Music Blogging for dummies

I've been blogging for a while, I have been lucky enough to see my work published on various sites and I know how important it is to have clear and compelling content. I thought I'd put together some key tips for new bloggers to follow and hopefully lead to a happy and successful blogging career.

Don't plagerise - this might seem like an obvious one but remember, the Internet is a clever and unforgiving place. The music blog network is a close knit one, stab a blogger in the back and ye shall feel their wrath. Sure, by all means get inspiration for subject (artists and bands) but don't be that blogger that was 'too tired' to be creative.

On the note BE CREATIVE. Don't regurgitate a press release. Tell a story and keep your audience wanting more. In that same vein, don't write 50 words and expect to blow someone's mind.

Don't over-complicate - at the end of the day, you are trying to say "hey! listen to this amazing new band". You don't need to invent the words newest and most intricate vocabulary, it's likely to turn people off. It's about getting the balance of conversational, friendly and informative.

Try to use the piece to promote a record release or an up-coming tour. There's nothing more infuriating than reading about a band and not knowing when their debut single drops. Remember, only a small proportion of your audience will navigate from your page to find that artist. Spoon feeding is necessary. In other words, do the ground work.

As well as promoting the music, promote your blog. This is perhaps the most obvious one. Get yourself on Twitter and tweet a link to your newest piece mentioning the artist and/or record label. You never know where it may lead. You may hear nothing back, it may be retweeted by the artist, better still you might get followed by the artist and/or record label. You may then get hints and tip offs of new music, and then the cycle starts all over again.

Doe Paoro - Slow to Love

This piece was originally written for Eclectically Challenged

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, and if like me you chose to ignore the day and listen to My Bloody Valentine on repeat good on you! What you may want to consider instead is purchasing Doe Paoro‘s debut album Slow To Love, which is released on the same day. I like the record company’s thinking there.

You may presume that being released on Valentine’s Day means it’s a collection of love songs, well there is a romantic notion to them but with a bit of grit and truth bolstering up the track listing. Her fascinating vocal is inspired by her study of Lhamo. Lhamo is Tibetan Opera. It may sound like an odd or unusual concept but it makes her music totally mesmerizing. Her oddness can be seen in the video for standout track Born Whole, not odd in a Gaga way but odd in a Kate Bush way, slightly eccentric. Blindfolded she weaves her way through the wilderness following the guide of a rope. But what this slow paced, relatively static video does is focus your attention on the content of the song.

Her voice has several qualities comparable to that of PJ Harvey, the Tibetan vibe gives her height to vocal reach which comes across as slightly creepy. While her American accent could easily break into an M.I.A style ghetto tone but instead she reigns it in to intensify the ‘ghost soul’ genre she is devoted to.

Introducing Jodie Marie

This post was originally written for Eclectically Challenged

You’ll all be familiar with the expression ‘right time, right place’ well Jodie Marie is the proof in the pudding. If the pudding was a saying and the saying was the one I’ve just mentioned.

Anyway, on with the story. Jodie is from Narbeth in Pembrokeshire and being from such a small place all the locals knew of the sixteen year old with the gorgeous, caramel smooth voice. Most likely if she’d decided to up sticks and head onto the nation’s favourite singing contest (a la Janet Devlin) the whole of Narbeth would have rallied round, hosted bake sales at the local church. Luckily for Jodie she didn’t need to enter a competition. Instead the father of a record label owner, was in town staying in a local B&B. That record label turned out to be Transgressive, an Indie label with signings from bands such as Two Door Cinema Club and Foals.

When the B&B owner overheard that the chap was connected to the music industry she mentioned that she had a plumber in and the plumber’s daughter had a lovely voice. Well I guess you know the rest of the story and the yellow brick road that started to unfurl before Jodie Marie’s eyes and here we are with a growing discography.

I Got You is her latest release and although it may conjure up images of Sonny and Cher fear not, the only cover this lady saw fit to triumph was Bob Dylan’s Forever Young. I Got You is beautifully soulful and her vocal sounds like that of a mature 30 something rather than a twenty year old. There are elements of soul, jazz, pop and indie in her offering which emphasises the strong influences her generation have grown up on. It’s content is simple and it’s a modern day love song, similar to something Adele would have written in her early days. Easy to relate to and even easier to sing. Just totally blissful.

