Over in Swansea on the second day of Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend Wales saw its enormous share of festival madness, oh you lucky people. Ed Sheeran opened up the day with Don’t, A-Team, Blood Stream, Happier and Perfect but to name several. Now what’s very likeable about Ed is his very down-to-earth nature when he performs as it’s just him and the fans, no manic in your faceness. This man is literally a one-man-band as he’s armed with just a guitar and a loop-station. Though he did take a few moments to explain what that actually was. All that I can say is the he’s got a soothing voice that just pierces straight through the music and if anyone can come second to Sam Smith in the vocal department it’s this guy.

There were other performances throughout the day by Sigrid. Seriously for a woman who’s not been around the music scene that long she’s definitely making a huge name for herself. Swedish duo First Aid Kit were an incredible breath of fresh air and were simply incredible. At this rate you’d have to give Sweden some serious credit for the artists they’ve produced over the past 5 years.

Over in the 6Music Recommends Stage new artist Hollie Cooke put on an incredible set and is someone to keep a look out for in the very near future. I detect great things from her. Towards the end of the afternoon and going into the evening our very own Emilie Sande performed in Swansea and reminded everyone of the powerhouse of a performer she is. Whenever she’s on stage remember to never underestimate her. Sam Smith, the only male artist I can think of who can equal her vocal talents ended the night and reminded us why one of the best performers we’ve got today. Sam performed his amazing hits including Money on my Mind, Lay Me Down, Too Good at Goodbyes, I’m Not the Only One. Seriously, this guy got the best vocals in town and that’s not something you can say everyday.

Up in Perth Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds headlined the night, and my god what a performance. This man’s a musical genius and he came from one of the biggest bands of the 90’s. The former Oasis front-man, and as some might argue the better half of the Gallagher brothers (some might say, pardon the pun) treated the Scottish crowds and fans alike to some amazing songs. It’s a Beautiful World, Holy Mountain, Fort Knox, In the Heat of The Movement, Dream On, Little by Little, The Importance of Being Idle, She Taught me How to Fly, Half the World Away, Wonderwall and my own favourite ever, AKA… What a Life. That’s the one song that would be hard to tire of. Noel Gallagher is quite arguably one of the musical/song writing geniuses of both our time and generation and tonight’s performance proves just that.

Live links courtesy of Greg James

🙂 😉