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>>

Girls Aloud and Sugarbabes beware, The Vivian Girls are set to redefine the ‘girl band’. The trio have been touring here in the UK for three months as part of their European tour – and I caught up with the band in Bristol before their debut performance for the Dot To Dot festival. Sitting on the steps in front of Bristol’s Art Academy the band seemed ready to perform to their awaiting audience, fans, potential fans, and the more critical fellow American bands.

They seemed quietly confident. This was probably because their last performance here in Bristol was a huge success. Cassie, song writer and vocals, said: “we know it’s going to be a good gig.”

Success is not gained easily. The band’s philosophy on long-term success is that they must occasionally endure the difficult gigs, but these then make the good gigs seem monumental. Even with these highs and lows, the band said

they “would not trade it in for the world.”

Not your average girl band, The Vivian Girls are a new rock-punk trio from Brooklyn, New York. They have a distinctive look which equally matches their unique music style.

After forming two years ago, Cassie, Katy and Ali have a huge fan base at home in New York and have toured over here in the Uk, where they are now becoming known as the new girl band to watch out for. Previous to ‘The Vivian Girls’ Cassie and Katy played in separate bands which both, simultaneously, went into ‘hiatus’ (i.e. a sticky end) and so came together to form their own band.

In UK terms their music could be classified as indie-pop. Their music is pop at its core and therefore appeals to all ages, from the middle-aged record collector to the college hipster. As Katy claims: “there is not a stereotypical Vivian Girls fan.” More particularly, their music has authenticity. Their record label, In The Red, allows their sound to remain as they wish it to be. “We have a big say in the final sound”, Ali said.

This gives them an ‘ineffable charm’ and a sense of verve. They thought this was because they bring themselves to their performances, giving them a presence on stage. Artists such as Neil Young and The Beatles are the inspiration for their work. They would love to collaborate with The Cure or My Bloody Valentine and perform at Madison Square Garden – as Cassie said: “you’ve gotta aim big!”

The band plans to “take on the world” this autumn, touring in Japan, Australia and Mexico. Next year there is set to be a second album and a book documenting their time on this tour and their world tour.