please see below for all our tips from the end of 2005 onwards ... of which the majority have since broken through!

2008 - Nieuwe bands...

Kijk hieronder voor al onze tips sinds eind 2005 ... de meeste zijn ook intussen doorgebroken!

December 2008

The debut album from Australian duo EMPIRE OF THE SUN made it into their national Album Top 10, and as 2009 unfolds we should see this duo (Luke Steele & Nick Littlemore) make an impact in Europe. They have been described as being influenced by the early eighties new romantic and synth-pop scenes. Their album "Walking On A Dream" (Virgin) is set to be released in the UK on Monday 16th February, which includes the single 'We Are The People'. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/empireofthesunsound





FLORENCE & THE MACHINE has been described as a singer-songwriter in the grand tradition of Kate Bush, Bjork or PJ Harvey. Florence Welch (photo) makes music that is familiar, joyful and accessible while still uncompromising, fresh and eccentric. Since the summer, her gigs over in the UK have been receiving some really good reviews along with support slots with MGMT, recent single 'Dog Days Are Over' (Moshi Moshi Records) was included in our Monthly Playlist for December, while her as yet untitled debut album has been produced by James Ford (Simian Mobile Disco, Arctic Monkeys & Klaxons) and is expected to get a Spring 2009 release - One to watch out for as 2009 gets under way. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/florenceandthemachinemusic





One of the hotly tipped bands for 2009 are WHITE LIES who are an indie rock band from London with epic vocals, who have already been compared to Editors and Echo & The Bunnymen, and appear influenced by Joy Division, Depeche Mode, and that early 80`s electro new wave sound. We can also hear Julian Cope (& Teardrop Explodes) and possibly a touch of Visage, and several of their singles have already been included on our Monthly Playlists. Their debut album "To Lose My LIfe" (Polydor) is out in January, they are out on tour across the UK in February, and expected to play some gigs during March in Europe. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/whitelies

November 2008

LITTLE DEATH are a 3-piece art-rock indie band who are based in London, who recently released their debut "untitled" 6 track mini album. Described by some as a cross between a pre-Britpop indie band from the early 90`s and Smashing Pumpkins they stand out from the current London scene, and are building up a solid fanbase and have a great live reputation. Hopefully ones to watch out for in 2009? More info (including how to get your hands on a copy of their mini album) can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/lovelittledeath

Remember, the AAPA Monthly PLAY LIST usually gives you the best new music tips first!

October 2008

MANDA RIN used to front indie pop band BIS back in the late 90`s. She is receiving very positive reviews up in Scotland and her solo debut single 'DNA' is out now. More info can be found on her MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/musicmandarin





RED LIGHT COMPANY are a London based indie band who have been listening to the likes of Joy Division and Interpol, and who also appear to be influenced by recent bands like Arcade Fire, Editors and Snow Patrol. They are touring across the UK during October and November, and are set to release 'Scheme Eugene' (Lavolta Records) as a single on 3rd November. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/redlightcompany

September 2008

TWIN ATLANTIC are an alternative power pop band from Glasgow who have already been selling out their own gigs in Scotland, were recently praised by Kerrang Magazine, and are on tour across the UK with The Subways next month (October) - They have a single - What Is Light? Where Is Laughter? - out on 29th September which is released through the Scottish based King Tuts Recordings label. More info about the band can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/twinatlantic





CAGE THE ELEPHANT are an indie rock band from Kentucky. Back in June they released 'Aint No Rest For The Wicked' as a single and it was a summer radio hit over in the UK, while 'Free Love' had been a single back in November 2007 - Their self titled debut album has been released on Relentless Records, and opening track 'In One Ear' is to be the third single taken from the album and is out on 6th October. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/cagetheelephant





ANNI ROSSI has just recorded her debut album with producer Steve Albini for 4AD Records and it is expected to be released either late this year or early 2009. In the meantime she is to release the "Afton" EP on 20th October. Described as being somewhere inbetween Bjork, PJ Harvey, Joanna Newsom and Liz Green, we recommend you give her a listen and make your own minds up! More info can be found on her MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/annirossi

Remember, the AAPA Monthly PLAY LIST usually gives you the best new music tips first!