I Got You is available to download from iTunes now.

The Arcadian Kicks - You Play the Girl

This post was originally written for Eclectically Challenged

A Tribe Called Quest once asked “Can I kick it?” and the answer was a resounding yes. This next band is all about kicking it, from their name, to their ethereally energetic sound. But don’t get confused, they’re about as hip hop as a pair of clogs.

The Arcadian Kicks are a young band from the outskirts of Birmingham, who are co-managed by none other than Jon Brookes of The Charlatans – not a bad fan to have. The mixed five-some introduce an array of sounds, influences and hit on bands such as Fleetwood Mac, The Kills and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I know, a total mix – which shows that the kids that met and formed at school definitely did their homework. From Over & Over which is a softer more mellow track to their new single You Play The Girl which is fiery, fierce and down right ferocious. The Blondie-esque tune is no doubt a dance floor filler, with it’s guitar ladened, with a vixen vocal. It’s a total Indie love fest.

You Play The Girl is vivacious, demanding and slightly seedy. Which is available as a free download on the band’s Facebook. That’s the kind of behaviour that you would normally need to pay to see.

Saint Saviour - Suukei EP Review

This post was originally written for Eclectically Challenged

The hugely gifted and totally underestimated lady who has been described previously as having “incredible precision” in her vocal talents is set to release her new EP Suukei tomorrow (3rd October).

Saint Saviour is the wondrous silky smooth, soul warming, heart tickling vocal of Becky Jones. The lady behind SS was formally linked to (now laid to rest) electro outfit the RGBs and most recently held harmonies with Groove Armada (post ‘Shaking That Ass). Lending her pitch perfect presence to their grammy-nominated 2011 album Black Light.

Now out on her own, she’s created her second EP Suukei which boasts four glimmeringly gorgeous tracks, each so fantastically unique in their content. Crafted in a golden thread, so tightly spun further enforcing her ability to bring precision in spades. Her journey from Anatomy EP has clearly been a vast one of brilliance. She seems some what more refined. A bit like a fine wine.

Red Sun dazzles as the opener. With a heavily middle eastern inspired sound to it, it eases you in quite peacefully. Until we’re awoken by the bright beaming vocal. This track is worlds apart from previous works including Women Scorned.

Stand out track Here In Me is a twisty turny type song, mellow and delightful. With a masterpiece of a video to boot. Her wistful voice whispers right into the tiniest, darkest part of your soul, sending tingles up and down the spine. Just splendid.

Some Things Change is hauntingly ethereal, and thought provoking. On the first listen, I found myself contemplating and wondering into my hear and now, my past and future still yet to come. Now that’s a real skill to encompass so effortlessly into a piece of music.

Covers are a challenge, some fall at the first hurdle. When I hear the Live Lounge on Radio 1 I often cringe and squirm at the sound of those limping to the finish line. We all know how amazingly well Ellie Goulding covered Your Song and did wonders for John Lewis and their romantic ad campaign. And we all know Skinny Love for Birdy’s cover, although Bon Iver’s original is still stands as one of my all time favourites. SS has put her pitch perfect and creative spin on Kate Bush’s Army Dreamers. Due to my own ignorance I wasn’t aware of this track. Becky has provided a non-intrusive, masterful rendition of a song that could and possibly should be hers.

MS MR - Ash Tree Lane

This post was originally written for Eclectically Challenged.

I’ve found Florence Welch with an American twang. It’s true I’ve found a new Flo, residing in New York city. I would like to overwhelm you with information on MS MR but unfortunately little in known about this coupling. Possibly because they are still fairly young fry in this ocean we call the music industry. Or, the business-savvy side of me screams “PR stunt”.

Either way they’ve proven that a need for visual identity stems from the wealth of the greedy and it’s not altogether necessary when you have vocals as delightfully delicious as the Ms in this partnership. In the grandiose Ash Tree Lane we are struck almost instantly by female, yet not overly feminine vocal. Like a witches cauldron, there is something persistently bubbling under the surface. The drop comes with frantic piano keys built up with incredible intensity, this teamed with the elongated ooing gives us something almost cinematic.

