March - Part 1 (Live Music Update)

Sorry it's been a while since my last update. Why is it every time I start a blog/diary/journal or anything of the sort, I start with that sentence... Anyways, I have good reason for my absence. It's been really busy lately but in a really good way. Let's see...

An Cafe - 7th March - Islington O2 Academy

Well, my first thought when I got here was, 'where is everybody?'

For some unknown reason, it was light on attendance but the show was still awesome. I was really impressed that the band didn't seem that affected by the half full venue and really gave it their all.

I'm afraid I didn't do as with some others and note the whole set list. I'm a fairly new fan so there were a few tracks I wasn't familiar with. The thing was this didn't really matter. The show was really energetic and the crowd were all very excited. 

One thing that I noticed more than at previous gigs I'd been to was the amount of audience interaction. Miku, the vocalist, would make various hand, arm and head movements during each song and the audience would follow... a little like at aerobics class! Although this was a lot of fun, it really did feel like my arm would drop off after a while and I was impressed with people who kept it up all the way through. I think this would definitely be preferable to going to the gym!!!

Yuma's Leaving Party - 10th March - Alleycat Bar, Denmark Street

Goodbye Yuma!

So, I have been so extremely lucky to meet some wonderful new friends in the last few months but although I know all good things often come to an end, why does it always have to be so soon! かなしい (T_T)

Of Fire and Fate

Ramshackle

To say goodbye to a very special friend, this was the party of the year so far, with live bands playing (all pictured, check them out on Facebook!) and everyone gathered together, I don't think anyone could have wanted anything more.

Oh and I made cake (^_^)

Hopefully I will be lucky enough to hear his band, Qwerty play next when I visit Tokyo! I can't wait! たのしみに!

Qwerty

雅 Miyavi - 15th March - Shepherd's Bush Empire

Miyavi was amazing! 本当にすごい! I had managed to get VIP tickets for this which did mean I was separated from my friends but I managed to get right up close to the front, which was only slightly marred by the fact that I was stuck behind a much bigger person than me so despite this still had to crane my neck to see anything. Obviously this can't be helped at gigs sometimes but the person could at least not jump around making me feel like I'm about to get squished at any moment... /rant

What was truly extraordinary is the stage presence that just two men on stage had. I've normally only been to see full bands at concerts or if there has been a solo artist, they have had a full production and dancers and all sorts going on around them. 

Watching just these two people with their instruments was really inspiring. Yes there was lots of funky lighting and obviously plenty of pedals to add to Miyavi's guitar playing but despite this, it gave a much more intimate feel than with a full band.

Miyavi stopped between songs often to talk to the audience. His English is so good compared to most Japanese artists that visit the UK but I'm glad that he still keeps a lot of his songs in Japanese. I think the sound of the Japanese language is part of what I like so much about this music. It feels like it loses something when songs are redone in just English. Anyway, as well as the expected 'say my name' speeches, he thanked everyone for their support of Japan since the Earthquake three years ago just before his last visit to the UK (which I'm sad to say I was oblivious to as I didn't even know this amazing talent was out there back then!)

I think highlights of the show for me were definitely when Miyavi played 'Guard You'. This song has always been my favourite from his new album ever since I got it and hearing him play it live was a real treat. Luckily, I did not cry despite how beautiful it was.

The extra special part of this concert thought was the meet and greet at the end. Now I know it was all over in the blink of an eye but it was still a wonderful experience to meet him, shake his hand and personally thank him for making such awesome music (not that I think I was actually that eloquent about it!)