What do you get when you cross a film composer, a DJ and a director of  music and arts? If you think this is the start of a witty joke you would be very much mistaken, this is in fact one of the latest bands springing up from America.

Olio is made up of three singers from different states in America and have a very upbeat sound which is good to hear in the current climate. Their styles range throughout each song and it is virtually impossible to tie the band down to one genre. If you are looking for songs to cheer you up and give you some positivity in life this band is one you should definitely look up. Their songs range from all types of music from rock to soul so there is a song for most people.

Their latest work in progress will be called “Living the Dream” and from what I have heard it does not disappoint. From the beautiful, melodious tunes such as “Completely Beautiful” to the pop rock break up song “One last goodbye” this collection is definitely worth looking up.

Have a listen to their album on their official website which you can visit by clicking here

Or alternatively have a listen to the wonderful “One last goodbye” below:

To find our more about the band check out their Myspace  or Olio’s official website

If you think folk music is boring and only for members of green peace then think again!

28 year old Johnny Flynn (also known as Joe Flynn) is a unique talent who takes folk music to another level. Amongst his claims to fame he can include; appearing in Lisa Mitchell’s ‘Coin Laundry’ video as well as performing a duet with Brit award winner, Laura Marling in his most recent single “The Water”

His debut album, “A larum” is full of beautifully written lyrics and so many emotions, and his second album “Been Listening” continues this and does not fail to disappoint.

Personally I am not into that many folk bands but Johnny Flynn is a brilliant example of a modern day folk singer. After seeing Johnny Flynn and his band the Sussex Wit at last year’s Festibelly in Lymington and if you get the chance to see him live you will not be dissapointed!

Check out one of his brilliant songs, The Box below:

Find out where he is playing this summer by visiting the official Johnny Flynn website. or check out his myspace page here

Move over Craig David we have another artist that hails from our area and she seems set to take England by storm.

Southampton born, Christina Novelli has a very distinct voice and has a sound that definitely fits the present musical styles. If you think of the power and attitude of Hayley Williams from Paramore and Pink and you are on your way to getting an idea of what this singer/songwriter sounds like.

But, its not only her voice she has got going for her, she is also very good looking, which is partly from her French-Italian background from her father, Jean Christophe Novelli  (yes, I do mean the Jean Christophe Novelli, the famous cook) and her English mother.

At the age of 23 she has already played at many of the famous venues in London, where she is now based and has already had an EP released entitled; “The Lost without you EP” which was released last July on Itunes.

On top of all this she also has a very unique talent. She can play a right handed guitar upside down (she is left handed), dont believe us?   watch the video of Christina performing The Break up song on the guitar….

You can hear more of her music on her youtube channel or to find out more  about Christina Novelli check out her myspace page here

One of Christina’s songs, Turn off the lights is currently being featured on The Park as part of our rising talent feature where a local artist/band is played every other hour. So, if you are in the area tune into 96.9fm or alternatively go to The Park website and click on the listen live.

Don’t forget, for your fill of new and undiscovered music tune into my show, Undiscovered with Liz Leake every Thursday from 8-10pm and Saturdays 6-8pm.

I found this singer whilst randomly searching on the Myspace unsigned charts and happened to come accross her (then at number 4)

She originates from Scotland and if you enjoy listening to the likes of Sara Bareilles, Lisa Mitchell or Colbie Caillait you will love this singer. From the strange but beautiful videos to the captivating song lyrics Emma’s Imagination allows you to capture and view a part of her creative imagination.

Currently she is not that well known in the music circuit but having already been nominated for Best New Act at the Scottish Variety Award 2011, Emma is set to go far this year.

Check out her latest video, This day for yourself below:

This is off her debut album, “Stand Still”

To find out more information about her or to listen to more of her songs have a look at her myspace by clicking here

Similar to Lisa Mitchell, Sia (full name Sia Kate Isobelle Furler) also originates from Australia. She moved to England a while ago to launch her career over here which seems to be making progress.

Having already had three solo albums out ion Australia she is determined to make a break into the UK music market with her next album, entitled “We are born” which is a great mix of pop, electro and dance to create a sound similar to alphabeat and the black kids and is due for release on 7th June.

My favourite track on this album is called “Stop trying” and has a school playground-esque feel to it. But, the first single due for release off this new album is  ”clap your hands” which you can check out along with 5 other track off the album here

But, you cannot deny this singer is a larger than life character with a lot of charisma and flair, and now she is in the UK who knows how far she will go in the music industry.

Check out her myspace here

Or her official website here

Also, please go to the facebook page (link on my links lists) and become a fan by pressing the ‘like’ button to keep up to date with the show.

I will posting a new blog soon on another new artist so watch this space!

He has recently brought out his debut EP called “Home” which is filled with raw acoustic sound with the odd vocal sound effect thrown in, but nonetheless is worth listening to.

Check out the official video to the EP track entitled, “Home”

The first song I listened to on their myspace was called “Jake summers” and to be honest that was their best one out of the lot as it wasn’t 99% mice squeaking. Plus I could understand most of the lyrics on this track. However, it goes downhill from there.

One piece of advice whilst listening to them, turn down your treble, you will need it, the female lead singer often reaches pitches only dogs can hear. In fact they should lend her voice to the next mosquito device.

But, I must say the “highlight” of the track was a cover version of Lightsabre cocksucking blues, originally sung by McCluskey. I thought, to be fair on Fight like apes I would listen to McCluskey’s version to see if it was just a bad song, but sadly, it seems, fight like apes just destroyed a pretty decent song. It didnt help that it was originally sung by a male and the cover version sounded like a prolonged orgasm by the female.

But, if you are into your loud mouthed, screaming females then you should definitely give them a listen just don’t put the volume on too high, we don’t want any windows breaking!

Here at the NME office we were surprised to hear of a new Irish band that was not being managed by Louis Walsh and are actually quite different to their Irish pop predecessors. Think The Calling’s wannabe rock sound  meets the annoyingly drivel of  Nickelback and you’ll get the idea.

‘Open up your mind’ may be filled with alluring guitar and drum riffs but lacks the powerful, not to mention good lyrics. Its mediocre, pop influenced lyrics such as; “open up your mind, take a look inside, I will puke if I’m a single entity” makes its rightful place at the bottom of the bargain bucket at HMV. Sorry Louis Walsh, we take it all back, please come back!

Feedback anyone?

I don’t actually know why I have not written about this band before. I was introduced to Sunrise Avenue’s music by a good friend of mine from the Czech Republic.

Following in the footsteps of bands such as The Rasmus and Him, Sunrise Avenue also originate from Helsinki, Finland, and although have not reached the UK just yet have made a big impression in other European countries.

The first song I heard of theirs was their hit track “Fairytale gone bad” which is a great pop/rock song about a guy telling the story of an ended love and singing “tell them it’s me that made you sad, tell them the fairytale gone bad” (fact: this song was chosen as the official theme song for the 2006 Tour de France.)

They describe themselves as 70% rock and 80% pop and have taken the likes of Germany, Austria and Finland by storm with their debut album “On the way to Wonderland” which sold more than 400,000 copies. Now they are about to take on Europe once more on their acoustic tour, promoting their latest album, “Popgasm.” They have not got any UK dates but if you are around Finland, Germany, Austria or Czech watch out for the guys!

For more information on the band click here or check out their hit song, “fairytale gone bad” below:

Also, check out one of their new songs of the latest albums, “Welcome to my life” which is an emotion filled ballad with a particularly moving video.