Here's my pick of this year's new discoveries that are worth checking out.
I'm a big fan of new artists flogging it out live and getting themselves a following by doing it the hard way.
Nothing worth having comes easy.
Some of you will have already heard (or seen)
The Rubicks Vanessa and Mark's debut album "In Miniature" is one of my best discoveries this year. Seen them live three times, and not by coincidence. Comparisons will be made with Goldfrapp, but these guys still have passion and haven't Sold Out yet...
Second, can I wave a flag for the lovely
CorinneLucy . 20 yr old singer songwriter from Northampton. Very popular locally, with a great voice and some clever songs. Deserves a break, and does a polished demo.
Finally I just saw
TheNationalParks at a sweaty pub in Northampton.
Shoegazing with Joy Division. Fad Gadget meets The Wedding Present. Catchy, quirky powerful and confident. They know they are good, and as a lifelong fan of electronica, these guys hit me right between the eyes straightaway.
If anyone out there runs a record label, you could do worse than give these people a listen.
I am - all the time.
But what do I know?