‘They are humorous, politically correct and genuine’

The multi-member Chumbawamba, whose line-up includes Harry Hamer, Alice Nutter, Boff, Mavis Dillon, Louise Mary Watts, Danbert Nobacon, Paul Greco and Dunstan Bruce, was originally formed in Leeds, England, out of a household situated in the shadow of Armley jail. The band dynamic was powered by their communal life.

First playing live in 1983, the band, alternated between instruments and theatricals on stage and record. Their first single, "Revolution", was a powerful introduction, finishing at number 6 in BBC disc jockey John Peel's 1985 Festive 50 radio poll.

Chumbawamba have always been risk takers and mavericks; loving pop music and hating cultural conservatism. In the era of Popstars and Pop Idol and "we met at stage school" bands singing cover versions of anodyne retro ballads, Chumbawamba stick out like eight sore thumbs. Chumbawamba's albums have spanned everything from sweet barbed pop, to acappella harmonies, to break beats and big choruses punctuated by Memphis horn sections.

Chumbawamba is a most unlikely mainstream success story; after more than a decade in relative obscurity, much of it spent attacking the very notion of stardom, they signed to a major label in 1997, quickly scoring a major international hit with the riotous single "Tubthumping." The EMI released song became a Top Ten hit in the U.S. and throughout Europe. A second single, "Amnesia," was also a massive hit.

Chumbawamba released the soundtrack to 'Revenger's Tragedy', the Alex Cox film, on March 10th 2003. Starring Christopher Ecclestone, Eddie Izzard, Margi Clarke and Derek Jacobi, 'Revengers Tragedy' is a dark comedy about greed, ambition and the desire for revenge.

On June 16th 2003, Chumbawamba released 'English Rebel Songs 1381-1984', on their own Mutt Records label, through RSK Distribution.

Chumbawamba celebrate resistance and deviance rather than complaining about "the system". Chumbawamba may no longer share the same living space, or even the same ideas, but they are as powerful and attractive a force in the underbelly of the British music scene as ever. Still a collective, the band put their longevity down to a willingness to change, everybody having a say and an equal share in the band's fortunes, thick skins and a sense of humour.

are a Glasgow based band who were formed in 1998 . They released two albums on their own label, receiving outstanding reviews in all areas of the popular music press, generating excitement from the independent music scene.

Cosmic Rough Riders duly signed a one album license deal with Poptones Records, the newly-formed label of ex-creation records boss Alan McGee, who released the band's 'third' album "Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine" in November 2000, a compilation of songs from "Panorama" & "Deliverance". It immediately caught the imagination of the press, citing one journalist to proclaim them "the best band on earth right now".

Single releases in 2001 earned them increasing numbers of fans in the press and public alike, and ensured the band's growth through word-of-mouth. Their efforts paid off when the single "Revolution (In The Summertime?)" was released and went straight into the UK charts at number 35, scoring them their first top 40 hit and debut appearance on Top Of The Pops. This was followed into the charts by "The Pain Inside", giving them back-to-back top 40 hit singles success.

Their non-stop touring took them all over the world, seeing them perform at several major festivals including T In The Park, Quart (Norway), Summersonic (Japan) plus Reading, Leeds and Glasgow. They were also to appear as guests of several other touring artists, including the Black Crowes, Ocean Colour Scene, Stereophonics, Paul Weller and were invited to appear as special guests of U2 when they announced their only Scottish shows.

By the end of 2001, the album "Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine" had achieved silver status in the U.K. and it was named in several 'end of year' type polls, most notably as one of Q magazine's 50 albums of the year. Early in 2003, Cosmic Rough Riders completed work on another self-written, self-produced album, entitled "Too Close To See Far", which is also being self-released by Measured Records on 7th July.

The first taste of the new album came when the single "Because You" was released in June, it entered the UK singles chart at number 34 - becoming the bands 3rd successive hit single and their highest entry yet.

Cosmic Rough Riders are well and truly back on the road, touring incessantly this year with over 60 shows clocked up already. They'll also be appearing at several summer festivals, and are lining up even more dates.

