January blues? As far as London's live music scene is concerned, there's no such thing.
With the new decade now upon us, it's time to look forward to some of the incredible artists who will be swinging by our neck of the woods over the next few weeks.
As ever, there's a lot on offer — from pop royalty to young rabble-rousers — but we've picked out some favourites from the coming month.
These are the London gigs you need to see in January.
PVA — January 17
The much-hyped new dance band, signed to the excellent Speedy Wunderground label, play the ever-reliable proving ground of Brixton Windmill.
Windmill Brixton, SW2, buy tickets here
Madonna — January 27, 29, 30 and February 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16
The Queen of Pop eschews the stadiums for the much smaller London Palladium — but she’ll make up for it by playing no less than 15 dates at the venue.
London Palladium, W1F, buy tickets here
Kokoroko — January 28
With a seductive blend of jazz, Afrobeat and more, Kokoroko are one of the finest bands in the London scene. They play in the round here.
Roundhouse, NW1, buy tickets here
Sturgill Simspon — January 28
The Kentucky-born artist is a shapeshifter, launching his career as a country artist, then moving to soul and now, with his last album Sound and Fury, mashing it all together with face-melting results.
O2 Forum Kentish Town, NW5 buy tickets here
ScHoolboy Q — January 28
Touring in support of his latest album, CrasH Talk, the rapper will get able support from fellow artist Jay Rock at Brixton Academy.
O2 Academy Brixton, buy tickets here
John Grant — January 29
The distinct talent of alt-singer-songwriter John Grant comes to the Roundhouse for a stripped-back show, playing songs from across his colourful career.
Roundhouse, NW1 buy tickets here
Les Amazones D’Afrique — January 29
This West African group preach the message of peace and female empowerment with vigorous grooves and multilingual lyrics.
The Jazz Cafe, NW1, buy tickets here
Fatoumata Diawara — January 30
Fatoumata Diawara continues to push the boundaries of genre with her music, and brings her excellent live show to north London.
Roundhouse, NW1, buy tickets here
Wacław Zimpel and Park Jiha — January 31
Contemporary Polish minimalism and new-age classical sounds from South Korea combine on a fascinating double bill at the Barbican.
Barbican, EC2Y, buy tickets here
