Editors' Picks

Billy Ocean has been back in the mainstream public eye more and more over the last few years, making regular radio appearances and still performing his hits around the world.

Ireland can be proud of its contribution to popular music, not just the superpower of bands like U2, but with a huge range of tradition, pop and more eclectic artists, there is a new wave of excitement being created through talented artists who are being given opportunities to showcase their undoubtable talents.

Seafret are a London based Indie-pop duo Jack Sedman and Harry Draper. Originating from Bridlington, their name reflects their closeness to one of England’s coastal towns. Since their first EP release in 2014 they have been consistent in their production of songs that are growing them a loyal army of fans around the UK. 

With four previous UK number ones, an impressive total of 67 weeks in the UK top 10 over their four decade career and over 100 million records sold worldwide, the Pet Shop Boys need little introduction.

British rap has evolved steadily over the last 40 years and is more mainstream now than ever. It's getting young people into a genre of music that they can really relate to.

What's not to like about David Keenan. His journey into music is something of fairy tales - running away from his home in Dundalk in Ireland at the tender age of 17 to find the ‘disappeared’ in Liverpool.

We all want to start the New Year happy, so Oh Wonder’s new release would be the perfect place to start. The alternative pop duo of Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht have released some awesome tracks since their first EP in 2015.

Hannah Grace could soon be ruling the music world with beauty in her music. 

You may not have heard the name of Camden Cox before, but this London based singer is about to get a lot of attention for her style, vocal delivery and natural talent.

The resurgence of folk music, thanks largely to bands like Mumford and Sons and artists such as Ben Howard, has opened the door to many new talents who can now commercially make inroads into the music industry.

If you’re going to have music with rap in it, you have to be able to show passion and anger, and not just with the vocal line - it has to come through all of the musicianship.

With Nomeansno now officially retired, Fugazi on indefinite hiatus and Sonic Youth extremely unlikely to tour again after the acrimonious marital split of Kim and Thurston there’s very slim pickings, gig wise, for those of us Generation X’ers with an affinity for US post-hardcore, indie, noise rock.

Upcoming Irish singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill impressed a London audience on Thursday, marking her final performance of 2019. After a successful year - including opening stadium shows for the legendary Sir Tom Jones, playing at key UK country music festivals (British Country Music Festival, Country 2 Country, Body & Soul) her fans seemed keen for her closing headlining gig at The 229 Venue.

Lana Del Rey finished her USA fall tour on Tuesday night supported by a range of special guests, including Lukas Nelson (son of the great Willie Nelson), former The Walkman frontman Hamilton Leithauser, Nikki Lane and Lissie; the acts were seemingly included to suit the Nashville music culture and crowd, adding a little extra spark and interest to the show. This ultimately invoked a country theme for the event, which seemed to favor the city's music scene. 

Last night I caught up with Olivia Jean at Rough Trade NYC. Well known for her previous lead role with Garage goth band The Black Belles, who were formed by Jack White in 2009, the alt-rock artist has now started to establish herself as a solo act.

On October 25th, we attended Willie Jones’ performance as part of his UK tour supporting Michael Ray. Performing a blend of Country, soul and hip-hop, there’s definitely plenty to talk about this singer from Shreveport, Louisiana.

This Monday we caught up with Nashville-based country band Old Dominion in Manchester. Over the last few years, they’ve made several appearances in the UK, including performing with Thomas Rhett, playing at the Country to Country Festival as well as their UK tour last November. Now it seems they have established their name firmly in the UK country scene, seeing the sizeable number of fans that turned up in support of this band. In this review I have included the songs that made the biggest impression on me.

Irish Country artist Megan O’neill is about to release her latest single “Rootless” on October 25th. The song is from her forthcoming album. 

Brighton-based indie up and comers Penelope Isles released their long-awaited debut album Until The Tide Creeps In through Bella Union this month.

Icelandic folk pop sensations Of Monsters And Men are back with their long-awaited third studio album Fever Dream, and while it’s tremendous to have them back, it’s a very different band we welcome into the limelight this time round. 

Last Thursday we attended Michaela Anne's first UK headlining show at The Islingon in London. Having already eased her way into a UK audience the previous night supporting Madeline Orange solo at The Islington Assembly Hall - this was her time to shine with a full band behind her.