Of course the video more than emphasises this. We are greeted with old cinema reels, Alice wondering into that mysterious land, an unknown which is indicative of the American Dream, highlighted through other film clips. A video with poignancy. An artist trying to do much more than talk about bringing swagger back. For this reason alone I’m in.

Ghost Eye - Phantom Mountain

This post was originally written for Eclectically Challenged

The ultimate key to an artist’s initial success, I feel is mystique. A guise which is perfectly planted so that intrigue is built and engulfs them like a veil when eventually it comes to a thirst quenching head. When second, third and (hopefully) more releases come do we then turn our backs because the anticipation is no more?

This next band are all about the mystery with Myspace profile pictures of characterless female body parts and videos with moody enigmatic types giving us all but a glimpse of possible band members. They are all either hideously unattractive or trying to say “open your ears and go shut you eyes”.

Ghost Eyes deliver the type of warm, middle eastern hip hop that requires a certain amount of eye closure, stimulating concentration but not enough to stop you from moving, typing, talking or what- have-you. In parts they have a Massive Attack element to their style with the dark cultural fusion of hip hop beats, haunting Asian chimes and a sitar guitar thrown in for good measure. Mix that all together with some kids chanting or possibly singing and you get debut single Phantom Mountain. With vocals similar to that of Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow, there’s a total range of elements to this track which need a great deal of attention from the ears. In form Ghost Eyes frolic in a rare and precise detail which is often hard to emulate

Rocking The Casbah in 2010

As I have been asked by Double Dance to put together my personal top picks from 2010, I thought I'd take the opportunity to share them on here. After all, I am right as it's totally my opinion - you're probably right about your top artists/albums too. But for now, here are my stars of 2010....

Arcade Fire, Suburbs. This band always do it for me, I've been a devoted fan since Funeral was released in 2004. I think Suburbs shows how they've evolved and really found a popular sound (well definitely in the UK anyway). Seeing this album live in December was perfect, they manage to turn a huge venues into intimate experiences. Everyone can relate to this album, it's about where you grew up, the fields and parks you'd play in and reminiscing about the feelings that are so hard to recreate as you you grow up and move away.

Foals, Total Life Forever. Another band that has really developed and honed their sound. This UK band used to be a 'singles band', I say that as they would have a couple of notable tracks that would be played to death in indie clubs around the country but Total Life Forever shows more of a story, a compelling journey - of which no tracks are skip worthy. Spanish Sahara took UK radio by storm this year, which is interesting to hear as it's such a moody, atmospheric track.

Tinie Tempah, Disc-overy. I think if you asked any British citizen who's name they've heard constantly throughout the last 12 months it would be this guy! Tinie is a hard grafter, he knows what it is to put in 100% and I highly doubt he has a day off - he was plugging his next single Invincible ft. Kelly Rowland via twitter on Christmas day! He's going to break America next year, I think if he doesn't then the American public are genuinely missing something.

Ellie Goulding, Bright Lights. She started 2010 by being named the 'Sound of 2010' by the BBC. An accolade that gives the singer-songwriter a sure fire glittery road to success not to mention endless bragging rights.

Not that she would, Ellie is so humble and would rather go for a run round Hyde Park then stand on a red carpet. Lights was re-released towards the back-end of 2010 as Bright Lights with some additional tracks, personal favourite 'Lights' just encompasses her feelings about stardom and escaping back home, where she feels content and at one with the world.

Tame Impala, Innerspeaker. This Psychedelic foursome from Perth, Australia have proven popular with the British public. Possibly because of their familiar 60's vibe that the UK pop scene delivered so well. Key single 'Solitiude is Bliss' is just romantic and dreamy in its delivery. The band is over in the UK next year supporting the Foo Fighters, and I can only imagine that they've been booked up for festival after festival - perfect summer band and driving through the country ammunition.

Passing Clouds with The Worm

On Saturday night I was lucky enough to shimmy on down to Passing Clouds, in an icy Dalston, London to watch spectacularly sunny band, The Worm. The event was in celebration of the band's latest album release 'Fine Girls', out now on Wormfood Records.

