"ONCE" Upon A Time In Dublin

"Once" recently celebrated it's 1st Birthday with a change of cast. This past year saw an incredibly talented group of actor/musicians embark on a journey together, a journey filled with high energy musical performance, a warming and light hearted comedy and emotionally loaded sincerity. The result; a family of performers whose incredible bond with both each other and their instruments led to the seamless and touching delivery of the most humbly magnificent production in the West End. The question is can the new cast keep the legacy going and chase these expectations?

Guided by remaining cast members Zrinka Cvitešić, Jez Unwin and Miria Parvin, the "Once" fledglings are in good hands. It's fair to say a cast needs time to bond and even more so with a production like "Once". The new cast are doing just that right now. They're discovering each other whilst exploring their roles which invites a whole new vision and perspective into the room. They're not trying to imitate their predecessors but instead putting their own stamp on their roles. If they didn't invite their own feelings and emotions into the story and simply copied another, the show's genuine connection with the audience would be hindered so it pleases me that they are executing an honest visionary. There is currently an air of innocence and surprise about them as a cast and this gives the show a fresh angle. It's not better, it's not worse, it's just different, so hats off to them!




Zrinka Cvitešić remains thoroughly enchanting in the role of "Girl." Her presence alone immediately intrigues and commands the audience's attention from the minute she walks down the theatre aisle onto the stage. She enchants the audience, bringing her character to life with her endearing mannerisms, her natural comic ability and her inherent intuition to translate honest and raw emotion into believable reality on stage. There is no doubt that as "Girl" and as Zrinka, she lays her soul bare at every performance. But it's not just her acting that makes Zrinka stand out. Her piano playing is divinely crafted and beautifully and skilfully interpreted. Back in the beginnings Zrinka was, though perfectly delivered, humbly demure in her vocal performance. It's an absolute honour to have watched her discover a deeper confidence in her voice and to now witness her deliver a vocal with both an innocent fragility and a soaring power, with ease of transition. Not only does she now demonstrate a comfortable confidence, she now possesses an uninhibited self belief and allows her voice to guide her, experimenting with the melody and delivering some exquisite harmonies.
A year ago I had no clue who Zrinka Cvitešić was. Now she's taking the West End by storm, being nominated for and winning sought after awards in the theatre world. One nomination she 100% deserved to take home was the prestigious Olivier Award for "Best Actress In A Musical." This young woman's talent goes beyond the West End, as an actress she could effortlessly rival the Hollywood A-List.




Arthur Darvill, despite his TV persona (Dr. Who, Broadchurch) and his previous run as "Guy" on Broadway, had huge shoes to fill taking over from Declan Bennett. The onstage bond and chemistry between Zrinka and Declan was one of intense, unrivalled beauty. Could he, could they, match that? The answer is in all honesty you wouldn't want them to. Arthur is nurturing a new relationship with Zrinka and that in itself carries a unique beauty and freshness. Having seen their very first show together one Saturday matinee it was a privilege to watch them embarking on a new chapter, discovering each other, embracing an unknown journey together. It was doubly believable, the meeting of Zrinka and Arthur and the meeting of Girl and Guy. The vulnerability and innocence of two lost souls reaching out to each other, guiding each other and creating a trust in each other right in front of your eyes is both charming and magical.
Arthur challenges Zrinka on stage in the most positive way. Having already performed the role of "Guy" on the "Broadway" stage he knows the script inside out so leads with a striking ease of confidence. He constantly throws new angles on the script meaning Zrinka has to think on her feet and react accordingly, thus adding a natural flair to the storyline.
Arthur's portrayal of "Guy" carries an awkward charm and a relatable humour. He is a lonely, frustrated soul who's music not only fuels his sadness but is also the catalyst to his happiness. Musically Arthur is at one with his guitar. His delivery of the songs is sincere and uninhibited. He is not afraid to explore vocally, creating a very real and unhinged interpretation that speaks to the audience and holds their attention and emotions.


