I Said Yes

From humble beginnings busking on a bridge over the River Thames and first appearing on stage in an art college bar in Scotland's capital in 2007, the five fresh-faced members of I Said Yes have, since them, taken their upbeat pop folk music to many other corners of the UK, playing at various venues in London, Oxford, Bristol and at various festivals last summer. The last year or so has seen I Said Yes being played on XFM and 6 music, featured on the XFM's 'new music rising' podcast and being included in the line-ups of festivals such as Offset, Green Man Fayre and Hidden Festival.

Beatbullyz

When Radio 1's Big Weekend came to Swindon there was one local band on everyone's lips. Beatbullyz have built up a large following in their home town, consistently selling out 500+ capacity venues. Huw Stephens started to play them on Radio 1 in the run up to the Big Weekend, which saw the Introducing tent packed out for a mass singalong. The band had previously taken their energetic live show to the likes of Austria's Snowbombing festival, Rotterdam's Heineken Street Parade, and even Channel 4's Hollyoaks on which they performed their track Keyz to Life after being tipped as one of the best new live bands around by T4. Now they are working on what will surely be their breakthrough album.

www.myspace.com/beatbullyz

The Funkinsteins

"lmagine Jamiroquai mutated with Sylvester, playing at full pelt, and then turning up the volume. Now add stage conquering personalities and an infectious knack of songwriting and bass heavy arrangements. You would have created a huge rock monster of a live act." Venue magazine And on the seventh day God holed up in Bristol and created this lot. Crafting a tight party funk sound, the band are a legend on the circuit and have an enviable reputation as guaranteed crowd pleasers. Working around a call and return style of songwriting, the sound is rocky edgy funk with strong dance elements. Superb vocals and sound musicianship.

The Operation

Already making headlines in the US, The Operation are a young, three-piece power trio in the true sense of the phrase. Hailing from Bath, with influences ranging from classic British rock to modern day alternative and pop, these three talented artists have carved themselves a very distinct niche, in the ever-changing UK music scene. Having played hundreds of shows throughout the UK not only headliners, but as support to some of Britain's top name artists, The Operation have also performed on many of the UK’s top seasonal music festivals. At an average age of just 22, Alex, Oli and Nick have been described in the music press as a cross between “early SUPERGRASS and mid era THE WHO". As all of their material is self-produced, the band prides themselves in having an incredibly loyal, and rapidly growing fan base.

The Julian Tulk Band

The lush grooves and epic guitar pop of The Julian Tulk Band are set to take the live scene by storm with a new album SHINE MY BROTHER, MY GHOST, MY BROTHER out on July 5th. Having spent the last year working on their debut release The Julian Tulk Band are now looking to be a very promising outfit. Having played support slots for the likes of Patty Plinko and Supergrass they've already shown that they've got what it takes to perform up there with the best. After trying a couple of different line-ups over the years, they finally formed through a mutual love of playing good music and having a good time, with songs inspired by times not so great. Described live as a blend of blues, folk and alternative pop, these guys always perform professionally but most importantly earnestly, breaking snappy rhythms with soft melody and soaring vocals. Not to be missed! Check out songs from their new album at:

Samantha Marais

Following on from the critically acclaimed album, The Peppermint Conspiracy, Samantha Marais releases her next studio album, At My Door, in the autumn. This album sees the continuation of Samantha’s fruitful songwriting partnership with Simon Tong (The Verve). Influenced by her father’s passion for Bob Dylan and her brother’s love of guitar, the South African born chanteuse started playing guitar herself at the age of seven. She honed her songwriting skills in folk clubs and bars around London and at festivals across the UK. Lighter than a Malteser in a flotation tank, Marais’ ethereal vocals fill rooms here with weightless, simple beauty. NME By far the best album of the week, beguiling, melodic, imaginative and well worth a punt. **** The Sunday Telegraph A remarkable performance...  *** Mojo

Sample Track: Falling Star

www.myspace.com/samanthamarais www.samanthamarais.com

Jon Amor

Jon Amor and his band headlined Pewsey Music Festival last year and managed to inspire a human pyramid. The new album, Stories from The Crooked Room will be available to order online from 16th July. "Unknown Soldier is a truly great album." Mark Lamarr, BBC Radio 2 "Amor has always been an impressive song craftsman but, on this bold new album in these innovative settings, his material has the space it really needs to live and breathe, easily matching the kind of power he can whip up iin his live shows." Johnny Black (Q/Mojo)

See Photo Gallery for pictures of Jon Amor at last year's PMF.

The Roundheels

The Roundheels are a UK three-piece band influenced by Bluegrass, Americana old-timey music and Folk. Their sound hops to and fro over the Atlantic and blends passionate and energetic singing with banjo, acoustic guitar and tasteful harmonies. The stage is their natural home and that is where you can get the best sense of their infectious energy and fully appreciate their love of performing. They’ve been described as an ideal festival band and are happiest playing by the campfire, under the trees or just to those who want to stomp in time and resurrect music of times gone by.