Macklemore & Ryan Lewis hold a singular place in both the Pacific Northwest and beyond, emerging as a premier American hip-hop group with numerous career highlights to their name. A genuine lyricist and an electrifying live performer, Macklemore, with his producer Ryan Lewis, have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. The duo has generated undeniable momentum with Macklemore’s feature on the cover of XXL’s Freshman Class of 2012, along with a highly anticipated full-length album and accompanying world tour.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ combined sound is well recognised worldwide, having created their own sub-genre distinctive for its truthful lyricism and expertly crafted composition. Their work has impressed and inspired an army of listeners, particularly evident on the internet where Macklemore’s songs, videos and even fan-uploaded media have accumulated over twenty million views on YouTube. Crowd-favourite songs like “And We Danced” and “Irish Celebration” demonstrate Macklemore’s ability to please and entertain with relentlessly energetic showmanship.
Macklemore’s debut release in 2005, “Language of My World”, was well-received by critics and fans alike who noted Macklemore’s fresh insight and wit. After several subsequent years of artistic frustration, Macklemore made a commitment to a more focused and deep dedication to his music. The key component to this change was establishing a friendship and ongoing collaboration with Ryan Lewis, an accomplished artist in design, photography, and production, who also acts as Macklemore’s touring DJ. They released the VS EP in 2009 & VS Redux in 2010, the latter reaching #7 on the iTunes Hip Hop charts.
Throughout 2011 they released four highly successful singles, all accompanied by undeniable music videos. Also in 2011, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis sold-out two national tours packing houses in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and a three-night run at Seattle’s Showbox venue where 3,600 tickets sold out in less than 48 hours.
Perhaps the duo’s most notable success of 2011 was their performance at Bumbershoot Festival, where Macklemore & Ryan Lewis performed an extended set to 12,000 fans at Key Arena, unprecedented for a Seattle-based hip-hop artist. They also performed “My Oh My” at the Seattle Mariners home opener at Safeco Field for 48,000 people.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis will release their highly anticipated first full-length album later this year that promises to be their greatest showcase of musical versatility and best work to date. With a 65+ city world tour to support the release, the duo is set for remarkable new heights.
Dates:
London KCLSU – Monday 17th September
Manchester Deaf Institute – Tuesday 18th September
Tickets are available from www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051