New Music: Strange Talk

This Aussie outfit have had the Kitsuné seal of approval, which means they’re not only super cool but super talented too. Think fast pop with that rock band kinda vibe. Check out here.

New Music: Shayfer James

Darkly Poetic and theatrically quirky music. Listen to the track below or check out here.

MP3: Shayfer James – Siren Song

New Music: GROUPLOVE

A bit late on catching this one, voted #10 in NME’s best new bands of 2010, I only stumbled across their song ‘Colours’ yesterday. Chirpy, fast rock with a Californian vibe. Check out here.

New Music: Itaal Shur

This is the dude who wrote the Grammy-winning “Smooth,” which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and is the 2nd most successful song of all time on the Billboard Charts. “After years of success in servicing the needs of the pop music market, it was time to create a record that expresses the deeper essence of who I am right now.” Check out a couple of tracks below (Darkside is gorgeous) and go to his Myspace!

MP3: Itaal Shur – Darkside

MP3: Itaal Shur – 2 B Loved

New Music: TINA

Ringo Starr’s called TINA (I don’t know why it’s all in capitals…)  “THE TablaGirl!”. I think she’s pretty good. I’ve only heard one song from this poppy, urban, dance, bollywood, R&B siren but so far but I’m impressed. Check out her super sexy, polished song featuring Fat Joe below and go to the website!

MP3: TINA feat Fat Joe – So Good

New Music: The Boxettes

These are The Boxettes. Breaking from the norm, this is a a group of young ladies who do all sorts of things with their mouths that end up being amazing a’cappella tracks. I don’t see them as breaking the charts with their talent, but seeing just how prolific other young British a’cappella bands are doing out there (The Magnets) are becoming, they could be ones to watch! Check out here.

New Music: Star Slinger

Clean-cut, stylish, laid-back soul tracks re-worked to make new sounds. Think a cross between Kidda mixed with that Pogo guy. Check out here.

New Music: Garçon Garçon

Pretty electropop by a couple of very pretty Aussies. ‘Combining new wave synths with a unique ’80s feeel and a dash of blatant pop, Garçon Garçon write intelligent songs with catchy hooks. Coming from different musical worlds of classical and punk rock, the duo conjure a sound as complex as it is podium busting.’ Check out here.

New Music: The Ultra Girls

When can you every get enough of girl bands? Never! That’s what I think anyway. But you do see a lot of awful acts out there pretending they’re Girls Aloud before they’ve even managed to string a harmony together. But I like The Ultra Girls because they can string a harmony together, and they look like loads of fun. ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ sounds really good. Definitely looking forward to hearing more from these ladies! Check out here.

New Music: Encore

Three London boys making fresh grime/ hip hop/ rnb. I’ve got a feeling these kids will be one of the big ones to watch for 2011. Check out here.

New Music: James Vincent McMorrow

This is pure, haunting, sexy music.  Listening to ‘If I Had A Boat’ made my heart melt. Check out here.

New Music: The Tunics

I’m not usually a fan of indie man bands but these guys are pretty interesting. ‘Low’ is a lush bit of music. Check out here.

New Music: Max Gold

Having collaborated with the Invisible Men to lend his amazing skills to their productions for I Blame Coco and Gabriella Cilmi, he is now leaving the booth behind to emerge from the shadows of the studio. Taking the films he grew up with as inspiration and armed with a keytar, laptop and an all girl band, having created & self-produced a collection of distinctive songs: a smooth darkness underlying his unique combination of shimmering synths and style.
Max has been making music his whole life. Now he’s ready for the world. Invest in Gold. Check out here.

MP3: Max Gold – Hold On

BBC Sound of 2011 list revealed

This is always an exciting bit of news every year for me. The ‘BBC Sound’ poll is often the most accurate forecaster for next year’s biggest music acts, having predicted 50 Cent, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mika and Little Boots as ones to watch in the past. Visit the website here for more info. Full list is:

I’ve managed to clock 6 of those in the last year… not bad going if I do say so myself! The top five will be revealed in the week commencing 3 January.

New Music: Treefight for Sunlight

Danish indie/pop sound, reminiscent of 60’s psychedelic. Check out here.

New Music: Ace Reporter

The first song I’ve heard from Ace Reporter, ‘Untouched and Arrived’ got me hooked within seconds of playing. It’s got a folky, poppy, indie kind of vibe happening, but sounds so good without trying hard. Check out here, or download the free EP, ‘Untouched and Arrived’ here. If there’s one thing you must do right now at the very least though, it’s to give ‘ Caught In The Middle’ a listen. It’s my favourite song right now.

New Music: Mr Fogg

This video was done on a shoestring budget in one take apparently. Very good. And the song is lovely. Go Mr Fogg! Check out here.