Another stand out performance comes from Jez Unwin (bank manager). His comic delivery of his solo is definitely one of the shows memorable moments. He perfects the imperfect and captures the attention of the audience who laugh both at him and with him and after a gruelling critique of his performance from "Girl" and "Guy" they soon feel a sympathy towards his feelings. Other notable performances come from Matthew Ganley (Svec) and Mathew Hamper (Andrej). The new cast most definitely shows huge promise. They have an infectious energy and are well on the path to perfecting their own unique take on the show. I look forward to revisiting "Dublin" in the future!

In a recent media call I asked lead "Girl" Zrinka Cvitešić how after a year she managed to make each show a unique journey. Her answer sums it up. "I think it's the fact that we are creating our own music every night on stage and there's no conductor, nobody who leads us. So I think you have to have this amount of adrenaline and concentration and I think this is the key for this one."  Its power lies in music, real, raw music teamed with vocals that are edgy, improvised and uninhibited, where any slight imperfection in delivery makes it ever more perfect. The song and dance numbers in the show transcend through the music in a way that is seamless and understated. The music in "Once" is not traditional musical theatre style. It lends itself more to an intimate gig in a small music venue or a local pub which is fitting given the stage set design is a Dublin bar. The songs lend themselves heavily to acoustic delivery, creating a platform for them to shine lyrically and vocally. Each song is packed with emotional connection; from the angst and intensity of "Guy's," "Leave" to the beauty and fragility of "Girl's," "The Hill." All the songs help to develop the script and their inclusion is seamless. "Falling Slowly" is one of the most simple melodies with beautiful harmonies. It touches the heart and soul and remains engrained in your mind from beginning to end. The script intertwines and blends with the songs, both work in harmony alongside each other. It cleverly links characters, moments and situations with respect for emotions and feelings. "Once" takes you on a musical journey, mends hearts, opens your eyes to a deeper you."  

If I could only choose one musical to watch for the rest of my life, this would be the one. Once most definitely isn't enough and rest assured I can vouch for that!

Click here to listen to 4 exclusive live performances from the media call secret gig at The Phoenix Theatre


Once is playing at The Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road till July 2015. 
Arthur Darvill will appear until 10th May 2014 

Click here to book tickets

Click here to visit the Official Website

Click here to follow Once on Twitter
Click here for the Once official Facebook

“ONCE” seen...Never forgotten!

“Once” has been described as an anti-musical, more a play with music.  It’s a multi-million dollar show in the intimacy of your living room.  "Once" is essentially a story of love; the love of music, the love of a Guy and a Girl who connect through a shared love of music, the love of a diverse Dublin community bonded by music, the love of a two strangers struggling with the burning and forbidden love they find through music, the love that takes them on a life journey and helps them and those around them understand themselves on a deeper level.  “Once” is a modern day fairytale with a twist. 

The set is a typical Irish pub, it could be any pub, it could be your local pub.  The idea behind the single set design is to welcome the audience in, embrace them in the story, make it familiar and comfortable and invite them to draw on their own life experience as the story unfolds.  In  the words of the set designer, Bob Crowley, “If you look in the mirrors, you can see part of a face or part of a hand playing a guitar, they fracture the space, they fracture the events.”  The ultimate goal of the production is to keep it small, to connect, to allow the audience to lose themselves in the story and not be distracted by multiple set changes, grandiose lighting, glitter and sparkle.  There was never any intention to turn the book into a mammoth production, it would be detrimental to its simplicity and message and would suffocate the story and destroy its fragility.  Its power lies in music, real, raw music teamed with vocals that are edgy, improvised and uninhibited, where any slight imperfection in delivery makes it ever more perfect.  The song and dance numbers in the show transcend through the music in a way that is seamless and understated.  As director John Tiffany describes, “Music is very unpresentational.  It doesn’t have buttons and glitter guns.  It’s about these characters finding a physical vocabulary to express in the music they are making.”  In the two biggest choreographic moments in the show the cast are all playing their instruments and this is integrated into the dance element of the production.  Although choreographically stripped down, the dance presence remains striking and monumental.

