Avenue61 is a leading indie music site that specialises in album and gig reviews, breaking new bands, publicising events, and exclusive interviews with the leading cutting edge acts in the alternative music scene. Avenue61 covers a wide range of artists – some you would have heard of, some you won’t. Artists the site has reviewed recently include the Fleet Foxes, MGMT, Noisettes and Ladyhawke. The site is updated regularly so come back to catch up the latest news and reviews from the bleeding edge of the alternative music scene.

Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

So it’s that time of year, even though it feels like we already had summer, festival time! The second one – after Camden Crawl – is another city and pub based affair, The Great Escape in Brighton town which has “established itself as the leading event in Europe for showcasing new talent from around the world, aimed at 'export ready' bands and Industry Professionals”. Starting on Thursday for a three day marathon, the festival boasts over 350 artists playing in over 34 different venues.  Over 15,000 people are expected to grace the seaside ready to watch the many new acts as well as a few established ones:  Marina and the Diamonds, Ellie Goulding, Groove Armada, Chase and Status and The Big Pink. As well as endless gigs, club nights, talks and various industry type parties will be taking place. In it’s fourth year, the festival will take place in Brighton’s well known venues: The Brighton Centre, The Dome, The Concorde 2, Digital, Audio, The Engine Rooms, The Ocean Rooms, The Barfly and The Freebutt. The festival known for uncovering new talent, it is a must for fans who like to be the ones to tell their friends about up and coming artists. As music mag The Fly puts it: “Unveiling the best music from across the globe, The Great Escape is essential for discovering the hottest new talent”.  Tickets are still available from www.escapegreat.com, day tickets:  Thursday £22.50, Friday £27.50, Saturday £30, early bird three day ticket £45.