As soon as I entered the Marrakeshi-style venue my chills had wriggled right out and the West African vibes had me all in a toasty tingle. The four-piece have a unique sound to say the least, the instruments were a mix between big band blowers, classical strings, ethnic drums and something you'd find in your Great Uncle Bill's shed under a hundred layers of dust - all being laced together with some big tasty beats. The set-up was special and inspired, but then the vocals began, and this early bird was really having a juicy brekkie dangled in front of her face. It was a delight to see a band with not just one strong vocal, but three. Niccie Simpson brought smooth soulful delight to the picnic whilst Max and Andre brought clever solid vocal covered in lashings of rap reminding us that this genre is hard to recreate, especially live!

The carnival atmosphere I had found myself in with hundreds of happy, like minded folk, gave us all a taste of some fresh tracks including title track 'All You Fine Girls'. I dare you not to dance, it's impossible. The Worm know all too well about not wanting the party to end, and threw in previous release and favourite 'Don't Stop' to a rapture of applause. In between came some sumptuous and bouncy tunes, including an almost unrecognisable Blackstreet cover.

A true festival band, they are laid back and living for the moment. With previous appearances at Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party and Bestival and Saturday's more than successful album launch, I can only hope they keep pushing up at the earth and get the sediment shaking some more next year.

Hallelujah for Saint Saviour

With a musical CV comparable in length to the Old Testament, it would be a sin to think that Saint Saviour is making her mark anywhere but in the present.

The lady behind SS, Becky Jones was formally linked to (now laid to rest) electro outfit the RGBs and most recently held harmonies with Groove Armada (post 'Shaking That Ass). Lending her pitch perfect presence to such creditable tracks as 'Paper Romance'.

She has now decided to brave the rafters alone and rise again as Saint Saviour, bringing together soulful southern sounding electronica and blissful blues to create an empowering and wholly captivating sound otherwise described as "Phenomenal" by BBC Radio 1 DJ Edith Bowman.

I stumbled across SS last year as a huge Joy Division fan, she covered the brilliant but ridiculously overplayed 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'. And did she cover it alright, she wrapped it in a warm blanket, handed it a marshmallow and sat it next to a camp fire, completely melting my heart when I heard her rendition. I was joyed to discover that her portfolio was vast and original, whilst still paying homage to the powerful woman who have preceded her, such as Kate Bush and Tori Amos.

'Woman Scorned' is her uplifting official release, it's out now in the UK on Euphonios and available on iTunes. If you've ever been snubbed, or discouraged you can take something from the velvety yet venomous lyrics. Ladies everywhere, it's time to rip off your bra and throw it to the flames. Maybe not, but instead watch this beautiful video for Woman Scorned.

Saint Saviour is performing a handful of intimate gigs around the UK and no doubt will be a festival favourite in 2011, I urge you to witness her rising for yourselves.

Louellen Breakout for the Maldives

Find my original article on Double Dance here

In a sticky Islington, bright new stars Louellen prepare to weave their twinkly, indie magic over an intimate, well turned out crowd.

The night aimed to showcase exciting new UK talent at the O2 Academy, the reward for one lucky band is a place in the final to headline at a Moldavian gig and a single released in Asia - not too shabby by any means.


Our Southern lads were on second, and with a small amount of gigs under their proverbial belt, they were ready to prove that new doesn't mean inexperienced but instead, compellingly fresh and exciting.

After a few technical hitches (through no fault of their own) the boys picked up pace and treated us to some well-executed, enigmatic tracks. Looking around, fellow skinny jean wearing boys and girls tapped toes in time and seemed fully immersed in Louellen's sound. Often being taken by surprise with the sudden burst of energy that appeared to come like shots from the dark, then pulling back on the reigns to display their full musical spectrum. An obvious favourite, and one which I'm sure will stylishly adorn the radio in the not so distant future was 'Bright Paint on a White Wall', emphasising frontman Christian's delicately fierce vocal.

On the rise: Clare Maguire

My original post for Double Dance can be found here

Trying to find information on a lady who seems to be eagerly anticipated yet very much under-wraps is extremely hard.

A single eery track of just over 60 seconds in length greets you when you enter Clare Maguire into your address bar. The chilling Are You Ready? is clearly going to be the calm before the storm for this Brummy lass, before she is catapulted forward like her Universal Records counterpart Miss Winehouse. Are You Ready? is pumping up the anticipation meter and clearly asking the British, siren loving public to brace themselves for another great success story. This mysterious misses, doesn't even have any official photos, a mere ten or so live shots weave through Google Images. Maybe she wants her audience to appreciate the powerful presence of her music, or maybe it's cleverly enticing a host of blogger types to increase the aforementioned anticipation meter.

