Dear Reader hail from the South African capital of Johannesburg, a city with a love of house-music and Kwaito, but not as well known for its folk. Dear Reader is changing all that and are beginning to gain quite a following in Germany and the UK putting Jo-Burg on the folk map- good work guys. Apparently being an English speaking band in S. Africa is a raw deal unless you’re producing commercial pop or Afrikaans rock music, so they have their work cut out if they want to win over the locals.

Recent gigs at the BarFly, Troubadour, and Slaughtered Lamb in London received brilliant feedback, with their simple yet heartfelt folk pulling a few heartstrings and gaining them a lot of recognition.

The band is made up of singer/songwriter Cherilyn and guitarist/producer Darryl Torr who formed the band 4 years ago.

May 4th saw the release of Dear Reader’s first album entitled ‘Replace Why With Funny’ via City Slang (Lambchop, Calexico) which follows the release of their single ‘Dear Heart’ which was released in April.

Check these guys out, they are definitely worth some air time on a relaxing sunny Sunday.

The XX studied at the same school as Hot Chip, Burial, and Four Tet. I think this is the first time I’ve actually truly realised the power of teaching. That school clearly has some sort of secret formula that is changing the face of modern music. Well done Elliot high school, (South West London) we salute you.

The XX are four friends from high school who’s subdued, melancholic, R&B inspired folk resonates with a maturity and originality that sets them apart as something truly original.

The band was discovered after releasing a truly impressive version of Womak and Womak’s ‘teardrops’. Having signed to sub-label ‘young Turks’ and recording with various producers, the band has finally decided to go it alone deciding that they want to have full control over their own production.

The band’s latest release ‘Crystalised’ is an uplifting and melancholic record. Quality lies in its subtleties and the deep burial-esque quality that some of us have grown to really appreciate. This is an amazing new album from a bunch of talented and progressive artists that deserve recognition.

Probably not wanting to confuse themselves with Django Reindhart the World renowned Gypsy Jazz musician, Django Django rock in equal measure and definitely demand an equally prominent place within your I-Pod. In fact take a listen now before you get distracted please.

Django Django is a difficult band to classify. They are unique in the way they use repetitive rhythms, subtle electronics, and drifting melodies to create a sound that seems to cross musical genres, as well as time frames. Phsychedelic rock, electronica, gypsy folk? Help us out guys, what are you all about:

“The triple distilled essence (and sensibility) of an artistic huddle of mischievous musicals,”

“rollicking along sing-a-longs, galloping into disco sunsets like whisky-addled and leather-saddled bandits on the stolen backs of prairie wild mustangs.”

No light shed there then.

Know body really knows what type of music they make, and to be honest that probably is testament to the originality of what Django Django are doing through their releases and live performances. With gigs coming up throughout July in Manchester, Newcastle, and London your best bet is to go and check these mad heads out for yourself.

Sukie are a four piece indy-pop band formed in Kettering, Northants.  In March 2006 Sukie had their first gig supporting Shitdisco. Since then Sukie have supported the Cribs, Captain, Sam Sparro, One Night Only and Look See Proof. Sukies debut single “Pink-A-pade” has seen them win rave reviews in publications such as Fly (magazine), this is fake DIY, ArtRocker and Time Out. This ridiculously catchy single topped the UK indie charts at number one!

Since then Sukie have been gigging hard around the UK, and are known for their tight and clinical live shows. Sukie has also been announced as a BBC Introducing band for 2008 and have recently recorded a session for BBC Radio 1 at Maida Vale Studios.
This East Midlands four piece have the personality, talent, and sound to take their hook laden indie-pop classics all the way.