Every time I see live music, I get inspired to sit down and book tickets for upcoming gigs. But something always gets in the way, and then suddenly it's been 2 months since I've been to a concert. The other issue is that in a city like London, there is simply too much on - how could you possibly filter it all without losing your resolve and heading for the pub instead?
Enter Songkick. A long-time favourite among iPhone users, Songkick has just arrived for Android.
The app's magic is that it's personal. It scans your phone's music library notes your location, and within minutes you have a list of upcoming concerts by artists you already enjoy listening to. The service also works with your favourite artists from Spotify, Last.fm, Pandora (for US users), and Facebook. Without it Zoe Keating's upcoming show would have passed me by.
The app integrates some key features of gig-going: booking tickets and finding the venue. Songkick pulls in ticket data from WeGotTickets and lets you book from within the app. Unfortunately the ticket-booking interface is clunky, but it performs its function.
Songkick also requires you to log in if you want to save your 'calendar' of upcoming events and share your gigs via social media.
The only downside is that while the app may be free, it's likely you'll spend a good chunk of money on concert tickets. But better that than buying yet another round at the same old pub.