If you're as enticed as I was, a free download can be found, available through her website and I can only hope it's released officially. Strangest Thing is hauntingly deep, yet softly peaceful, like Bat For Lashes colliding with Annie Lennox, spiraling into Norah Jones giving the hair on the back of your neck a tingly treat. Her song matter seems far wiser beyond her years, at only 21 I hope she isn't over-sold and exhausted before having the chance to really enjoy the journey that she definitely deserves.

On the rise: Muchuu

Find the original article on Double Dance here

If, like me, a quirky band name increases your heart rhythm and your ears prick up in excitement then let me introduce you to the unusually named Muchuu.

Probably not the best band name to use in a game of Hangman but probably the cutest band to listen to this summer. Muchuu ('moo-chew') which is the direct translation of 'dream' in Japanese are a brother and sister glittery-pop outfit hailing from Hereford, UK. The two play their very separate parts; Milky is the twee-indie vocalist whilst brother George is the techy, music master. There is no doubting the oriental inspirations in the majority of the tracks on debut album 'Adventure We Go' is proof that these two are fully-fledged musical explorers starting to make their mark on the indie-electro pop world. Each song has bundles of character and grabs you with two arms for closer inspection of all the experimental elements it boasts. You'll love Muchuu if you adore being completely immersed in a daydreamy state and yearn for long summery drives through country fields--the two aren't advised to take together. I caught up with the pair to discuss afros, unusual sound bites, disturbing dreams and general Muchuu magic.

You're brother and sister outfit, please tell me that you have Jackson 5 esq routines?

George: Unfortunately, no. I'd like to have an afro though.
Milky: We used dance around in the lounge and put on plays when we were little, to entertain our parents...but that's as far as it goes with dance routines!

Seriously though, how do you not end up tearing each others hair out after spending so much time together?

Milky: Well we do annoy each other slightly sometimes, but only slightly. In general we get on pretty well. We have quite different personalities but when were making music and practicing and gigging we kind of forget about that and just have fun. George: Yeah, we've got past the arguing thing. Just about.

Your music is often created by using various objects that you come across, what's the oddest thing you've used?

Milky: A ladder. And a digital camera zoom.
George: We also slammed a door a good few times to get the right door slam sound. That was pretty weird.

The music you write is about dreams and escapism, what kind of dreams do you have for yourselves?

Milky: I usually have rather strange and disturbing dreams. They're often just so odd and confusing I can't explain them! Sometimes I feel odd for the rest of the day...but sometimes they're really cool, like a mini movie in my head. As for my dreams for my future, I'd love to visit Japan and other cool countries, spread Muchuu music all over place and for people to really enjoy our album, move into my own little house and buy a pet pug!
George: I can see the future in my dreams. In terms of aspirations, I'd like to keep making different music, away from the boring clichéd music that is around now about sex and money and meaningless stuff just to profit people. Wow, I wasn't expecting to produce such a political answer.

You're playing Bestival this year, will you be partaking in the fancy dress parade? The fantasy theme is perfect for Muchuu surely?

Milky: Yeah I heard about this, I need to get something sorted, sounds fun, I don't often get the chance for fancy dress! So many options...a mermaid might be cool or just a big ball of glittery magic and cover myself in sequins and stickers. Or something out of the Neverending Story. Or Chii from Chobits...
George: Really? I didn't know about the fancy dress parade. In that case I'll get my giant dragon costume out. It takes 300 people to operate it.

It's clear from the sound of the album, not to mention the title, that you've had a lots of escapades, how do you put these inspirations into song?

George: I guess I try and show the inspirations musically. Milky is the lyrical one though. I've contributed in the past with a couple of sentences. So proud of myself.
Milky: Well I just jot down things that pop into my head when I'm out and about, or just sitting and thinking. I scribble ideas and lyrics down in my notepad or on my phone, then merge them all together to fit a song. I also love to experiment with different sounds to suit the mood or subject of the song. It's such a good feeling when it all comes together and the music really shows how I was feeling or what I was writing about!