Though playing close attention to the play and the film, the musical enhances the comedy aspect of the story.  This helps to warm a theatre audience to a storyline which before the theatre production leaned heavily to a darker, more depressing angle.  Though in keeping with the honesty of the storyline, the brighter approach to its portrayal makes it more approachable to a live theatre audience.  This desire to honour reality is strengthened by the creative director’s decision to not allow the cast to watch the film or see the Broadway production ahead of rehearsing for the West End production.  The idea behind this was to allow them to bring their own traits to the roles they were developing, thus bringing a fresh European perspective to the storyline and adapting it to its demographic audience.  “Guy” and “Girl” are not given names, they can be whoever the audience want them to be; a friend, a neighbour, strangers, even themselves.  The purpose of this is to invite the audience to relate to the storyline in their own way, on their own level.

After having seen the original Broadway production I had a perfect casting in mind for the roles of “Girl” and “Guy” so when the announcement was made I was naturally intrigued as although I was familiar with Declan Bennett, I'd never heard of Zrinka Cvitešić.  I decided not to research her past work and let my heart decide on her credibility as for me “Once” is all about the character relationships and their ability to connect with me.  The fact that I didn’t have any preconceived ideas about how they would play out the roles actually made it a more emotionally connecting for me.

 

Zrinka Cvitešić, a Croatian native, playing a Czech girl in Dublin, quite prolific back in her homeland yet practically unknown in the U.K, takes the stage by storm as the headstrong, determined “Girl.”  She is the driving force of the musical, the catalyst to the relationships developed in the show.  The love in her soul reflects in her emotional energy, her desire to mend bleeding hearts.  It’s just a shame the only heart she cannot fix is her own.  Zrinka brings a genuine humbleness and natural quirkiness to the role and her comic delivery is perfect.  Her portrayal of “Girl” is so empowering I actually left the theatre wanting to be Czech!  Declan Bennett is also perfectly cast as “Guy.”  His innate passion for music is evident, every performance he gives is packed with raw and unhinged energy.  That energy shifts from an anger and frustration to desire and lust and later to a pure love and passion.  He throws himself into “Guy’s” world and lives, breathes and sweats out his journey up on stage with a striking ease of character.  Both Zrinka and Declan put their heart and soul into every aspect of their performance.  Their vocal performances resonate with genuine passion and emotion, leaving the audience transfixed in the beauty of the music and hanging on every pause, every breath, every lyric.  Through the two of them the audience learn the truth of “Once’s” tag line; “His music needed one thing…her.”  

The extended lead roles and supporting cast are the most talented actor/musicians I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing in a show.  Their performance skills blew me away.  They are at one with their instruments to such a degree that as an audience member it becomes so natural that you barely notice the instrument they are carrying.  Every single member of the cast shines individually and although it isn’t a rarity for an entire cast to be talented, it is a rarity to notice every single cast member individually and be able to remember their exact performance after the show. 

The music in “Once” is not traditional musical theatre style.  It lends itself more to an intimate gig in a small music venue or a local pub which is fitting given the stage set design is a Dublin bar.  The songs lend themselves heavily to acoustic delivery, creating a platform for them to shine lyrically and vocally.  Each song is packed with emotional connection; from the angst and intensity of “Guy’s,” “Leave” to the beauty and fragility of “Girl’s," “The Hill.”  All the songs help to develop the script and their inclusion is seamless.  “Falling Slowly” is one of the most simple melodies with beautiful harmonies. It touches the heart and soul and remains engrained in your mind from beginning to end.  The script intertwines and blends with the songs, both work in harmony alongside each other.  It cleverly links characters, moments and situations with respect for emotions and feelings.  "Once" takes you on a musical journey, mends hearts, opens your eyes to a deeper you."

“Once” is the most beautiful, original and diverse piece of theatre I have seen in a long time.  Simplicity is “Once’s” authenticity and I really do hope the public embrace it so it can enjoy longevity and the success it truly deserves in the West End.

Click here for more information on "Once The Musical"

Click here to book tickets

Click here to follow Declan Bennett on Twitter

Click here to follow Zrinka Cvitešić on Twitter

Watch the Once trailer video here:

Trehearn Triumphs in Ghost the Musical!

