Guest Post from Aloud.com: The Top 5 Upcoming Bands For 2011

Ahh the gloomy days of February... Where it's still dark for about 70% of the day, raining almost constantly and there's not even all that much on the telly... Well to make it all better and tide you over until Summer we have Callie Morris, web editor of ticketing website Aloud.com to give you her top 5 recommended live acts to go and see in 2011.

Anna Calvi

Hotly tipped as one of the most notable rising stars of 2011, Anna Calvi will soon be everywhere, yep that's actual everywhere... Check out her voice in the video above - emotional and powerful yet still giving off the impression that it's effortless, she seems to hit those high notes without even so much as a telltale lift of the eyebrows.

Adding to our interest she also dresses a bit like a traditional flamenco dancer - although the man's style rather than the woman's, choosing high trousers a blouse and slicked back hair. It will be well worth going to see her, before everyone else gets involved (which they definitely soon will)!

Go to the Anna Calvi page at Aloud.com for more information and ticket details.

Wu Lyf

Originating from Manchester, their line up is massive and constantly changing. Their name is an acronym for World Untalented Lucifer Youth Foundation, they are also pretty mysterious, keeping themselves to themselves and keeping various promotions to a minimum. Ok Wu Lyf, you have my attention… Their music is definitely worth going to see too, likened to acts such as Tom Waits, Happy Mondays and Egyptian Hip Hop, you will be undoubtedly entertained, and get a little glimpse of who Wu Lyf actually are.

Wu Lyf will be touring the UK in March this year, visiting Nottingham, Norwich, Bristol, Brighton and Leeds. For Wu Lyf tickets and more information check out Aloud.com.

Daley

Originally from Manchester, Daley is very much deserving of a place on this list and not just because he has the snazziest hair style/facial hair combo I've ever seen. His soul/pop/R&B sound has an incredibly chilled out vibe and lately he's been hard at work for us, penning his debut album and doing collaborations with the likes of Gorillaz. (Have a listen to it above)

Keep an eye on his Myspace page for more information and gig updates.

Frankie & The Heartstrings

Another act known for looking snazzy is Frankie & The Heartstrings. Channeling their inner 50's icons front man Frankie Francis has adopted a James Dean style quiff, with guitarist Michael McKnight flying the flag for plus fors. Aside from anything else this offers us something a bit different when we go to see them play.

They have often stated in interviews how important it is for them to get the crowd going at gigs, creating the best atmosphere they possibly can every time. So you can be sure to have a foot-tappingly good time at any Frankie & The Heartstrings gig!

They are touring the UK this month, for more details go to the Frankie & The Heartstrings ticket page at Aloud.com.

Nero

Dubstep DJ project Nero is probably best known on the drum and bass/dubstep scene for hit single 'Me & You' which was released in January this year. With various nominations for rising stardom, including the BBC Sound of 2011 poll it is clear that we will be hearing a lot more of Nero in 2011. They are definite staples on a clubbing playlist and will have you raving until dawn.*

*Or just until you get a bit tired.

Nero have a few dates this year, from Birmingham and Bedford in February to Exeter in May you should probably get in there quick if you're hoping to go see them! For tickets and more details go to Aloud.com.