Now that I am actually in a band, keeping up with what’s hot or what new and good feels a little bit too much like hard work. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that I don’t listen to music anymore but I usually just stick with the classics like The Jam, The Stones and Pink Floyd – they just never fail to inspire me. However in March we were supported by Manchester’s Twisted Wheel (www.myspace.com/thetwistedwheel) and they were awesome! I was really impressed with not only their songs but their ability to totally rock out, echoing the rawness and excitement of the clash with sheer coolness of The Stone Roses. They’ve got that real Northern Soul vibe going on (unsurprising really as they got their name from Manchester’s famous northern soul venue).

Give it a few months and Twisted Wheel will be selling out venues such as Academy 2 and giving the Courteeners a run for their money which can only be a good thing!!! My favourite songs are  ”Strife” and “You Stole The Sun”. To be honest, I’m not quite sure what the abstract lyrics are about; I am sure they mean something but with all the beer and bodies flying around at their gigs, you won’t have time to dissect them either!

Also check out Charli XCX www.myspace.com/charlixcx I saw her at a gig in London recently. I thought to myself “oh God more Hoxton dribble” but her songs are just amazingly crafted pop songs and she writes and produces everything. At 17 years old she’s very accomplished as a musician and performer. You heard it here first!

Tom