Although Metallica are screening a freshly recorded concert across America’s drive-in cinemas at the end of the month, we’re no nearer to actual gigs anywhere, especially the UK. Hold tight. We’ll get there. In the meantime, here are three events worth taking a look at.
AIM Music Awards
Tonight (Wednesday 12th August), the annual AIM Music Awards will occur online here from 7.00 PM. The event features performances by two leading names in UK hip hop, Little Simz and AJ Tracey, as well as a tribute to the late great Afro-beat drumming legend Tony Allen by Femi Koleoso from UK jazz unit the Ezra Collective. AIM is the Association of Independent Music and they have been acknowledging rising and established talent at their annual awards since 2015. The multiple categories include Best Independent Label and Best Live Act (with Ayanna Witter-Johnson, The Darkness, Red Rum Club, The Reytons and Five Finger Death Punch in contention for the latter). It’s going to be a packed evening with fresh sounds to the forefront.
Rave the Vote
Rave the Vote was originally set up last year, led by DJ-production duo Soul Clap, as a DJ tour of American universities, registering students to vote in good time for the US elections this November. In the wake of COVID-19, however, it transformed into four online events, starting in late July. The remaining three take place this Friday (14th August), Friday 11th September and Friday 2nd October here, from 8.00 PM until midnight, with this Friday’s featuring Detroit techno originals Inner City alongside contemporary acts such as Sofi Tukker and DJ Deeon, as well as chat and discussion, presumably about the state of play in the US. Future events promise appearances from clubland names such as The Blessed Madonna, Tokimonsta, Aluna, and Carl Craig.
Biffy Clyro live in Glasgow
Scottish rock trio Biffy Clyro have had twenty years of success and their ninth album, A Celebration of Endings, is due on Friday. Given their last two topped the British album charts, and the recent announcement that they are to headline Download Festival 2021, the band’s appeal only seems to be increasing as they enter their 40s. To celebrate they’re doing a one-off gig at “an iconic Glasgow” concert hall this Saturday at 8.00 PM with tickets available here at £16 a pop. Frontman Simon Neil says it will be “a unique and ambitious live performance from one of our favourite venues,” but which one remains a mystery.
