June 27, 2010 12:24

MIA and Interpol make live returns at New York's Creators Project event

Gang Gang Dance and The Rapture also play at the city-based festival

Photo Gallery: MIA
Photo: Pieter M Van Hattem

MIA surprised fans with a secret show at New York's Milk Studios complex last night (June 26).

The Sri Lankan-born singer appeared at Creators Project, a multimedia art show organised by Vice magazine to showcase some of the world's most cutting-edge audio/visual artists across a number of different spaces.

MIA was only confirmed to be playing on the day of the event and appeared on stage in front of a crowd of around 1500 fans.

Backed with a crew of dancers and hype men, MIA opened the set with a bass heavy rendition of 'Born Free', complete with scenes from Romain Gavras' controversial video playing on a screen behind her.

The lack of stage elevation made it difficult for many at the back of the room to see her, leading to the crowd thinning out gradually during her 50-minute set.

Those who did stay were treated to a selection of new songs from her forthcoming album 'Maya', as well as classics such as 'Galang' and an extended version of 'Paper Planes', which closed the set.

Earlier in the evening, Gang Gang Dance got the crowd dancing before hometown band The Rapture took to the stage.

Luke Jenner's punk-funk outfit played a set including hits such as 'House Of The Jealous Lovers' and 'Get Myself Into It', but included no new songs from their upcoming fourth album in the set.

Following the gig, frontman Jenner told NME that the sessions for the record are complete and it should be out by early 2011.

Fellow New Yorkers Interpol also took to the stage at the show, playing live for the first time with new members Dave Pajo on bass and Secret Machines singer Brandon Curtis on keyboards. The pair were drafted in earlier this month following the departure of original bassist Carlos Dengler.

Along with fan favourites 'PDA' and 'Obstacle 1', the set included three new songs from her forthcoming fourth self-titled album - 'Success', 'Summer Well' and recent free download track 'Lights'.

Interpol played:

'Success'
'Evil'
'Say Hello To The Angels'
'Summer Well'
'Narc'
'Lights'
'Mammoth'
'PDA'
'Slow Hands'
'Obstacle 1'
'Not Even Jail'