With the first album out, what's next for Milky and George?

Milky: We really hope people like the first album, and that lots of people get to hear it and we get to continue gigging all over the place, including gigs overseas. We're already writing songs for the second album, which I'm also excited about.
George: We'll just have faith and see where the music takes us. We can't help writing more songs, so that will probably continue forever.

The album 'Adventure We Go' will be available for digital download and in stores August 31st. My favourite tracks include 'Somebody Tell Me', 'Dancing With a Ghost' and 'Patchwork'.

Ellie Goulding & Tinie Tempah Review for MTV (Feb 2010)

I've been meaning to add this to AV for some weeks now, but haven't had the chance. I got the chance to see Miss Goulding and Tinie Tempah in a very packed Dingwalls, Camden back in February. The lovely people at MTV put up my review for all to see. If you haven't then it's below for ya'll.

Dingwalls in Camden was the backdrop for Thursday night's 10 For 10 gig courtesy of MTV, the aim was to fuse together the best new UK talent for 2010. What a beautiful blend they were; London's trooper Tinie Tempah and Herefordshire's golden girl of the moment Ellie Goulding.

Tinie Tempah brought together every type of music I lust after and wrapped it in a bow of exuberance. I've never before seen rock, electro, dub, hip hop, grime and soulful vocals fused together so effortlessly. His slight air of cockyness was just and his honesty profound, in one breath claiming “it's hard to make electro sound good live” and in the next praising himself entirely. Prominent track 'Pass Out' is a complete credit to his obvious hard work and determination, his performance was fresh and gutsy, with definite similarities to Dizzee and Whiley. He made a lot of fans on Thursday night, many of them, like me never thought they'd be so in tune with his swagger and pure stage presence. He broke down that invisible screen that so many artists place at the front of the stage, inviting his audience to get well and truly involved.

As for Ellie, where do I start? She encapsulated the whole audience, I was completely mesmerised by her stunning array of melodies. On the brief chance that I had to break my gaze and look around I could see that everyone was being sprinkled with Gouldust, feeling rich and inspired by this soft yet strong young lady. There's always a part of me that gets nervous when I see an artist live for the first time, will they live up to the hype? Will they hold those mind blowing notes? In essence will the song still give you that same special feeling it did when it first entered your life? Ellie proved her worth one hundred times over. Starting with her less known collection of tunes she held her own, her confidence was mature and Ellie's simple yet cleverly strung together words are wise beyond her years. She stated at one point, whilst cradling her guitar that she didn't know what she was doing with it but she knew how to play it. Almost like a friend you've become so comfortable with, you can't remember where you met but you know it's a perfect relationship and it will last for eternity. Ellie who is a champion of the cover song shared her beautiful and almost unrecognisable version of Midlake's 'Roscoe' with the gracious audience. Ellie's first official release 'Under The Sheets' couldn't come quick enough, the crowd lapping it up and beaming like one music savvy Cheshire cat. A personal favourite of mine, 'Starry Eyed' completed her astonishing set leaving the crowd yearning for more and fixed in place, surely the night wasn't over?

Both acts came across humble and truly blessed by the few hundred that had endured the rain to show their support for MTV's triumphant 10 For 10 gig at the ever so atmospheric Dingwalls. In my view, a complete collaborative success.

Feeling Fenech for 2010

Four pretty boys in skinnies? Check. With an outlandish name? Check. Catchy riffs? Check. Terribly addictive lyrics? Check. And just today tipped by iTunes as their artist to watch in 2010? Double ch-check. It must be my new favourite band Fenech-Soler that are getting indie kids everywhere hot under their Fred Perry collars by marking every box.

Who? You may ask. What an unusual name you may think. Correct, an unusual name - they've already checked that box remember. But it was thought through and not just an off-the-cuff 'let's name ourselves after a day of the week' decision, their bass player has the surname Soler and it's based around a Maltese patriot who was alive and kicking in the 1700's. If you don't want to look like an idiot in HMV when you purchase new EP 'Lies' I'll sound it out for you "phen-ick so-laar". Now we've got that sorted I'll tell you a bit more about their sound and why I think they're ever so delightful.