I hate to hear people complain when they discover they will have to see an Understudy perform as one of the lead roles in a musical.  Theatre today is vastly powered by “names” in lead roles which is a huge shame as there are so many talented West End Understudies treading the boards who are more often than not far more talented and better qualified to play the role.  What’s more these performers have such a desire and passion for their art, they quite often hold down a 9-5 day job as well as being in the cast of a musical.  It’s an unfortunate reality in the world of theatre that the wages are such that the ensemble members cannot support themselves living in London on their theatre wage alone.  These people give their all eight shows a week and at times must be dead on their feet.  Respect!  Their tremendous heartfelt commitment inspires and humbles me. 

I actually love going to the theatre with the sole intention of seeing an understudy in action.  That’s exactly what I’ve done twice now with Ghost the Musical at London’s Piccadilly Theatre.  Rebecca Trehearn is a prime example of an understudy who should be holding a permanent lead role as Molly Jensen in Ghost.  She currently only covers the role when Siobhan Dillon, of the BBC’s competition show, “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria,” is off sick or on holiday.  Although I don’t dislike Siobhan’s interpretation of the role, I much prefer that of Rebecca.  Rebecca clearly relishes the opportunity to get out on stage and show the theatre world what she’s made of.  She’s so passionate about her craft and this transcends into every breath she takes up on stage.  It’s not like watching someone play Molly, it’ like she IS Molly, embodying the character and drawing the audience into her world.  Many performers can get up there, deliver a note perfect performance and reel off the script but few have the innate ability to become someone else up on stage.  Rebecca Trehearn is one of the few who can achieve all of this, she’s a rare gem and I don’t think she actually realises how incredibly good she is.  She knows she can sing, I’m sure of that but she’s way too modest and humble to fully admit this herself.  She’ll always be striving to improve, to better her last performance and that’s the mindset of someone who’s in the trade because they love it, it’s embedded deep in their heart and is the blood that keeps their soul alive.

From the moment Rebecca sets foot on stage she lives and breathes Molly Jensen and no sooner has she interpreted the show’s opening number, “Here Right Now” with Mark Evans as Sam Wheat, the audience already “believe.”  They believe in Molly.  Certain performers connect with an audience immediately.  They draw them in, have them hanging on their every word, feeling and emotion, taking them on a journey.  When Rebecca performs she does exactly this, in fact she carries the show throughout.  She’s the link to all the characters and without her pulling off this genuine connection, the show would not flow, the audience would not “feel.”  The rest of the cast, especially the other leads feed from her honesty and draw strength and confidence through her.

Admittedly Rebecca is a tremendously talented actress but when watching her you can’t help but think there’s a deeper connection to her performance.  When she sings she doesn’t just belt out a song line for line, breath for breath.  Something about the way Rebecca delivers a song takes on a depth that runs beyond the lyrics and the script.  When she sings, “With You,” a poignant moment in the storyline, her eyes harbour a pain, the emotion audible and visible in her delivery, her breathing rising and falling as she absorbs the emotion and pulls it all back in to take the song to her head voice and deliver one of the most moving and heartfelt moments I’ve ever witnessed in Musical Theatre.  I’ve heard Caissie Levy, (Original London Cast), deliver the song with equal power and grace but even she can’t give it the emotional intensity and connection I feel when Rebecca sings the song.  The same can be said for Rebecca’s interpretations of all the songs she sings in the show.  Her vocal tones are beautiful and diverse.  She gives a song light and shade, she has an angelic grace to her head voice and when she opens up her chest voice there’s no holding her back.  Some of the notes she powers out will leave an audience in awe, mouths aghast.  Rebecca’s “Suspend My Disbelief / Rain Hold On” is packed full of vocal acrobatics that few could deliver whilst acting out a role simultaneously.  One of her ultimate shining vocal moments in the show actually goes unapplauded due to the tight script linking and scene change.  “Nothing Stops Another Day” is one of the show’s most memorable songs and Rebecca’s delivery on all levels is perfection.  This is without doubt her crowning moment in the show.

