Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

‘The One’ is the second single from urban trio Encore, aka singers Mark and Cairo and rapper Pierre. DaVinChe (Tinchy Stryder and Kano) lends his production skills on this dubstep infected track, smoothly ridden by Encore’s narrative songwriting style and slick vocals, taking us through a tale of relationship woes. Encore’s debut album will follow later this year and 2011 has already been a busy year for the boys. The group have been in the studio working with top writers and producers from both sides of the Atlantic including DaVinChe, RedOne’s production team (Lady Gaga), Nate Walka (Jamie Foxx ‘Blame It’). They released their debut single ‘Wind Up’ on Valentine’s Day, and have also shot two new videos. The first video is for the ‘The One’, and the second for their street track ‘Cold/Pretender’. The grind doesn’t stop there though, Encore are confirmed support acts for both Jessie J and N-Dubz’s UK tours throughout April. Get ready to give a standing ovation… Encore new single ‘THE

Having recently been certified as Nashville’s newest and hottest export, Mona return to the UK (for the third time in six months) to perform a series of live shows that coincide with the release of their first single of 2011. ‘Teenager’ was released on February 28th through the band’s own imprint Zion Noiz Recordings/Island Records on digital download and limited edition 7-inch. 'Teenager’ is the soundtrack for a new generation, an angst driven anthem with vintage roots. Passion, obsession, longing and desire are the backdrop to this gigantic juggernaut of a song. “All people have desire and need more than just themselves, you love love but can’t find a love” says frontman Nick Brown on the theme of the song. Mona finished 2010 on a high after appearing on Later...With Jools Holland, being tipped by all key music press including the BBC Sound Poll and being selected for MTV’s Brand New For 2011. This is not to mention ‘Trouble On The Way’ being record of the week on BBC Radio 1. T

Since their debut in 1969 Steeleye Span have become one of the most influential names in British roots music, credited with changing the face of folk music forever, taking it from small clubs into the world of gold discs and international tours. Catch them in Barnstaple as they return to the Queen’s Theatre for what’s set to be another cracking performance on Thursday 17th March. Members have come and gone over the years, with past and present line-ups virtually a who’s who of the British folk scene, but Steeleye has always remained an institution, at the forefront of the genre they helped define. With Maddy Prior - the voice of Steeleye for 34 years - back at the helm, the line-up features band stalwart and fiddler extraordinaire Peter Knight, Rick Kemp on bass, Peter Zorn on guitar and Liam Genockey on the drum stool. Steeleye Span’s 35th anniversary year in 2004 saw the line-up hailed as one of the band’s strongest with two sell out UK tours and a fantastic gig at the London Pallad