This Eternal Life is the fourth album release by multi-instrumentalist James Parkinson, who goes by the name of One Cure For Man.

Nashville based country star Michaela Anne was part of the lineup of the AmericanaFest, which took part in London this week.

This week we caught up with Alt Rock/Grunge band Slothrust at the Deaf Institute in Manchester, Wednesday 23rd.

After a few listens to Revelation, most listeners can find that the album does not always follow the pure reggae sound, as it is influenced by other genres, and hence results in a very unique sound. The work of Lee “Scratch” Perry is one of its own, with no similar record we can compare it to.

The Darkness is a british hard rock band, influenced by the glam-rock genre in their usage of distorted guitars, power chords, blazing solos and a focus on the vocal side of the music in most of their pieces.

The talented singer, songwriter and producer, has released a new single titled “Anybody out There” as of the 7th December. The song features strong themes of love, and other people’s company, sometimes even what happens when these things are missing.

White Lies, the post-punk English band, known for the successful “To Lose my Life” record, and their follow-up “Ritual.”, have very recently released a new single for their upcoming album “Five”, expected to be released on February, 2019.

South African groove-rockers' concept album tells the story of life over the last two years as one of their country’s hardest working bands.

The Australian country star Morgan Evans is increasing his traction obtained by his acclaimed record “Things that we drink to”, released in October 2018, with a series of new intimate sets called “Highway 1 Sessions.” The song “Young Again” was released as of 5 Dec 2018. 

Last week, the well-known British alternative rock band released their third studio album after a couple of months teasing the aesthetic and some singles from the album on their social media.

During their latest tour, we caught up with the popular roots-rock sisters, Larkin Poe. On a cold Wednesday night in Islington, it soon became clear there was heated interest in the rock duo with the length of the queue alone; it was also quite an impressive venue too!

It’s been half a decade since 1990s grunge icons Alice In Chains (AIC) released an album. But, as with most good things in life, it’s absolutely worth the wait. And as a reward for our patience, the band has given us another music video, this time for their track Never Fade.

J KEYS is continuing his rise in the UK dance scene with the release of his latest single ‘Mad About You’ and a series of fresh remixes that are already gaining international support, from Ibiza sunsets to deep house DJ sets. With a growing reputation as both a producer and DJ, he’s taken full creative control by releasing music through his own label, Money Music Group, a move that reflects his focus on artistic freedom and independence.

John Blaylock arrives with the kind of story that mirrors the songs he writes, rich in experience, grounded in his Manchester roots, and shaped by a lifelong belief in the power of music to connect people. A fresh voice in the lineage of northern songwriting that includes Noel Gallagher, Tim Burgess and Paul Heaton, Blaylock’s debut album Sounds of the Dreadnought feels anything but tentative.

Paris-born and Los Angeles-based artist Chloe Trujillo is stepping into a new chapter with the release of her independent solo EP Rebirth. The project arrived March 5 along with a video for the song “Lies,” marking another milestone in a creative career that spans music, visual art, and design.

With the expanded Deluxe Edition of The Bridge out now, The Grahams are revisiting what has become one of the most personal chapters of their career. The record sees the husband-and-wife duo, Alyssa Graham and Doug Graham, digging deep into themes of love, memory, family and the passage of time, while the new edition adds fresh material including the latest single “Worst Parts of Me.”

Arriving alongside a new video for “Georgette” and ahead of a UK headline tour kicking off this month, the release offers a fuller look at the stories behind the album and the life the pair have built together through decades of music. In this interview, The Grahams talk about the inspiration behind the new songs, the realities of writing and touring as a couple, and why The Bridge represents their most honest work to date.

Fresh off the release of their new single The Afterglow, London-based rock collective KillerStar are riding a wave of creative momentum. Featuring musicians closely associated with David Bowie and building a reputation for electrifying live performances, the band are gearing up for the release of their second album this March, alongside a run of headline shows at the legendary 100 Club.

We caught up with the band to talk about the inspiration behind the new track, the shape of the upcoming record, and what fans can expect next.

Following the release of her powerful new single “Hurricane” and ahead of a landmark performance at Principality Stadium during the Six Nations, Molly reflects on the inspiration behind the song, the influence of her Welsh roots, and the moments that have shaped her journey so far.

