Dua Lipa - Gorilla, Manchester

The cafe/bar/venue Gorilla in Manchester attracts new artists who are destined to become big acts in the future.

You might not have heard of the name Dua Lipa but this London based female singer who co writes her pop tracks has been heard many times recently with her song on the radio Hotter Than Hell and her new single Blow Your Mind.

The drums play quite an important part of the aforementioned songs so it was comforting to see that her 3 piece band included a drummer who brought the rhythm of her tracks to life in a live context.

She has a lot more quality tracks up her sleeve besides the singles already released: Bad Together and Last Dance sound just as good.

She decides to invite 2 fans to join her on stage to sing Blow Your Mind with her. It might sound like a good idea but it distracted the focus away from her. Mind you, it still sounded like one of the best pop tracks you will hear all year.

Reminding me of a cross between Rita Ora and Lily Allen, Lupa has a strong identity both vocally and visually and a captivating stage presence.

"This is my first sound out show, Manchester" she informs the 500 strong audience. She was suffering from what sounded like a throat infection but her voice still sounded as strong as ever "I want to give you my best" she apologises to the fans.

Be The One, her uplifting European hit brought the 45 minute set to a close, but it was not long before she was back on stage to perform Hotter Than Hell, her big hit from earlier this year.

"I hope I made your night because you certainly made mine" she offers before she departs the stage. It felt like you had witnessed an artist who has been doing this beyond her young years.

The album released early next year will hopefully establish her and bring her success.