Music writer and broadcaster Chris Merriman joins the Perfect Pitch team with a monthly guide to… whatever is going on in his head, really. This month it’s bands to watch at next years festies….

One of the joys of spending the summer wandering around festivals is the chance to soak up some new talent. Often the bands on the little stages this year are the headliners next. There’s a lot to be excited about in 2010 – so here’s a few of the acts that you should be keeping an eye on in a muddy field near you….

OUTSIDE ROYALTY are an ex-pat Pittsburgh band, who have been wowing audiences around the country with their infectious pop tunes and the rather unique addition of a virtuoso cellist and violinist. The result is some stunning Kings of Leon meets Roxy Music action that will have you swarming for the central mosh-pit. They’re just about to tour stadiums with The Cranberries, so watch out for them, all over Europe by the summer.

THE PHENOMENAL HANDCLAP BAND are 9 New Yorkers (what is it with all these bands with huge line-ups) who do exactly what it says on the tin. Their shows are phenomenal, - a mixture of Fleetwood Mac, The Polyphonic Spree & The Go! Team. Admit it. You’re really interested. They’re perfect fodder for those heady summer festival days that you don’t ever want to end.

ANA SILVERA is a very different proposition. Dividing her time between London and New York, the former opera soloist now creates a beautiful, shimmering wall of intelligent lyrics and piano magic. The world needed a British Tori, and now it has one. With national acclaim from every one of her sold out shows, she’s a true hidden treasure who makes the prospect of being cuddled up on a blanket with a loved love even more appealing.

ECHASKECH (note the trademark infringement avoidance) will get any dance stage into an orgy of excitement. Their recent album “Shatterproof” has blown away all preconceptions of how an electronic act can behave, by being simultaneously melodic, and innovative. Even your beloved editor has fallen for their charms. And you don’t get much bigger endorsement than the PPM seal of approval!

THE INVISIBLE wowed me at this year’s Big Chill. A jazz infused mixture of Bloc Party and TV On The Radio, the band play a style which they jokingly refer to as “Experimental Genre-Spanning Space Pop”. In actual fact, they have something for everyone, with a shoegazy bent, and a trippy feel. After being raved about all year, the band’s debut album was nominated for this year’s Mercury Music Prize, despite losing out to some rapping lady or something. But what do they know? Check them out – they’re fantastic.

So there’s a few ideas for ones to watch for when you’ve got your credit card in your hot little hand and getting ready to book for next summer. If you’ve got a band that you think are worthy of mention in this column, then get in touch with me. My address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I’ll be back next month – to look at surviving the chill of winter, and keeping that festival feeling all year round. Remember – festival season is only a few months away! Have a good Christmas. x