The Great Emu War Casualties have just released their new single, Donut, ahead of their debut album, Public Sweetheart No.1. Known for their blend of art-rock grooves, introspective lyrics, and playful humour, the Australian four-piece are carving out a space all their own in the indie scene. Vocalist and guitarist Joe Jackson spoke to us about the inspiration behind Donut, the creative process behind the album, and how their international experiences shaped the sound of the record.

Composer Ilan Eshkeri is set to tour the UK this summer with Space Station Earth, a powerful live work shaped by real footage filmed aboard the International Space Station and inspired by conversations with astronauts, including British ESA astronaut Tim Peake.

Now, with The Light At The Top Of The Stairs, the band return with what feels like their most reflective and emotionally direct record to date. Ahead of its release on April 10th, we spoke to the band about the long road to making the album, the stories behind its songs, and what keeps them moving forward after 17 years together.

In our conversation he shares the evolution of his craft, the artists who first lit the spark and why he has never been more excited for what comes next.

With his new album Artifact out today, Parov marked the moment with the release of his genre bending single Rebel Love, a track that blends classical strings, electronic energy and a surge of emotion. Known for building entire artistic worlds through sound and visuals, he reflects on the inspiration behind his music, the cinematic universe he creates by hand, and the personal themes that shaped the album he spent six years crafting. We caught up with him to ask a few more questions.

Widely celebrated as one of the finest country-rock and rockabilly players of all time, Lee’s dazzling speed, melodic touch, and inventive style have earned him the nickname “Mr. Telecaster.” Over the decades, he has worked alongside an extraordinary roster of artists including Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, the Everly Brothers, and Jerry Lee Lewis, to name just a few. From session work in London’s 1960s scene to gracing some of the biggest stages in the world, his career spans both legendary collaborations and acclaimed solo projects. When he visited Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, we had the privilege of sitting down with him to talk about his remarkable journey, his craft, and the stories behind the strings.

Glasgow-based alt-pop trio Pistol Daisys are carving out their own lane with a sound that blends disco sparkle, indie edge, and pop immediacy. Their new single “Honey,” paired with the darker B-side “Wolves,” highlights both their versatility and their knack for turning personal stories into bold, relatable anthems. With roots in Scotland’s vibrant music scene and influences ranging from Fleetwood Mac to ABBA, the band have already lit up festival stages like Belladrum and are set to take their high-energy performances across Europe later this year.

After turning heads with their debut EP You Shine The Sun — a sun-soaked blend of ‘70s country-rock warmth and power-pop sparkle — The Sons Of Guns are back with their new irresistibly feel-good single I Got It Right. Known for their knack for making fresh songs feel like instant old favourites, the Nice-based quintet have picked up admirers from Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse Hughes to BBC Radio London’s Gary Crowley, and even found themselves sharing stages with Rick Astley and Joss Stone.

Utah Saints have long been pioneers in the UK electronic music scene, blending rave, rock, and soul into genre-defining anthems since the early '90s. From chart hits like “Something Good” to remixing everyone from Kate Bush to Justice, their legacy is firmly cemented — but it's their commitment to the grassroots that keeps them truly grounded. One such connection is with the fiercely independent Beat-Herder Festival, where they've not only played but also helped shape the experience behind the scenes. We caught up with Jez from Utah Saints at this year’s festival to chat about their long-standing bond with Beat-Herder, what’s been keeping them busy, and why supporting independent music culture matters more than ever.

You can also watch the interview below.

Australian-born country artist Shea Fisher is back and making waves with her latest single, “Ow in Cowboy,” a fiery, fun collaboration with longtime friend and country hitmaker Walker Hayes. Released on August 4, the track marks a bold return for Fisher, blending her rodeo roots with modern country flair. In this exclusive Q&A, Shea opens up about the inspiration behind the song, reconnecting with her musical passion, and how life, love, and a little Texas grit continue to shape her journey.

Amidst the rolling hills of Lancashire, Beat-Herder Festival once again delivered its signature blend of dance music, good vibes, and unforgettable memories. Among the weekend’s standout acts were legendary dance outfit K-Klass, who lit up the main stage with a set that fused nostalgia with fresh energy, plus a high-octane DJ set in the woods. Best known for timeless anthems like Rhythm Is A Mystery and Let Me Show You, the group has been a driving force in UK dance music since the early ’90s.

