming NY show with A$AP Rocky on July 23rd!
WHO: Lianne La Havas
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23rd
WHERE: 9:30 Club, Washington, D.C.
WHY: English folk-singer/songwriter Lianne La Havas debuted in 2012 to critical praise with her album, Is Your Love Big Enough. But it's her up-coming album Blood (set for release on July 31) that we think is going to take her presence to the next level. The infectious neo-soul album was written in Jamaica with the help of some well known reggae and R&B producers -- resulting in a noticeably more developed sound for La Havas. The talented songstress puts on an incredible live show as well, blending R&B, jazz and acoustic sounds into smooth sets that keep audiences grooving from start to finish. If you are in the DC area, check her upcoming show at the well-known 9:30 Club on September 23rd.