With attitude dripping from every pore, they have the effortless cool that only the best and most natural possess. Think the charisma of Frank Black in his avenging prime and the ruthless control of Roy Keane cutting a swathe through the opposition's midfield and you're halfway to understanding easyworld.

In 2002 easyworld signed to Jive. The year was spent going from gig to recording studio and back to gig, non-stop.

The band have spent the last 18 months honing their skills the old-fashioned way, by treading the boards and getting as many gigs as possible under their belts. Last year they supported The Cooper Temple Clause in February, The Bluetones in March, Supergrass in May and Toploader in October & November and still managed to find time for three headline tours of their own.

Their debut long-player 'This Is Where I Stand' was released to critical acclaim in June 2003 and started a massive groundswell in their fanbase, who were crying out for the effortlessly impressive melody driven songs that just connected with the listener. After scoring the much deserved Top 40 single 'Junkies' in February 2003, the band started writing for the next album.

The first single from this new album will be '2nd Amendment'. A song which, funnily enough, observes the USA's Second Amendment - the right of the people to keep and bear Arms and comments on how it increasingly impinges on much of American and indeed worldwide culture. The single is released on 1st September 2003 through Jive Records.

easyworld have quietly been developing from being a talented hard working trio, towards being a genuinely popular and actually great British group. No hype, no bullshit, just great music that connects.

The Birmingham four-piece cleary understand the rules here - get in, hit 'em hard, get out fast... Imagine, some proper pop stars to keep your eye on. It's been a long time, hasn't it?" - Melody Maker

"People need us to prove Rock'n'Roll is not dead."

King Adora, have made a big impact since 2000. Musical prowess, huge rock sound, incisive lyrics, brain drenching tunes, explosive shows and the added bonus of King Adora being genuine ear-n-eye catching stars has won them a fervent following, sell-out tours and has already inspired many web/fanzines. It has also seen them leap into the top 40 British single and Album charts three times already.

The Birmingham quartet are: Martyn "Nelsta" Nelson (Guitar/backing vocals), Robbie G (Bass Guitar). Dan Dabrowski (Drums) and Matt "Maxi" Browne (Vocals and Guitar).

After parting terms with Mercury Records midway through 2002, King Adora were again the hottest unsigned property in Britain - with the second album virtually completed, the hard work done, and a fan base to die for.

In November 2002 King Adora decided that their fans had waited long enough, and made the risky decision of embarking on a full UK tour without having a sinlge on the shelves. The risk paid off though, and the tour sold out even quicker than those before, making it one of the best yet. This was the perfect springboard for King Adora to become even bigger and better in 2003.

Sexton Ming - was born in the dismal town of Gravesend and rejected by Medway College (which actually accepted Bill Lewis and Billy Childish), but subsequently proved himself to be 'all powerful' by becoming a founder-member of The Medway Poets in 1980 along with the other two and Charles Thomson. The Ming is on over 15 LPs and CDs with his unique musical and poetic output.

Reuben - have received massive support from MTV2, are favourites of taste maker radio djs (Steve Lamacq, Colin Murray, Zane Lowe), have got great reviews in Kerrang!, NME, Rock Sound, Metal Hammer et al.

A love of playing, dedication to each other and the music, plus many hours with no food spent in cramped rehearsal rooms, vans and venues, have slowly but surely made Reuben one of the British underground's most essential bands. Still unsigned, but with an uncanny knack of getting by without massive record label cash, the future is bright. Here's the past....

They released the "Pilot" EP on underground record label Badmusic in 2001, it sold well and attracted some great reviews in fanzines and the national press. They also had tracks on the seminal compilations "Please Take Your Shoes Off Before Entering" (Badmusic) and "Mosh And Go" (Fierce Panda).

The debut single "Scared Of The Police" followed in March '02 on Bossmusic (the label set up by Andy Ross, ex head honcho of Food Records) to great acclaim, and as soon as Guy finished his exams they set out to play as many shows as they could, releasing the "Stux" single in August '02 and continuing to have fun. The latest release is Lets Stop Hanging Out which is proving the most popular record so far. Back with Badmusic after a brush with East West it sounds fantastic and all is moving apace with great press, radio and MTV2 coverage, lots of gigs being played and many new friends being made.

Local bands bios and pictures on their way!