We caught up with them backstage ahead of their performance to chat about their deep connection to the festival, new projects in the pipeline, and the love they continue to feel from fans after all these years.

You can also watch the full interview below.

With her new album Pure Good Vibes arriving this Friday, genre-blending singer-songwriter Ada Morghe is ready to share a sonic love letter to transformation, healing, and the energy of simply being present. Born from an unexpected creative awakening on a trip to Jamaica with producer Livingstone Brown, the record is as much about rhythm and connection as it is about soul-searching honesty. From intimate tracks like “Amin Bird” and “Shadow” to joyous collaborations with legends like Maxi Priest and Makoto, Ada’s new project is a vibrant blend of emotion, groove, and purpose. We caught up with her ahead of the release to talk inspiration, dream collabs, touring with Billy Ocean — and why this album might be her most personal yet.

After two decades away from songwriting, Canadian artist Andrew Spice returns with “Gentle Sentinel,” a hauntingly beautiful ballad dedicated to his late cat, Bea. More than just a tribute, the song marks the emotional rekindling of a creative fire that had long been dormant. What began as a simple one-minute songwriting prompt from his friend and fellow musician Emm Gryner blossomed into a stirring, piano-led piece featuring Grammy-nominated string arranger Drew Jurecka. With Bea as both muse and emotional anchor, “Gentle Sentinel” captures the profound, often unspoken love between humans and their animal companions—a love that quietly carries us through grief, healing, and life’s most intimate moments.

With a sound rooted in classic rock and storytelling that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, Leonie Jakobi is making waves with their new single, “I Deserve to Shine.” A high-energy, old-school rock ‘n’ roll anthem, the track is an empowering declaration of self-worth and resilience. But this is just the beginning—there’s much more to come, including a debut album later this year that promises to bring the spirit of Springsteen-esque live energy to listeners everywhere.

Maisy is an artist whose storytelling and raw emotion have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. With her recent two-part EP Wonderlust making waves and an exciting UK tour alongside Jamie Miller on the horizon, she is tipped to become one of the next big household names in music. We caught up with Maisy to talk about her latest projects, dream collaborations, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Jon Allen is kicking off 2025 with a bang. With his new album Seven Dials on the horizon and the recent release of his gripping single White Gold, the British singer-songwriter is ready to take his cinematic, story-driven sound to the stage. Rooted in the dark, atmospheric history of London’s underbelly, Seven Dials promises to be his most immersive work yet. We caught up with Jon to talk about the inspiration behind his latest tracks, the excitement of touring with The Luna Kings, and what’s next on his journey.

Harleymoon Kemp returns with a new upbeat country-pop anthem, ‘Back in Tennessee’. An exciting name in UK country music, her rich musical heritage is undeniable. Her father is Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp, her mother Shirlie Kemp rose to fame with Pepsi & Shirlie and Wham!, and both Harleymoon and her brother Roman are godchildren to the late George Michael. Over the past few years, Harleymoon has been making her own mark on the country music scene, performing at sold-out shows, securing prominent festival slots, and hosting popular events.

In this exclusive interview, we ask Bailey Tomkinson & The Locals to dive into the inspiration behind the latest single, "Chrysalis," and how it symbolises a personal journey of transformation. Bailey opens up about her creative process, the joys of collaborating with renowned producer Ian Barter, and how her evolution from solo artist to band leader has shaped her sound. She also reflects on what it means to be compared to iconic artists like Taylor Swift and Daisy Jones & The Six, while staying true to her roots in Cornwall's vibrant "Kernowfornia" music scene. From performing at major festivals to intimate gigs, Bailey shares the magic of live shows and what fans can expect from The Locals' upcoming performance.

With her signature Oklahoma twang and gripping storytelling, Kaitlin Butts has been steadily gaining momentum in the country music scene, amassing millions of monthly listeners on Spotify and earning praise from critics who believe she deserves even greater recognition. Rolling Stone describes her latest album as "unafraid to test boundaries."

