John Grant & next big thing Holly Macve perform at the brilliant De La Warr Pavilion

Sometimes it’s nice to step out of Brighton for a concert and a change of scenery, and we’re spoilt for choice here with the ever-improving range of events on offer in surrounding towns. Melting Vinyl’s mission to bring more people to Eastbourne is laudable (how I would have loved to have seen bands like Beirut and Animal Collective in my hometown when I was a nipper!) and I’ve been to fantastic exhibitions and shows in Bexhill’s De La Warr Pavilion too. Next Thursday, DLWP host John Grant with support from Bella Union label mate Holly Macve.

BRIT award winner John Grant broke through in a big way in the UK with 2013’s introspective ‘Pale Green Ghosts’ album. Last year’s ‘Grey Tickles, Black Pressure’ was sunnier & funkier but similarly acclaimed for its strong songwriting and sense of humour. If you haven’t heard him yet, he’s well worth checking out for fans of clearly discernible lyrics who like some wry confessional observations along and a funny turn of phrase.

Bella Union boss Simon Raymonde discovered Holly Macve in a basement bar in Brighton last year and promptly signed her up, while Grant invited her to open for him on his UK tour after five minutes of hearing her voice. Stream her track ‘Fear’ in a Mahogany Session on YouTube to hear what it sounds like yourself: to my ears it has a Mazzy Star wooziness about it, meeting Marissa Nadler with a country twang. Take some time off work if you can, get down to Bexhill early to browse DLWP’s exhibitions and then relax at this singer-songwriter double bill.

John Grant & Holly Macve, De La Warr Pavilion, Thurs 28 July, 7.30pm, £25, dlwp.com, 01424 229111