Labrinth, Ella Eyre, Rixton and Gorgon City revealed their musical influences and dream collaborations on the red carpet after their show-stopping gig at Victoria Warehouse at the weekend.
The four chart-topping stars performed live at Zombie Apocalypse’ party at the Manchester venue on Saturday November 1, which was hosted by Vevo.
Singer-songwriter and producer Labrinth – who has worked with the likes of Tinie Tempah, Emeli Sande and Wretch 32 – admitted he had a soft spot for the Mancunian crowd, ahead of the huge sell-out show.
“I always love coming to Manchester, the people are very honest, laid back nice people. I’ve enjoyed the crowd at every single show I’ve played up here,” the Lover Not a Fighter singer said.
“Northerners aren’t afraid to let you know if you’re rubbish or amazing – you know where you stand and I like that.”
With his latest single Jealous premiering on Vevo earlier in the week, Labrinth explained to MM why he chose Nashville as the location to produce and write the track: “ It was really nice to go out and work in a different environment— i worked with Josh Kear, whose songs have sold in the millions and millions around the world.
I PREDICT AN EARTHQUAKE: The 25-year-old got the crowd going with his chart-topping hits
“I just left all the effects, the musical tricks and dubstep sounds and just make a real honest song with just a piano and vocal.
“The album is called Take Me To The Truth so I wanted people to hear the truth.”
The multitalented artist also hinted on a future collaboration with fellow Vevo star Ella Eyre: “I love Ella – we met ages ago and it’s amazing to see what’s she’s been doing this year. I just love making music so anyone that is likeminded, count me in”
The sold out event sent revelers into overdrive with live performances from all four acts who donned their best Halloween costumes for the survivors vs zombies themed gig.
ACCESS ALL AREAS: MM’s reporters chat to stars on the red carpet before the gig
Having scooped ‘Best Newcomer’ at this year’s Mobo awards and featuring on chart topping tracks with Rudimental, Naughty Boy and Wiz Khalifa, 20-year-old Ella Eyre still doesn’t believe the way the year has successfully turned out for her.
“It’s hard to imagine to top it next year, it’s been amazing I’ve experienced some amazing countries, shows, venues, people and it’s just been a really nice steady build.” The curly haired beauty gleamed.
Cheeky chappies Rixton told MM they were delighted to return back to their home city and said that their naughty by nature antics keep them and their managers on their toes.
“We like to have a laugh, we enjoy what we do. That’s what keeps us going really,” lead singer Roche explained.
The band also commented on what it was like being back on home turf. They said: “We have a few family and friends coming down and its always special coming back here. The fans go crazy, they lose their mind and we love it.”
MEOW: Ella Eyre dons an all-black ensemble and cat ears for her purrr-formance
Dance duo Gorgon City, who closed the event with a show stopping performance featuring vocalists Zak Abel and Lauren Welsh, told MM that they loved it when a collaboration was organic and purposely chose artists who didn’t necessarily adopt a dance sound in their own music, to feature on their tracks.
“We’re always looking for people who have a unique vibe and sound to their voice, people who don’t normally do dance music for example Laura welsh and Zak Abel essentially.
“We’re always looking for someone with soul in their voice.”
The South London duo also spoke on the benefits of being a Vevo LFT act.
“It gave us the chance to go in-depth about what we’re all about which is something we’ve not had chance to do before.
“It’s been good to talk about where we came from and what we’re all about and it’s great for fans to see that too. It’s a very original idea.
“For us it’s been really interesting to find out about other artists via LIFT. It’s been a real honour to be part of the crew of artists that have previously done LIFT.”
Images courtest of Vevo, with thanks.
