So Jake Bugg performed at the Power Station, Auckland on Tuesday and like a total tit – I didn’t go. At the tender age of 19 Bugg has been making waves in Britain for a while with his retro country sound taking him to number one when his self-titled album dropped last October. It’s only recently, just in time for his Power Station gig, that New Zealand has started to take notice. With the help of the alluring single ‘Broken’ Bugg has hit the Top 40 in New Zealand currently sitting at No. 4. Despite foolishly not attending the gig last night I have seen plenty of his live sets online and my impressions match that of last night’s reviews. Short, no fuss, even less crowd interaction, but a sweet live appreciation of an artist who stands out from the dross we currently have in the top 40. A distinctive powerful voice, a confident guitar player, and mature songs coming out of his ears, Bugg could well be the voice of a generation.

His rise has been swift since his album dropped in October helped by singles ‘Trouble Town’, ‘Two Fingers’ and ‘Lightning Bolt’ – which is now used for the Gatorade sports drink advertisements, ka-ching! He has been on tours with the likes of Noel Gallagher and Snow Patrol as well as opening for the Stone Roses and The Rolling Stones all in the space of 7 months! His praises are being sung by fans, critics and fellow musicians alike and it seems there isn’t a thing he can do wrong. Influenced by Bob Dylan, Donovan, Hendrix, and Oasis he album has a fantastic mix of retro old school country/ rock and roll vibes with modern melody and guitar riffs which is reflected in his audience.

A 19-year-old musician in the top 40 would usually give you the image of someone in the shape of Justin Bieber, Olly Murs, or another pop prince reeking of hair gel and performing songs relating to teenagers only. Jake Bugg isn’t a performer, he’s the real deal writing his own songs that paint the images of being young while also possessing lyrics that show maturity beyond his years such as "They say you gotta tow the line, they want the water not the wine” and “Stuck in speed bump city, where the only thing that’s pretty, is the thought of getting out”. Basically you need to have a dip in his repertoire or better yet get his self-titled album which doesn’t have a bad tune on it.

With Bugg having such a unique sound in today’s music market it could potentially be restricting for him to develop and surprise listeners. Artists with particular sounds can often be too predictable and stick to the same formula so his next move will be an intriguing one. Nevertheless Bugg has introduced himself with great aplomb in both Britain and New Zealand and for all the right reasons of being a talented musician and songwriter. Give him a listen, catch the Bugg.