Rebecca’s American accent is seamless throughout.  This is no doubt partly due to extensive study and practice on Rebcecca’s behalf but also I’m pretty convinced a lot of it boils down to her connection to the character and her complete immersion into Molly’s life and experiences.  I can honestly say I haven’t come across any British Musical Theatre lead, be it male or female who can carry off an American accent the whole way through without faltering.  It’s rare to come across a performer who not only delivers vocal excellence but can also make an audience relate and connect emotionally through their acting.  So how does Rebecca do all of this with such apparent ease?  Simple, she’s not acting the role, she feeling the role.

Rebecca Trehearn is a credit to the West End and without a flicker of doubt one of Ghost the Musical’s finest assets.  As you can gather this is not a review of “Ghost the Musical” per se, more a focus upon an individual cast member’s outstanding contribution to the show’s success.  Rebecca is a tour de force, she’s sensationally talented, immensely passionate and thoroughly committed and hard working.  She would fully deserve to take over lead as Molly from Siobhan Dillon when her contract expires.  I really do hope cast and creative team and the show’s producers recognise what a glittering superstar they have in Rebcecca.  However the future may pan out for her, one thing is certain, Rebecca’s future is written in the stars!

Rebecca Trehearn - Nothing Stops Another Day

(no copyright infringement intended)

Be sure to catch Rebecca in Ghost the Musical at London’s Piccadilly Theatre.  

Book tickets here:

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Ghost-tickets/artist/1017977

 

Her confirmed performance dates covering the role of Molly are:

July 23^rd – August 4^th

August 30th – September 1st

She’s also performing in “Laugh And Be Happy” at Chichester Festival Theatre on 8^th July 2012 

http://www.cft.org.uk/3983/Laugh-and-Be-Happy/321

Listen to some recent recordings I made at “West End In Concert” on my Youtube channel here:

Rebecca performs “Gravity” (Sara Bareilles):

And “Breathe” (In The Heights):

Follow Rebecca on Twitter: 

www.twitter.com/RebeccaTrehearn 

Rebecca Trehearn - West End's Welsh Jewel!

I simply have to introduce you to Rebecca Trehearn.  She's a sensationally talented singer/actress hailing from Rhyl in Wales and she can currently be found treading the boards in London's West End. 
 

Rebecca is one of those rare jewels of a singer who can carry off a whole host of vocal styles.  Her voice has light and shade, beauty and grace, grit, power, soul and whole lotta rock n roll!

Rebecca studied and obtained a degree in performance at Mountview Academy of Theatre and Arts in London.  She has always lived and breathed singing and performance.  From the age of 7 she began competing as a singer and she started her professional stage career at the tender age of 10.

Her professional stage debut was as Princess Dim-Sum in Aladdin (City Varieties Theatre, Leeds, 2004).
Since then Rebecca has performed in the following roles:
Annie in the premiere of Alfie the Musical (Palace Theatre, Watford, 2005)
Covered & played Meat and Killer Queen in We Will Rock You (Dominion, 2007)

Dirty Dancing (Aldwych, 2008)
Covered and played Rose in Aspects Of Love (Menier Chocolate Factory, 2010)
Bernada Alba played Martirio (Union Theatre, Southwark, 2011)
Covered and played Jenny in Love Story (Duchess, 2012/2011)

Title roles in Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella (Pavilion, Rhyl, 2009/2010).
Workshops include Jack Dagger (Greenwich Theatre)
Moonshadow - featuring the music of Cat Stevens - and Playsong (Tristan Bates)
Television includes Casualty and A470.
Rebecca won The Wow Factor for S4C (Welsh version of X-Factor) which led to the release of her self-titled solo CD. 
 

She is also a session singer and has contributed to film soundtracks including Sweeney Todd, The Da Vinci Code and Mamma Mia!
She can also be heard as Rosalia on the 50th Anniversary recording of West Side Story and on the Love Story original cast recording.