Summer / Zomer 2008

PEARL AND THE PUPPETS are best described as an acoustic indie pop band based in Glasgow who are fronted by singer and songwriter Katie Sutherland, who with her very distinctive voice looks set to follow in the footsteps of other Scottish singers like KT Tunstall and Amy MacDonald. Katie recently signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell, and has been recording with former Blur / The Smiths / Kaiser Chiefs producer Stephen Street. Aside from writing songs on her own, she has also co-written with the likes of Deacon Blue`s Ricky Ross. One to watch out for in the not too distant future! More info about the band can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/pearlandthepuppets





APPIE KIM are Natasha van Waardenburg on vocals and lead guitar and Marcel Duin on drums en keyboards. They first appeared on the gig scene last year after Natasha`s original band (De Nieuwe Vrolijkheid) appeared to disappear overnight and she then continued with Marcel as a 2-piece and went on to release their debut album (=AOK) on the Willie Anderson Recordings label last October and were described by one English fanzine as creating delightfully fizzy indie-pop with serious bite. Since then they have built up a very good live reputation and have been compared to the likes of Mazzy Star and Blood Red Shoes. They have just released '5 Strings' as a brand new vinyl single and are about to play some live dates across The Netherlands, and are ones to watch out for. Go to our GIG LISTINGS section for more info on the live dates. More info about the band can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/appiekim





ARISTOCRASH are a 2-piece glam rock influenced band who formed in Manchester several years ago, although both members originally come from Nottingham (Sean) and Glasgow (Pauline). They say that their influences come from the likes of T-Rex, Roxy Music, Sparks and Talking Heads, and describe themselves as "loud, colourful glam-tinged rock-power-pop" and strive to make their live shows "serious fun". Possibly best described as the link between GOLDFRAPP and THE TING TINGS they are ones to keep an eye on in the future. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/aristocrash





JAGUAR LOVE are a 3-piece indie art punk rock band from Portland, Oregon, comprising of ex-members of Blood Brothers and Pretty Girls Make Graves, who signed to Matador Records at the beginning of the year. Some say that they sound a little bit like The Mars Volta and Jane's Addiction, but the vocals from singer Johnny Whitney really makes them stand out amongst the surge of alt-rock bands that have been coming over from the states this year - Jay Clark (drums, bass and keyboards) and Cody Votolato (guitars) complete their line-up. In June 2008 they did a brief tour across Austria, Germany and France, as well as appearing last month at the T in The Park Festival in Scotland and a smallish venue in London. They have already released 'Highways of Gold' as a single on 7" vinyl, and on 19th August are set to release their debut album "Take Me To The Sea", and therefore a full European Tour is expected towards the end of the year.
More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/jaguarloveband





Before singer Raissa Khan-Panni (photo) set up THE MUMMERS she had released several albums in the mid to late 90`s under the name Raissa (on Polydor Records) and had toured with the likes of SUEDE - Now she is based in Brighton, and since 2006 has teamed up with Mark Horwood and Paul Sandrone, and along with the help of guest musicians providing keyboard, double bass, violin, cello, drums and even a trombone sound she has recorded a mini album entitled "Tale to Tell" which should be out later this year. On initial listen, Raissa sounds like she has been heavily influenced by the likes of Björk, Bat for Lashes (who by coincidence are also based in Brighton) and Joanna Newsom, but you can also hear Cocteau Twins and Portishead. More info can be found on her MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/themummers

Remember, the AAPA Monthly PLAY LIST usually gives you the best new music tips first!

The Twisted Wheel was a nightclub in Manchester during the 60`s that was frequented by Mods which then started playing soul music and ended up becoming the birthplace of Northern Soul. Upcoming indie rock band TWISTED WHEEL are a band from Oldham (near Manchester) who say they are influenced by the Happy Mondays but sound like they could also have been influenced by the likes of The Jam, Arctic Monkeys, The Fall and The Clash. They first came to our attention during the annual IN THE CITY international music convention last year and then signed to Columbia Records. They released their debut single 'She's A Weapon' earlier this year, are set to release 'You Stole The Sun' as their next single later this month (on Monday 28th July) and are currently touring across the UK, while their debut album is now scheduled for an early 2008 release. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/thetwistedwheel
You can also find our previous article about them and other bands who made an impression during ITC 2007 (from October 2007) - > HERE





MAGISTRATES are a band from Essex who have been influenced by Bowie, Talking Heads and Prince, and also remind us of white funk bands from the 80`s. They have a prominent keyboard sound, and are probably best described as being indie funk! (or to those old enough to remember, early 80`s arty new wave band FASHION also spring to mind) and should appeal to those who like current bands like Hot Chip and/or Hard-Fi. They are currently touring the UK and on 4th August are set to release their debut single 'Make This Work' on the XL Recordings/SWF label. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/magistratesband





THE BEEP SEALS are a 5-piece indie pop band from Manchester who first came to our attention when they played at last years IN THE CITY music convention - They have a rather distinctive sound whilst at the same time being influenced by the likes of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Neil Young and even Fleetwood Mac. They have since signed to Heron Records and have just delivered a great debut album entitled "Things That Roar". More info (incl. live dates) and selected tracks can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/beepseals

