The Simonsound

Next time you're slumped in front of the idiot box, your mind in a Hollyoaks-addled stupor, try zoning out for a minute to consider the fine traditions of musicianship that went into making what we now know as 'incidental music'.

Actress

I have a sneaking suspicion that Darren 'Actress' Cunningham is having a bit of fun at my expense when he cites Lady Gaga as one of his current inspirations, along with 'Taio Cruz and N-Dubz'.

Dem Hunger

The contrast between our creative alter egos and our everyday selves always fascinates me. Take this Dem Hunger kid for example. His recent debut album 'Caveman Smack' contained nuggets of the sort of congealed madness that should not be approached in anything less than a sober state. He also writes emails in block capitals LIKE THIS and is obsessed with Shelley Duvall from 'The Shining'.

Max Schaefer

As first novels go, Max Schaefer's 'Children of the Sun' is refreshingly controversial. Most writers would shudder at the prospect of making their central character a committed fascist, especially considering today's political climate and the rise in popularity of Nick Griffin and the BNP.

Bonobo

It must be strange when people assign unwelcome labels to your work. Just ask Simon 'Bonobo' Green, a producer who has seen his music pigeonholed in variously dubious ways over the last few years.

Max Pemberton

Before I met Dr Max Pemberton, author of "Trust me, I'm a Junior Doctor", its follow up, "Tell me where it Hurts" and columnist for the Daily Telegraph, I expected some hardened veteran Doctor, with a thousand yard stare to send chills down your spine.

Bill Brewster

In years to come, when we fly around on those hoverboards promised to us by Back To The Future and download iTunes directly into our brains, history students will take excursions to places like The Museum of Bill Brewster.

Chris Energy and The Giant Record Box

Many East Londoners and record collectors will be accustomed to the familiar sight of Chris Energy tending to his record stall on Brick Lane at weekends. When I first met him he told me this wild tale about how he lived in a warehouse with over 100,000 records. 'Prove it', I said.

Ex Libras

Anyone who's followed Ex Libras' exploits making "The Shed" on their blog,Guerilla Movements, must have been impressed by their determination. Using their 3 meagre salaries they've assembled a creative space they can use whenever they want at no extra cost. It's there that I had agreed to meet them.

Gold Panda

In the future when I look back at the end of 'the noughties' (still cringing) I will probably remember it chiefly for being dominated by 'Best of....' lists. LISTS. Everywhere. The best films of the decade, the best music of the decade, the best 'celebrity moments' of the decade, the best lists of the decade (probably).

Illum Sphere

Just in case you London beatmakers were starting to get cocky, Manchester based producer and promoter Ryan Hunn a.k.a Illum Sphere has recently fired a shot across the bows in the form of his new EP, 'Long Live The Plan'.

Mother Studios

Next time you happen to find yourself on the outskirts of a city, navigating your way through disused industrial wasteland, you may be able to spot certain clues that suggest all may not quite be what it seems.

Lone

Nottingham-based producer Matt 'Lone' Cutler has been carving out quite a niche for himself with his trademark lopsided beats (see, didn't use the word 'w*nky') and detuned soundscapes that evoke memory and nostalgia.

kidkanevil

Not long after the release of his debut album ‘Problems and Solutions’, I bumped into Gerard ‘kidkanevil’ Roberts in a bar in Leeds. I was surprised to learn that he had already completed half of his follow-up record, prompting me to remark that he didn’t seem to be wasting any time.

Architeq

I first discovered Architeq through the ever-reliable Boomkat, which aptly described his debut album 'Gold and Green' as a 'full-blown future fuck'. With 'Gold and Green', 23 year old Samuel Annand has created a heady collision of hip-hop, John Carpenter soundtracks, funk and dub, all crafted with good old fashioned musicianship.

James Nash

When I lived in Leeds I used to go round to James Nash’s house every now and then. I would sit in his kitchen putting the world to rights and he would calmly empathise, punctuating my diatribes with sage words of advice. That Nash would have so much wisdom to offer is no surprise, given his career (and life) trajectory.

Lukid

I find myself almost believing Luke ‘Lukid’ Blair when he claims ‘I don’t work that hard to be honest, I’m quite lazy’. He probably believes it himself. But, come to think of it, how many people do you know who have released two critically acclaimed albums by the age of 25?

DJ Vadim

The journey to DJ Vadim’s house and studio involves a trek through a suitably diverse and bustling enclave of East London. Nestled between schools, sari shops and market stalls, there is an unassuming front door that belies the collection of music history contained within.