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

Celebrated Icelandic indie-pop sextet Of Monsters And Men , will release their boisterously catchy, chart topping second single ‘Little Talks’ on the 6 th August through Island Records . Since winning a local battle of the bands competition less than twelve months ago, Of Monsters And Men’s trajectory to music’s upper echelons has been unstoppable. The band’s debut album ‘My Head Is An Animal’ has already enjoyed huge success in Iceland and Europe. Mirroring that feat in America, ‘My Head Is An Animal’ went to #1 in the iTunes album chart and saw the band appear on Jimmy Fallon in May . Following that performance, Of Monsters And Men have been confirmed to appear on Jay Leno later this month. ‘Little Talks’ follows debut single ‘Dirty Paws’ which enjoyed huge support across the UKs top radio stations. Dusting away years of cultural stereotypes with its rousing feel good lyrics and irresistible melodies and hooks, ‘Little Talks’ is unquestionably the sound of this year’s s

Jessie Wares soulful, melancholy vocal and effortlessly elegant songwriting skills have already cemented the South Londoner as one of 2012s brightest hopes. With three singles already under her belt, new track ‘Wildest Moments’ combines the ultra-modern feel of downtempo R&B and British electronic music, released on August 13th through PMR Records , the song is the perfect pre-cursor to her eagerly awaited debut album, ‘Devotion’ released August 20th . Produced by Dave Okumu, ‘Wildest Moments’ is of particular significance to Jessie as she explains; “Wildest Moments is about a tempestuous relationship. The extremes of being the best and then the worst together” An intimate gig at the Nave church in Islington in March 2012 marked Jessie’s biggest headline show to date and also the moment it all came together. Looking every inch the classy pop star, Jessie blew the room away, with the help of her live band. August 15th see’s Jessie bring her live show South of the river when she’ll

21 year old Salford born singer Ren Harvieu, whose breathtaking voice has had the critics reaching for the superlatives and whose critically acclaimed debut album “Through The Night” stormed into the UK chart this week at no. 5, releases her new single “Tonight” on July 23rd through Kid Gloves/Island Records. Ren has just announced her first major UK tour for October.  Fans will get the chance to catch Ren and full band live at T In The Park - 6- 8th July, Camp Bestival – 29th July, V festival 18/19th August and Bestival – 9th Sept . Ren Harvieu, just turned twenty one, is self-made, not your typical modern day popstar. She sounds one way and looks and acts completely differently. No Brit School training, no showbiz connections, just a young girl with a truly remarkable voice and a set of songs that will stir your soul and break your heart. Ren sang in the odd local talent show, one called ‘Salford Superstar’ and attended what she calls the Primark version of a performing arts sc