June 2008

RED VINYL FUR were first featured by AAPA towards the end of last year after an impressive gig during the annual IN THE CITY international music convention. The all girl punk rock band from Manchester have just released their debut single 'Take What You Want' earlier this week (16th June) on Ditch The Bitch records, and they are set to appear at Glastonbury Festival next weekend (on 27th June) - RED VINYL FUR are Chelle (vocals), Kara (guitar), Sue (Bass) & Nadene (Drums) - They are reported to be a great live band and over the past year they have toured up and down the UK supporting the likes of The Enemy, Babes In Toyland, TV On The Radio and Ida Maria.
More info and selected tracks can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/redvinylfur

May 2008

Back in the early to mid 90`s CURVE (fronted by Toni Halliday) were probably the most exciting industrial indie rock band on the planet! CHATELAINE is not so much a new band but in fact the brand new project by TONI HALLIDAY - During and since her time in CURVE, Toni has also had successful collaborative stints with the likes of LEFTFIELD (on their "Leftism" album), The Future Sound of London, Paul Van Dyk, and most recently THE KILLERS. To get more background info got to our ALBUM REVIEWS section (from Summer 2005) for our review of the 2 CD album "The Way of Curve" (BMG / Anxious Records - 2004) - The great news for 2008 is that Toni is currently working on an as yet untitled album and selected tracks can be found on her MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/chatelainemusic

April 2008

FILM NOIR WORLD was created in 2007 by Mark Johnson who is based in Nottingham. He describes his music as a world of escapism, where things may be dark but there can be light inside. With big influences from dramatic cinema, Mark wants to create sounds that can take your breath away, make the hairs stand on the back of your neck, or simply just scare the bejuses out of you. He already has his debut album "Dark Earth" out through Nashville Noir Records (as download only at this stage) and it is highly recommended from our end. More info and a chance to listen to some of his tracks can be found on his MySpace site at: http://www. myspace.com/filmnoirworld





NAVVY are a new wave, punk, garage pop band from Sheffield, consisting of two girls and two lads influenced by the likes of The Fall, Talking Heads, The Raincoats (Kurt Cobain`s favourite band?), Wire and The Breeders, who recently released an EP entitled "Four Songs By Navvy" through the UK indie label ARC (Angular Recording Corporation). They have been receiving some good press from people in the know in nearby Manchester and are ones to watch out for as the year unfolds.
More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www. myspace.com/navvypop

Remember, the AAPA Monthly PLAY LIST usually gives you the best new music tips first!

March 2008

KYTE are a 5-piece post (orchestral) rock band from Leicester who released their debut self titled, 7 track mini album on 18th February 2008 through Kids Records which includes their recent single Boundaries. They are touring the UK and Ireland with iLiKETRAiNS during April and May, followed by their own tour of Japan in May. Possibly influenced by the likes of Sigur Ros and Boards of Canada, they still have their own distinctive epic and rather theatrical sound to ensure that they will also go on to build up their own fan base, ... while also appealing to moody students and any disillusioned Goths out there! More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www. myspace.com/kyteband





THE SISTERS OF TRANSISTORS are a combo organ quartet and Ladies Social Club from Manchester who have recently been described as a feminine quartet performing surf symphonies, baroque disco prog rock and classic horror film sound tracks. They are complemented on stage by having Graham Massey (ex 808 state) on drums. They have been receiving some great live reviews over in the UK and it wouldn't surprise us if they were to become one of the hits during this years summer festivals.
More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www. myspace.com/thesistersoftransistors

February 2008

THE CONSPIRATORS are a five-piece indie band from York consisting of 3 lads and two girls, who say they are influenced by a wide range of artists including David Bowie, Rolling Stones, Blondie, The Police, The Clash and The Beach Boys. They are signed to indie label Transcend Records and have their debut double AA side single ‘One Sure Thing‘ (with Judy Dyble, ex Fairport Convention) / ‘Take Me To Your Leader‘ out on Monday 3rd March. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/theconspiratorsuk





BROKEN RECORDS are a seven-piece band from Edinburgh who have been going for just over a year. They create a sound combining traditional European folk with modern Scottish alternative music, being influenced by the likes of Nick Cave, Jeff Buckley, Calexico, Bob Dylan, Sigur Ros, Johnny Cash, Arcade Fire and Beirut. They made a big impression on the live circuit in Scotland during 2007, which also included live sessions on BBC Radio One in Scotland and BBC 6 Music. Their self titled debut (or GIG) EP, which contains four songs ('if the news makes you sad don't watch it','a good reason','lies' & 'slow parade') has received great reviews and has been available to purchase at all gigs and through their MySpace account. The band are expected to make their European Festival debut this year and are ones to watch out for as 2008 progresses. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/brokenrecordsedinburgh





