The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Sunday 2nd May 2010

In today’s media driven society, with illegal downloading endangering the already flailing Music business, there is little certainty or security, especially for up and coming artists. It is this that has driven Sevenoaks singer/songwriter Sam de la Haye to go it alone and join the growing number of ‘D.I.Y’ Artists.

Using just her voice accompanied by a piano, Sam creates music that is an intercrossed blend of contemporary folk, new country and Blues, writing in a very sincere way that provides cathartic healing for both her and her audience. Sam has a gift for writing sensitively about bruised relationships, love affairs and human nature, but is not afraid to confront common taboos such as homosexuality, alcoholism and adultery. The end result of this creative exploration is a collection of deeply honest, intimate and romantic songs that leave her audiences touched, moved and inspired.

Two years ago, Sam firmly established herself as a popular vocalist and pianist on a number of major cruise liners. Enthused by the forces of nature, Sam would often lock herself away in her cabin and spend the night translating her thoughts into songs. It was these journeys and experiences that inevitably became her Muse, providing inspiration during the crafting of her forthcoming release.

It was Tori Amos’s ‘Little Earthquakes’ Piano style that most resonated and inspired Sam to self-teach the piano at age 15 and Amos remains an influence in her music today. Sam has also been likened to Alison Krauss, and Eva Cassidy, with her silky-smooth, dynamic and bluesy voice.

Sam has recently returned from an incredible tour of the USA, starting in Austin, Texas, spending the next two weeks driving all the way to New York gigging in every town along the way. The journey was shared with three other DIY singer/songwriters from Canada, all three surviving on tips from the audiences alone.

Sam is now co-producing her debut album with established producer, Tristan Mallet, (live mixer for Ray Davies, The Mavericks, and Gladys Knight) with a single release date due in Autumn. Why not check Sam out on facebook and myspace to ensure you never miss a gig.

Laveer, (vrb) - to beat against the wind.

“That’s what the dictionary says it means”, explains the band, “it's like we see ourselves as sailors, sailing into the wind and riding the waves against all adversity.... that or something like that. Would you like another biscuit?”

Laveer are four tea-spilling musicians who favour acoustic instruments and like playing songs together. Their music has been called, among other things, compelling and melodic. They like to play live and have recorded one album called “Fingermouth” (available cdbaby, amazon, itunes etc). They are working on some new recordings which will be available later in the year.

Barry J McCormack is a musician based in Tunbridge Wells Kent England.The musical style is feel good with an upbeat tempo.He normally plays in a funky rock style with the rock band Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells however tonight he will make a rare performance playing solo. He normally composes all of his songs on the acoustic so tonight is the first chance to hear them just as they were composed. Barry was also the lead singer with the Fabulous Hoolie Moolies which were a popular band on the local circuit.He has been described as "vibrant charismatic and flamboyant character playing a pulsating funky rhythm with a bluesey tilt" With thought provoking and humorous lyrics and strong guitar emphasis his set will get your foot tapping. Barry has also played to great applause at the Cambridge folk festival supporting Joan Baez, Bert Jansch and Davey Graham. The last time he played the grey lady, they were literally dancing in the aisles!

Lucy has been writing songs since the age of seven and her first live performance was at the age of 9. Since then Lucy has written many more using the piano as her main instrument. Lucy says “I love how the piano can create both lively and also calming accompaniment, and I have now started learning the guitar. I have always enjoyed performing on stage and started from the age of five. Now I often perform at school and have done a few local gigs in pubs. When it comes to writing I get a lot of inspiration from books that I read (A lot of my songs are about love and, as I have not yet experienced that feeling, I take it from what the characters are feeling). I love reading and sometimes the stories behind my songs come from the books I am reading. Lyrics are very important to me because I feel that they should mean more than just words on a page, so I put a lot of thought into them. When it comes to singers I enjoy listening to artists like Lily Allen because I like her lyrics, and now, thanks to some of my friends, Florence and the Machine; I find their music and their voices very unique. At the moment I am doing my GCSE’s but I don’t know what I want to do after school. I would love to have a career where I can perform and sing. So far I have performed twice at the Bell & Jorrocks pub in Frittenden which I really enjoyed and I also have a few other pub performances coming up this year, one of them will be in Maidstone. I now have a CD containing 5 of my songs, and I feel that as I get older my songs are improving”.