Recently signed to Andy and Jaymo (off of Radio 1)'s Moda Music label, their first single to get major airplay is called 'Lies' and no that wasn't just by our dj duo. They also featured on BBC Radio Lincolnshire as part of their new music show. The band appeal to all ages and have great club appeal, highlighted by remixes of 'Lies' from Alex Metric and Tom Staar. I asked the guys how it feels to hear their song on the radio and whether they have a good old knees up when hearing their tune in a club - "it's very gratifying to hear our song on the radio... that (Alex Metric's) remix certainly did get us dancing although we kept it to the studio! Alex is a very talented musician. So are these four lads, and they sure can put on a show. They explain; "We perform our songs rather than just play them... electronic music can be difficult to get right live but it's all about energy and passion on stage for us." This was clear to see when the band took to the world's smallest stage in the world's most crammed room for Huw Stephen's 'Introducing' night at The Social in London. "The Social was really good fun! Sometimes shows like that are even better as you can create and control an atmosphere very quickly." I was singing along to songs I'd heard for the very first time, how is that even possible? Granted I probably looked like a four year old trying to recite the Alphabet at the time but I enjoyed the process! And I enjoyed their exciting array of garments, like a magpie looking at something shiny - or just me looking at something shiny? I asked how they create and hone their style; "We really like Fred Butler. We wore some of her pieces for a few shoots we did in the summer. We just pick up stuff as we go along. The 'Lies' outfits were found in a second hand store in Paris." Long-live the Charity shop!

'Lies' is one of the most catchiest tunes I've heard this year, and that's saying something considering that we're on the edge on a new decade. I strongly believe that Fenech have a place in the future of the Electro/Indie scene so watch this space and download their 'Lies' EP.

Ellie 'gold dust' Goulding.

Part 1 in my series of BIG for 2010 - heads up all La Roux, Regina, and Bat For Lashes fans this is Ellie Goulding, a wonderfully talented twenty-something singer-songwriter from the rolling valleys of Wales.

I've been waiting for Miss Goulding to explode for months and now it won't be long until she's darting round the universe, ricocheting off every mediocre pop star, knocking them into next week (I'm praying it's Jedward she obliterates).

Ellie's simply delicious voice erupted into my atmosphere when I was at university, around ten months ago. A DJ friend of mine, dropped Jakwob's remix of 'Starry Eyed' in Lincoln's legendary club The CELL (now Scy). I was in love, both parties had contributed to an outstanding piece of harmonic dub. And amazingly when removing all the post edits I was thrilled to find that Ellie's voice was still pure class.

Last month Neon Gold posted Ellie's first official release, and oh my I haven't stopped listening to 'Under The Sheets', I think my iTunes is going to worry that it's stuck on repeat (no Little Boots pun intended). There's too many elements to this track that I adore. The lyrics for one are at post-grad level, no crayon scrawl here, no sir. This girl writes about things we can all relate to whether you're a boy, girl, if you're old or young. Her lyrics are comforting and sometimes brutally honest just like an old friend.

It's currently being played massive amounts by Greg James' (off of Radio 1), and it's being soaked up by many others including the wonderful Jools Holland. Jools gave Goulding her television debut, and has given her a sparkle of exposure before the single drops on 16th of this month. Ellie is signed to Polydor records and is currently touring with Little Boots, another succesful lady who went supersonic in only a few months of her debut.

This girl has a lot of admirers and is set to be big next year, she's bound to be remixed to high heaven, like another Ellie (La Roux) we know so well. And hell I am not complaining, remix away, but don't forget the original talent this girl has bubbling inside - do yourself a favour and buy the track!

Moda Owns Me, You and Your Mum Too.

If you haven't yet been owned by Moda yet, then why not?! I guess I can sort of forgive you for your lack of grey matter... maybe go shout at your parents for not passing on basic comprehensive skills, you know like reading. But forget? Now that's just stupid and stupid you will be if you aren't totally and utterly convinced that you too want to get it up the bum from Moda after you've read this.

For me Moda has felt like an extended family for the past three years at uni, every month I had a night I could go to and feel like I was finally chowing down on something more nutritious than beans on toast, and no I'm not chatting about happy pills. I'm talking about fresh music fed to me on a silver spoon by top class, even world renowned djs.