Rebecca is currently ensemble/cover for Molly Jensen in Ghost The Musical 

(Piccadilly Theatre, London West End, 2012)

Confirmed Molly dates for Rebecca are:
Sat 26th May

July 23rd - August 4th
August 30th - September 1st

Book tickets here:
 http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Ghost-tickets/artist/1017977

Follow Rebecca on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/RebeccaTrehearn
 
Rebecca will also be performing in "Laugh And Be Happy" at Chichester Festival Theatre on 8th July 2012
http://www.cft.org.uk/3983/Laugh-and-Be-Happy/321I recently attended West End In Concert at The Actors Church, Covent Garden on Sunday 20th May 2012 where I had the pleasure of hearing Rebecca perform two songs.  

I captured her stunning performances on video here:

Rebecca performs "Gravity" (Sara Bareilles)

And "Breathe" (In The Heights)

Enjoy!!

J Marie Cooper shines at Hoxton Underbelly

J Marie Cooper is one of those rare and exciting talents you uncover once in a blue moon.  I discovered J Marie on the London gig circuit many years ago now and have believed in her and championed her ever since.  Many can sing but few can really reach beneath your skin and touch your inner core.  This young woman is a hidden jewel and I believe the moment has arrived for her to truly shine!

J Marie doesn't just have fiery red hair, she also has a burning desire to perform.  Her voice is seriously exlplosive! She has a vocal range most singers can only dream of and a versatile tone that on one scale can rough out the rock and on another scale will melt to the soft and gentle in a song.

She has a vibrance and energy that captivates you and an honesty that transcends to her audience.  Her songs come from a place of truth, her lyrics delivered with feeling and true passion, straight from the heart.  In J's own words "My songs are the autobiography of my life.  Literally."  She bares her soul to the world, wears her heart on her sleeve and people can't help but relate and connect with the messages in her songs.

J Marie is a cut above the rest, she's more than A-OK!  She stands out from the crowd so get her on your radar now!  She's most definitely the voice of the future, a real warrior woman ready for her victory!

Check out some videos from her recent gig at Hoxton Underbelly on Saturday below:

Shine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leztQmhzOvc

Love on Top

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKJXwXLNSzs

Warrior Woman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJWXExIIkGY

Also, check out J Marie’s hot vocals on her collaboration with rapper Tricker Success “Solomon’s Temple.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkP2JhquF2M

Connect with J Marie:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/j_mariecooper

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/J-Marie-Cooper/25603143939

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/jmariecoopermusic

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/jmariecoopermusic

Tumblr: http://jmariecooperofficial.tumblr.com

Artistto: artist.to/jmariecooper

Myspace: www.myspace.com/jmariecooper

BRIT Awards Nominations Launch 2012

BRIT Awards Launch 2012 

Where: The Savoy Hotel, London

When: Thursday 12^th January

What: The BRIT Awards Launch 2012

So what happens at a music industry awards launch party...

You mingle, you mix, you drink complimentary wine and have a good time.

Throw in some live music from some of this year’s hopefuls and of course the all important unveiling of the nominees.

So here it is in pictures!

Launch host Greg  James invites us to say hello to this year’s returning host James Corden.  Or is it...He sure has slimmed down!

Chat with last year’s “Critics’ Choice Award” winner Jessie J about how her year has been since winning the award and about the influence and importance of BRIT School in her life and career.

Jessie J hands over the “Critics’ Choice Award” to this year’s winner, the fabulous Emeli Sandé.

 

The first of two performances of the night came from Emeli Sandé who sang her next single, the soulful “Next To Me.”.

Ed Sheeran performs “Give Me Love” from his BRIT nominated debut album “+”

Click here to watch the performance on the Official BRIT Awards website:

www.brits.co.uk/britstv/2012-ed-sheeran-give-me-love-live

 

This year’s BRIT Awards will be held at London’s O2 Arena on 21^st February.