BLACK KIDS are a Florida five-piece who create a collision of cool indie and 1980s pop - A kind of mix between Arcade Fire, The Cure and The Human League. They released the EP "Wizard of Ahhhs" in the summer of 2007 and their popularity across the internet grew. During February and March 2008 they are out touring across the UK with Kate Nash and Sons & Daughters, with live dates on the European mainland being lined up for the summer. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/blackkidsrock





GLASVEGAS are an indie band from Glasgow, with a taste for orchestral music and classical music, who mix vintage rock and pop with moody guitars, and who have already been compared to the JESUS & MARY CHAIN. They are probably the hottest unsigned band in the world at the moment but that is expected to change soon as it is rumoured that the majority of record labels are chasing their signature! - The NME recently rated their song 'Daddy's Gone' as one of the best tracks of 2007, and so with promo and press apparently already in place GLASVEGAS are definitely a band to watch out for in 2008! More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/glasvegas

Remember, the AAPA Monthly PLAY LIST usually gives you the best new music tips first!

January 2008

FOALS are a punk-funk five-piece band from Oxford and recently made an impact whilst appearing live on BBC2`s "Later with Jools Holland". Their sound has been described as pulsating guitars and fluorescent dance beats, all laced with impassioned, impatient vocals! They say their influences lie far outside the mainstream and they try to defy the conventional approach at every turn. Signed to Transgressive Records, their new single 'Cassius' will be out on 10th March, followed by their debut album "Antidotes" which will be released on 24th March. They are playing various dates in France during February and already have a sold out UK tour in March. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/foals





Although most people are likely to remember MARIJNE VAN DER VLUGT as one of the first MTV Europe VJ`s back in the early 90`s, the former Dutch model was also the lead singer and co-writer with British indie pop band SALAD who went onto release several albums during the mid 90`s on Island Records and were very much part of that initial Brit Pop explosion (other female fronted bands from that period included Elastica, Echobelly and Sleeper). In 1995, Marijne also did a really cool duet with Terry Hall (The Specials) with a cover of 'Dream A Little Dream' that was recorded for the War Child charity album "Help" (Go Discs Records), which also included exclusive contributions from the likes of Blur, Radiohead, Oasis, Portishead, Stone Roses, The KLF and Massive Attack, and which became one of the most popular compilation albums from the entire Brit Pop period. Fast forward to the present and Marijne is currently working on an as yet untitled album with her new band COWBOY RACER - One of their songs - 'Yellow Horse' - has already been included on the soundtrack to the popular US TV series "Grey`s Anatomy". More info and selected tracks can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/cowboyracermusic

The direct link to that "Help" album can be found by going to: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Help-Artists-War-Child-Various/dp/B000001FJ7





CLOCKS are a young indie power pop band from London, who impress by saying that they are influenced by the likes of The Kinks, Small Faces, REM, the legendary Marc Bolan and The Jam, although score lesser points by at times sounding a bit like Oasis. Earlier this month (January 2008) they released their debut single 'All I Can' on Island Records and reports reach us that they are an excellent live band. They are set to be out touring across the UK between February and April 2008 (with an incredible 40 dates lined up so far!) and are expected to release their as yet untitled debut album during the summer of 2008. More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/clocks





Does it offend you, yeah? are an electro rock band who first came to our attention during last years IN THE CITY where they were one of the highlights of the annual music event that prides itself on constantly discovering the best new bands. So far this 4-piece from Reading have built up an excellent live reputation (the played a gig at the Rotown in Rotterdam earlier this month), and been compared to the likes of both Daft Punk and Muse. They have since signed to Virgin Records and their debut album "you have no idea what you're getting yourself into" will be released on 17th March. During February and March they are out touring the UK (with over 30 gigs) - More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/doesitoffendyou





LAURA MARLING is a British folk-pop singer-songwriter who initially came to our attention last October when she was refused admission into her own gig in London because she looked too young! (it turns out however that although she already has a record deal with Virgin Records she is in fact only 17 year old) - Laura recently released the single 'Ghosts', has an impressive singing voice, and even appears to be influenced in part by PORTISHEAD. She is set to release her debut album "Alas I Cannot Swim" through Virgin in February 2008.
More info can be found on their MySpace site at: http://www.myspace.com/lauramarling

The AAPA Monthly PLAY LIST usually gives you the best new music tips first!

© AAPA – 2008