I'm lucky enough to know the two clever clogs behind Moda music, they're probably two of the most charming and down-to-earth djs I've ever met and no there was no exchange of money for me to say that (although they'd probably buy me a few drinks, 'cause they're bloody lovely like that). Earlier this week I caught up with them to have a long over due chat about the Moda wagon.

Annie Mac returns to Moda Lincoln @ The Engine Shed in two weeks (16th October) with pals Hervé, Rusko and Delphic (live) for her third appearance. Tickets available here!

So what makes Miss Mac return time and time again?

Andy: "Moda's at that point now where people really want to come and play. Annie's just up for the party. She's really enjoyed all the previous gigs and obviously we see her a lot [Radio One], so its just gonna be a bit of a laugh for everyone."

Avid fans will realise that the boys took Moda on vacation to the White Isle for a few months this summer, I wanted to know just what they'd been up to (n.b anyone that knows me will realise that I get quite protective and sentimental over Moda) whilst I was stuck in the UK looking at a majorly overdrawn bank account! Andy explains Ibiza business - "We've been doing parties at Wonderland for Pete Tong's night. They went really well the highlight being Fake Blood and His Majesty Andre." The pair were also out there representing Radio One where they played Priviledge and Ibiza Rocks, "...that was epic, a lot of the Radio One crew said it was the best one yet, so we were honoured to be involved" adds Jay.

Jaymo: "Secondly we've been getting the Moda Music label kicked off. Craig Duranti is managing the label and its going really well. Shed loads of radio play (and no, not just from us!) and magazine reviews. Both of the first two releases have gone top 5 in the Cool Cuts chart as well as being licensed around the world for various compilations."

If that's not tons on their vinyl plate, they've set up another destination for Moda. London Moda takes off tomorrow night in BIG way with R1 bud Alex Metric, it's about time they come down south a wee bit and share the wealth.

So guys, now you've given breath to Moda London does this mean you're phasing out its Northern counterpart (say it ain't so, *sniff)?

Andy: "Of course not. We've played in most UK venues and The Engine Shed is

one of the best, without a doubt. It's up there with Manchester's Warehouse Project. Especially once we've kitted out with all the extra sound and light."

Jaymo: "The other day we sent Andy off to try get a better quote on some of

the lighting we use, as its really quite expensive. He came back with an even higher quote than the one we had before but with loads of these really cool extra lights. And of course we couldn't resist cos it looked pimp!"

The boys don't see this as their business or income;

Jaymo - "Athough we're professional Moda is like a big toy for us, if there's anything we can do to push it up a gear we'll do it".

The pair are excited for tomorrow nights gig in London, "we have some huge line-ups planned". Be sure to make a stop off to see Jack Beats, Alex Metric and Tom Starr @ The Macbeth, N1.

I wanted to know if the boys are feeling a bit proud of themselves for booking Little Boots just before she exploded, LB played her second ever gig for Moda in Lincoln.

You've got Delphic playing in October, do you feel they'll have a similar explosion onto the scene?

Jaymo: "NME recently stated they Delphic are the band most likely to explode in the next 12 months, so its a chance for people to see them pre-explosion, if you will. People still say to me "I can't believe Little Boots played at Moda last year". She was relatively unknown then but we know she was about to go into orbit, so it just makes the whole event a bit more special."

Andy: "the thing we try to do with Moda (both the events

and the label) is catch people we think are gonna blow, I think people really trust Moda to do things like that these days".

The trust is obvious from the army of fans that have amassed over the past three years, Moda followers are crazy, up for a laugh and completely dedicated to the Moda cause.

The Moda army @ The Engine Shed 08

So guys what artists are big in your lives right now?

Jaymo: "The XX is getting a lot of love in my car stereo, as is the Neon Indian album. Dance floor wise I'm really liking Solo, Mowgli and Riva Starr. Grum and Alex Metric are really on fire, Alex's new stuff is by far his best yet"

Andy: "Fenech Soler are obviously sounding good too right now, great song writers. Can't wait for the album, big Miike Snow fan too - check mine and Jay's remix!"

All that's left to say is thank you to the boys for answering my (probably quite tedious) questions and good luck to the Moda family for the future, I don't want to see any divorce or trial separation - think of the kids!

See you boys in October!