Michael Kiwanuka… This kid is the real deal.

I have selfishly kept this artist to myself for a couple of months now as Michael Kiwanuka is the sort of artist that comes along once in a blue moon and I really wanted to savour the intimate shows that I have been lucky enough to check out over the last month.  Don’t worry he will still be doing small low key shows and I cannot recommend strongly enough for you all to come along and check him out.  From the first time I heard him sing I was completely captivated by his classic voice that is way beyond Michael’s 22 years of age. It is somewhere between Bill Withers and Otis Redding and if you think that’s a crazy statement then please make sure you head along to his next show, you will soon be converted as it is very rare that an artist comes along that is so classic and real.   In the age of throwaway pop,  Michael also has an effortless songwriting style that I can assure will stay with you from first listen, I can hear elements of some of my favourite artists including the wonderful John Martyn but the music still sounds of now.

Michael is backed by the band Them Changes, and their playing is spot on and fits with his sound perfectly, on top of this they look amazing and add another something special to Michaels music.

Anyway enough of my praise… just go and check out his music. This guy is special and I think we will be seeing a lot more of him over the next couple of years.

Them Changes will be playing the DB party on 29th January as part of the Save the Half Moon campaign, make sure you come and check them out as they are a killer live band in their own right, plus there may be a few surprises so make sure you do not miss out.

Also watch this space as Michael may be playing a few last min surprise shows before Christmas.