This summer, she took the stage at major festivals like Lollapalooza and Under the Big Sky, and is currently touring the U.S. with Dierks Bentley. Next week, she’s set to join Flatland Cavalry for a UK tour. I caught up with Kaitlin to delve deeper into her journey and what’s next. Also, listen below.

The internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, House Gospel Choir, is celebrating a decade of groundbreaking music with the release of their highly anticipated second album. Leading the charge is the uplifting and soulful track "GLOW," featuring collaborations with Rudimental and Afronaut Zu. Released today, August 9th, under the newly launched label Swear Down Music by the Choir's founder and Creative Director, Natalie Maddix, "GLOW" exemplifies the group's signature blend of beats and bass with powerful vocal harmonies.

Venbee is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter whose dance and electronic music, with drum and bass influences, has appealed to millions of listeners. Venbee's breakthrough single "Messy In Heaven" achieved several prominent positions on UK charts and became a hit on the UK dance music scene, spending fifteen weeks at No. 1 on the UK Dance Singles Chart. More recently, she was nominated for a 2024 Brit Award and has accumulated over 200 million streams on Spotify.

Performing at this year's Beat-Herder Festival in the penultimate slot before Sunday's headline act on the main stage, Giz from Music Talkers had the chance to chat with her backstage. Watch the full interview below.

"Love War" marks Fiaa Hamilton's debut as a fully-formed artist. Set against a backdrop of dramatic, full-intensity electro-tinged pop, her voice exudes a finesse that instantly feels like an old favorite. With a compelling backstory, Fiaa has plenty of tales to tell.

Cassa Jackson is an independent artist who demonstrates that rising artists can carve out a name for themselves and achieve significant success without major backing. With 15 million streams under her belt and notable performances at venues like Wembley Arena, as well as opening for The Jacksons, things are certainly looking up for the artist. With a new single just released, I caught up with Cassa to ask her a few more questions.

Harleymoon Kemp, a fixture in the UK country music scene, has roots in a renowned musical lineage. Her father, Martin, is known as a member of Spandau Ballet, and her godfather was the late George Michael. Despite these connections, she modestly remains firmly grounded in her country roots. Today, she unveils her newest single, 'What Good Looks Like'. 

Today, Maya Lane unveils her latest folk-pop infused single, 'Heart for a Heart,' marking another milestone in her career. Positioned as the UK's answer to the illustrious pop/country crossover stars of the US, Lane has been steadily carving her path in the industry. With her music already gracing the airwaves of BBC Radio 1 and earning accolades from major press outlets, she has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with. With these achievements in mind, we seized the opportunity to delve deeper into Lane's artistry and aspirations in an interview.

Millie Manders and The Shutup, the cross-genre punk phenomenon, are gearing up for a season of music releases and live performances. Ahead of their double AA-side 7” single release and UK tour, culminating in a highly-anticipated London gig on May 16th, we caught up with Millie Manders to delve deeper into their upcoming projects and plans.

Karley Scott Collins has recently unveiled her newest single, "Marlboro Reds". Building on this latest release, she unmistakably infuses this country tune with a rockier edge, fuelled by her soulful and gritty energy. Hailing from Florida, she has earned a spot in CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2024, solidifying her status as one of the most promising emerging female artists. As Karley gears up for her upcoming European tour next month, including a debut at the C2C Festival, we were intrigued to learn more about her artistic journey.

Corey Kent, originally from Oklahoma and now based in Texas, is a rising star in the country music scene. With over 625 million career streams and a Platinum selling status, Kent is gathering momentum with both industry insiders and fans alike. In 2023, he earned recognition as a CMT Listen Up Artist and was named a Pandora Artist to Watch. He also secured spots in The Opry Next Stage Class of 2023 and the Sirius XM Class of 2022. His impressive achievements include a nomination for the AIMP Nashville Country Awards in the category of AIMP Rising Artist-Writer of the Year.

KillerStar seamlessly merges elements of modern and classic rock to craft a distinctive sound characterized by sophisticated harmonies, infectious hooks, and hints of art rock. Their latest album showcases a collection of unforgettable tracks that marry crunchy guitars with layered synths, gripping vocals, and dreamy harmonies.

Billboard charting Chapman Stick® artist Michael Kollwitz has recently shared his new compilation LP, "Best of Serenity," a remaster from his award-winning trilogy of "Serenity" albums.