Public show only tickets are on sale here:
www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/3500473EA94A5A83?did=ukbamcbcuk&brand=uk_brits

Performers on the night will be:

Blur

Coldplay

Rihanna

Florence and the Machine

Noel Gallagher

Adele

Ed Sheeran

Bruno Mars

Follow the latest BRIT Awards updates:

Official website: www.thebrits.co.uk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BRIT_Awards

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialBRITs

The BRIT Awards 2012 Nominations List

BRITISH MALE SOLO ARTIST

Ed Sheeran Atlantic Records / Warner Music

James Blake Polydor / Universal Music

James Morrison Island / Universal Music

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Sour Mash / Sour Mash

Professor Green Virgin / EMI Music

BRITISH FEMALE SOLO ARTIST

Adele XL Recordings / XL Beggars

Florence & The Machine Island / Universal Music

Jessie J Island / Lava / Universal Music

Kate Bush Fish People / EMI Music

Laura Marling Virgin / EMI Music

BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH ACT

Top five selected by Voting Academy. Category promoted by BBC Radio 1.

Anna Calvi Domino Records / Domino Records

Ed Sheeran Atlantic Records / Warner Music

Emeli Sandé Virgin / EMI Music

Jessie J Island / Lava / Universal Music

The Vaccines Columbia / Sony Music

BRITISH GROUP

Top five selected by Voting Academy. Category promoted by BBC Radio 2.

Arctic Monkeys Domino Records / Domino Records

Chase & Status Mercury / Universal Music

Coldplay Parlophone / EMI Music

Elbow Polydor / Universal Music

Kasabian Columbia / Sony Music

BRITISH SINGLE

Top ten British singles based on commercial radio airplay and sales in the

calendar year are automatically nominated. Promoted by Capital FM and

iTunes, listeners and users will vote for their favourite single of the year.

Adele Someone Like You XL Recordings / XL Beggars

Ed Sheeran The A Team Atlantic Records / Warner Music

Example Changed The Way You Kissed Me Ministry Of Sound

Jessie J Ft B.o.B. Price Tag Island / Lava / Universal Music

JLS Ft Dev She Makes Me Wanna Epic / Sony Music

Military Wives / Gareth Malone

Wherever You Are Decca / Universal Music

Olly Murs Ft Rizzle Kicks Heart Skips A Beat Epic / Sony Music

One Direction What Makes You Beautiful Syco Music / Sony Music

Pixie Lott All About Tonight Mercury / Universal Music

The Wanted Glad You Came Global Talent / Island / Universal Music

MASTERCARD BRITISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Supported by The Sun Bizarre Column and ITV1’s Daybreak.

Adele 21 XL Recordings XL / Beggars

Coldplay Mylo Xyloto Parlophone / EMI Music

Ed Sheeran + Atlantic Records / Warner Music

Florence & The Machine Ceremonials Island / Universal Music

PJ Harvey Let England Shake Island / Universal Music

INTERNATIONAL MALE SOLO ARTIST

Aloe Blacc Epic / Sony Music

Bon Iver 4AD / XL Beggars

Bruno Mars Atlantic Records / Warner Music

David Guetta Positiva / Virgin / EMI Music

Ryan Adams Columbia / Sony Music

INTERNATIONAL FEMALE SOLO ARTIST

Beyoncé Columbia / Sony Music

Björk One Little Indian / One Little Indian

Feist Polydor / Universal Music

Lady Gaga Polydor / Universal Music

Rihanna Mercury / Universal Music

INTERNATIONAL GROUP

Fleet Foxes Bella Union / Bella Union

Foo Fighters RCA / Sony Music

Jay Z / Kanye West Mercury / Universal Music

Lady Antebellum Capitol / EMI Music

Maroon 5 Polydor / Universal Music

INTERNATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH ACT

Aloe Blacc Epic / Sony Music

Bon Iver 4AD / XL Beggars

Foster The People Columbia / Sony Music

Lana Del Rey Polydor / Universal Music

Nicki Minaj Island / Universal Music

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC AWARD

Blur EMI Music

CRITICS’ CHOICE

In association with War Child. Identified by a panel made up of media music critics.

1st - Emeli Sandé Virgin / EMI Music

2nd - Maverick Sabre Mercury / Universal Music

3rd - Michael Kiwanuka Polydor / Universal Music

BRITISH PRODUCER

Paul Epworth

Flood

Ethan Johns

This year's BRIT Award statue is designed by Peter Blake.

But who will join Emeli Sande and Blur and become a proud owner of one?