Jade's Music Blog

The good ship Modest Mouse dropped anchor in Liverpool for the first time last night, taking the Academy crowd on a wild and nautical journey into the heart of the indie alt-rock scene.
With a bucketload of seafaring references, from songs March Into the Sea and Missed the Boat to a stage festooned with a ship's lantern, baskets and wine bottles, the Oregon-based band looked and sounded like they'd stepped straight off the Black Pearl.

Here at the ECHO we’re always keen to promote new and unsigned talent. I’m planning to introduce an unsigned band of the week slot at the top of each week's music page, and I’m looking for your input.

In today's batch of lovelies we have the latest offerings from Albert Hammond Jr, KT Tunstall, The Decemberists and Reverend and the Makers.

We're putting together a list of musician-friendly gig venues in Liverpool, and also further afield, and we are looking for your help.

As legendary for their lifestyle as their music, Happy Mondays, have just released their first album in 15 years, three band members lighter, several solo projects, two reunions and a whole lot of living later.

First ABBA, then Arcade Fire, possibly The White Stripes and from next month, The Sonic Hearts. The link? Bands containing a married couple.

THE Dead 60s like to make a statement. Their name, for instance - a deliberate poke in the eye to anyone still slavishly following the trail laid out by the Beatles half a century ago.

Finally, Ben’s Brother have stepped out of the shadows...

Those cheeky young whippersnappers are at it again. After just 10 gigs Wirral lads The Rascals are already being tipped as the next big thing.

Ian Prowse, Amsterdam’s “pathologically gregarious” frontman, has an indelible smile on his face.

This week's selection from the Spin It or Bin It contenders sees reviews of new releases from Crowded House, Babyshambles, Athlete.

Here at The ECHO we're always keen to bring you the latest on up and coming Merseyside acts. Over the next few days I'll be posting some Q&A interviews with some of my favourite bands, starting with The Hoboes. Have a look and let me know what you think...

In the second of our Q&A interviews profiling some of Merseyside's most interesting up-and-coming bands we've got The Vagabonds. They're talking about headlining Glastonbury, hosting the biggest and longest party of all time and their fantastic taste in women!

For today's Q&A interview, we've got Dave Love from Runcorn lovelies The Loves...

Continuing our first batch of Q&A interviews with Merseyside's most interesting up-and-coming bands, today we've got Cracatilla. Read on and let me know what you think...

For today's Q&A interview we have the fantastic Cubical. Read on and let me know what you think...

In today's review section we've got the latest offerings from The Coral, The Hives, Idlewild and Seth Lakeman.

WHAT a difference a year makes. Less than 12 months ago The Wombats were Liverpool’s hottest unsigned band. Now, with four singles out and an album on the way, they are ready to take on the world...

The peace and ecology festival in Liverpool tomorrow (sat) is looking for acoustic musicians. Tempted?

For today's Q&A we've got an interview with the lovely Rude Ruby lads. Read on and let me know what you think...

Continuing our season of band Q&A interviews, today we have Cedar Falls. Read on and let me know what you think...

I can proudly announce, with a drumroll, that our Q&A interview today is with Cheapskate. He's everyone's favourite exponent of Bluenote music with a Scouse accent, packed with humour, originality, and exuberance. He's giving us a glimpse into his world... take a peek below...

In the next in our series of Q&A interviews profiling some of Merseyside's most interesting up-and-coming bands we've got Little Name. Lee is talking about cooking Gordon Ramsay, Liverpool's future and Morrissey and Bjork singing at his birthday party.

In today's Q&A interview we have The Maybes? telling all about love, cage fighting and Jennifer Ellison on toast. Read on and let me know what you think...

In today's Q&A interview we've got those lovely boys from The Affection talking about holding hands, The Stone Roses and Ray Quinn. Read on to find out more...

In the final Q&A interview of the series, we've got The Lapis talking about Most Haunted, French newsreaders and the courtyard at Hebeejebees (repeatedly!). Let me know what you think, and don't forget to give me suggestions for future Q&A interviews. Who would you like to see profiled?

We’ve got reviews of the latest offerings from The Go! Team, Angie Stone, Journey South Jennifer Lopez and Samanda. Read on and let me know your views...

This week's Liverpool ECHO Unsigned Band of the Week is....The Vagabonds...

When Seth Lakeman found himself short-listed for the Nationwide Mercury Prize alongside KT Tunstall, Kaiser Chiefs and Coldplay, the West Country folk singer was somewhat surprised. Not least because he made his album in three weeks for £300 in his brother’s kitchen.