iForward, Russia!

I never listen to Radio 1. Not since Chris Moyles shamelessly mocked the death of 'Best Mate' - and I was only listening to him because he's from Leeds and it seemed like the right thing to do.

So, when I put the radio on tonight,(editing images on the PC and didnt want to play mp3's at the same time) it was a suprise to hear Steve Lamacq announce 'iForward Russia!' as the best new band on the scene. At the same time I was busy trying to sharpen up their energetic, 'cant-stand-still' lead singer on my laptop.

Two days ago I had never heard of them but had been advised by another photographer that they were on the cusp and it was a good time to catch them before they were wrapped up in managerial cotton wool. A few minutes before they came on I asked one of their production team when they were going to start. 'When they're ready', came his cocky, 'I'm with the band' reply. Well, they're here and they're definitely ready....

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Corinne Bailey Rae

...did you hear the one about the church choir trained, Led Zeppelin influenced, classical violin playing, jazz, blues and soul singing Leeds lass?

Corinne Bailey Rae enthralled a sold out arena in her Yorkshire hometown on Saturday night. Not suprisingly, her music is 'a little bit of everything' but 'atmospheric and soulful' throughout. With a silky smooth yet powerful voice, the irony may lie in her signature tune, 'Like A Star', as she is surely destined to become one.

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