In the intimate setting of Birmingham’s 02 academy Liam Bailey played to a energized crowd in support of new pop diva Jessie J. Fresh from his tour with Chase and Status, who he collaborated with on the hit single Blind Faith, Liam charmed the audience with an effortlessly soulful voice and undeniably catchy lyrics. His laidback bluesy tone is ignited by a slight reggae feel which makes his voice stand out from the crowd.

According to Liam, his dad used to tape Top of the Pops for him when he was little so he could watch Michael Jackson, as he was the reason he started singing. “There’s that drive in you to do something – you’ve either got it or you haven’t – and because I never got everything I wanted when I was younger, I think that might be why my ambition was a bit bigger,” he laughs. “Not getting everything you want and being in love with Michael Jackson.”

Liam remembers singing R Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” at a Stars in their Eyes show at school, and girls screaming at him for the first time. But he couldn’t play guitar if he wanted to be an R&B act – or so he thought.

Since moving to London, Liam has found it tough – not least because his move down south did nothing to corrupt his accent, but it did see him split with his on-off girlfriend. He admits that he started seeking solace elsewhere, in the bottle for a while. “This city does that to you. It’s not good for everything.” he says. But out of that bleakness came the material for the record that he’s now made. “I was listening back to it the other day,” he says with a grin, “and it’s all about her!”  Perhaps that’s always been the way with the best and truest soul music.

His debut single “You better leave me” is out now and definitely worth a listen.

The main act Jessie J filled her performance with the style and attitude she has become famous for. Dressed in an asymmetric black and gold cat suit and her signature blunt cut raven hair Jessie is on the road to becoming an icon. She sang the tracks she penned for her debut album ‘Who You Are’ with help from her live band and talented backing singers. All of her songs were met with loud appreciation from the young crowd, but her hits “Do It Like A Dude” and “Price Tag” met with the greatest applause.

by Sheridan Powell