SUMMER SERIES 2013: Sommerset House unveals an uber line-up…

Fusing traditional songwriting with his love of dubstep and bebop records, South Londoner Alex Clare is a daring and unique proposition on the musical landscape. This is epitomised most dazzlingly on his breakthrough hit “Too Close”, which soared to the top 10 in both the UK and the US, and even earned him a nomination at this year’s Brit Awards.

Following 2010’s Grammy-nominated Infinite Arms, Mirage Rock has been hailed as “an album of lilting melody and shimmering harmony” by the New York Times, and placed on Rolling Stone’s best of 2012 list. The South Carolina-based outfit have become a live force after spending years honing their unique vein of country-tinged rock to perfection.

The buzz surrounding young Londoner Lianne La Havas has steadily grown over 2012, and, with the release of her debut LP “Is Your Love Big Enough?” that hype was more than justified, earning her numerous accolades, including a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize for its gorgeous, luminous mix of soul, folk and pop.

There are few musicians around at the moment who command as much respect and devotion as Sheffield born and raised Richard Hawley. There is little wonder that the likes of Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and others are lining up as ardent disciples; Hawley’s distinct baritone voice and gorgeously ragged love songs are already instant classics.

Ever since grabbing attention for their YouTube cover of Fleet Foxes, Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit have been in rapid ascendance, wowing audiences around the world with their evocative tales of love and nature, sung through delicate and complex harmonies.

Hailing from Iceland, Of Monsters and Men create a gorgeous, vibrant sound, sounding like a cross between Arcade Fire and Mumford & Sons with their brilliant anthemicism and amazing range of instrumentation such as trumpets, accordions and much, much more. If summertime had a soundtrack, this would be it.

Although only 22, Tom Odell has skyrocketed to prominence with his highly emotive and poignant songwriting already earning him a Critics Choice award at this year’s Brits and a record deal with Lily Allen’s imprint at Columbia. With the arrival of his debut LP imminent, be prepared to be spellbound and have your heart broken by this distinctive new talent.

Deftly and skillfully bridging the gap between the underground dance music scene and urban pop, Jessie Ware was undoubtedly one of the breakthrough highlights of 2012. Already making waves in the US, Jessie Ware returns to the UK for this sure to be unmissable live show, performing hits from her critically lauded debut “Devotion”.

The enigmatic Edward Sharpe with his merry band of Magnetic Zeros will be bringing their enchanting blend of traditional folk and pop to Somerset House. Playing with no less than ten musicians, this joyous occasion, full of rousing choruses and bohemian idiosyncrasies, is a spectacle to behold, with their standout single ‘Home’ already canonized as a modern day folk anthem.

Strange yet sexy, mysterious and infectious, electronic pop duo Goldfrapp are definitely an act unto themselves, as they have proven over a succession of critically acclaimed, highly successful albums, culminating in the Grammy-nominated “Head First” and Mercury Music Prize shortlist for “Felt Mountain”. Live, they are a bewitching proposition, with Alison Goldfrapp’s startling vocals unfurling slowly over atmospheric beats, drawing you in with their promise of glamour, sensuality and danger.

This South London duo have already built up an incredible reputation over the years for their galvanizing live performances and party starting records (such as “Romeo” and “Red Alert”), and as the closing act to this year’s Summer Series at Somerset House, they are sure to be an absolutely dynamic proposition, so be sure not to miss out.