The K’s are heading for the Roundhouse

SUPPORT independent music while rediscovering the OG ASMR experience – the crackle of vinyl meeting needle – at the Independent Label Market at Coal Drops Yard on May 10. More than just a sifter’s paradise, the event, which has attracted scorching sun in the past, is a full day out, with artist craft-makers, local brewers and some standout DJ sets from label favourites, including Erased Tapes, Mute, None More, Greensleeves Hi-Fi, Time Capsule, Be With, BBE, and a headline slot from Miso Extra. Expect limited edition prints, collectible totes and War Child’s Lucky Dip, offering music fans the chance to win exclusive vinyl – from brand-new releases to test pressings and white labels – all in support of children living through conflict. Voices Radio will broadcast from Lower Stable Street while there will be live performances from emerging artists Victoria Port, Arjuna Oakes, Lavender and Monde UFO. More info from: https://bit.ly/ilmpreview

• Merseyside band The K’s mark the release of second album Pretty On The Internet with a run of shows across the country, including The Roundhouse on May 13. Support from The Bracknall and Day We Ran.

• For those who just have to sing along, the choices are rich: On May 2, Broadway Rave returns to Camden Assembly: You know all the numbers, you know the songs, dig out Dorothy’s ruby slippers, and let the whirlwind of Camden’s tourists take you there; But be ready for a gear change the next day as the nostalgia kicks in in a big way with music teacher-turned-Glastonbury star James B Partridge’s Primary School Assembly Bangers Live show. Running for five nights at Soho Theatre from May 3, be ready to relive some classic assembly tunes with a fresh twist. And, on May 14, Choir!Choir!Choir! comes to Islington Assembly Hall – an epic anthems Sing-Along from Leonard and Joni, to Whitney and Oasis – all voices and abilities welcome.

• Breakin’ Convention 2025 Festival – billed as the world’s biggest festival of hip hop dance theatre – takes place across Sadler’s Wells and the vicinity from  May 2-5. Hosted and curated by Jonzi D, the festival features live performances, DJs, dance workshops, graffiti, emcees, and spontaneous cyphers all over Sadler’s Wells in an unforgettable experience. Get there early for the free entry Park Jam at Spa Fields on May 5, which features ESKA and more – once park is to capacity, it’ll be one in one out.

• Politically conscious hip-hop activist Lowkey plays two shows at Jazz Café on May 4 following the release of his latest album Soundtrack to the Struggle 3.

• Claiming to be London’s loudest music festival, Incineration Festival takes over five venues across Camden on May 3 with a huge line-up of extreme metal bands with names you won’t want to mess with.

• Six-time Grammy winning gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama play Union Chapel on May 6.

• Reggae pioneers Toots and the Maytalls continue their legacy, this time with Toots’ daughter Leba Hibbert on vocals following the singers’ passing. They play Koko on May 2.

• Celebrate Terry Riley’s 90th Birthday at a special tribute concert at Barbican Hall on May 15. The night features the Bang on a Can All-Stars with a new arrangement of A Rainbow in Curved Air, there will also be a powerful performance of Riley’s masterpiece In C, brought to life by an all-star cast of musicians, featuring Pete Townshend, SHABAKA and special guests.

More upcoming gigs

May 2 – Big Country + Pistol Daisys, 100 Club; Jesse Malin, Islington Assembly Hall;

May 3 – Ian Prowse (Pele) + Amsterdam – Does This Train Stop On Merseyside 20th Anniversary Tour + special guest Clive Langer, 100 Club; Chuck Ragan, The Garage; Seth Troxler, Koko; Skipinnish, Islington Assembly Hall;

May 4 – Mods Mayday, 229; Pet Needs + Sonic Boom Six + Shed + Pageant Mum + DJ Pressplay, The Garage; Limitless Live ft Ghetts + Young T & Bugsey + Nafe Smallz, Roundhouse; Steeplekeeper + Georgia Maria + Sophie & The Sticks + Paskurana, The Fiddler’s Elbow;

May 5 – Shack Unite, Union Chapel; The Fureys, Dingwalls; Hunxho, Roundhouse; Tommy Richman, Koko;

May 6 – Anastacia, London Palladium; Amaria, Jazz Cafe;

May 7 – Das Koolies, ICA; Kang Daniel, Islington Assembly Hall; Christine Kydd, Cecil Sharp House; Franck Carducci & Mary Reynaud, The Camden Club;

May 8 –  Rogér Fakhr + Charif Megarbane, 100 Club; Dr Robert and Matt Deighton, 229; Sam Brookes, The Water Rats; Vundabar, Scala; Hyphen The Dome; Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain, Cecil Sharp House;

May 9 – Mustafa, Barbican; Tom Meighan + The Masses + Wood and Nails, Islington Academy; Scowl, The Dome; Ten Hands High, The Camden Assembly;

May 9-10 – David Gray, Palladium; May 10 – Matt Bianco, The Forge; Sorry, Electric Ballroom; Huey Morgan, Dingwalls; Giulia Marro Trio, Green Note; Sorry + RIP Magic & Jaso, Electric Ballroom; Grace Petrie, Islington Assembly Hall; Gypsy Pistoleros + The Outlaw Orchestra, The Black Heart;

May 11 – Sam Carter, Green Note; Fishbone, The Underworld; Massar Egbari, Jazz Cafe; Feeder + Ellegarden, Koko;

May 12 – Mon Rovîa, Koko;

May 12-13 – Steven Wilson, The Overview Tour, Palladium;

May 13 – Odhran Murph, The Camden Assembly; The Deep Dark Woods solo show, The Social;

May 14 – NewDad, The Dome; Armlock, The Lexington; Webb City, Green Note;  Luna Kills, The Black Heart; Daphne’s Flight: Farewell Tour, Cecil Sharp House; Brògeal + DJ Joei Supernova, The Dublin Castle; Rialto + Desperate Journalist, Scala;

May 15 – Jerron Paxton + Martin Harley, Union Chapel; KRS-One, Islington Academy; Loose Ends, 229; Patrick Wolf, HERE at Outernet.