Inspired by New York disco and post-punk but with a healthy interest in classic pop, five-piece May 68 might not sound like many other bands from Manchester, but they share the city's restless, musically inquisitive spirit. Since forming in early 2009, the band have moved forward at a startling speed, releasing their debut single in March, supporting bands such as Delphic and The Drums and getting airplay on loads of different radio shows. Releasing another single 'Prisoner' in October, May 68 are now putting their debut album together for release in 2011. http://www.myspace.com/may68uk

May 68 - The Prisoner

A group of like-minded individuals who formed inbetween lectures at the University Of Manchester, The Answering Machine have spread far beyond student-ville with their infectious, intelligent indie-rock.Originally a three-piece who played with a drum machine (nicknamed Mustapha Beat) until they found a working human rhythm section, the band released a series of limited edition singles around the city before unleashing their debut LP Another City, Another Sorry last summer. Since then, their intricate but catchy tunes have allowed the band to travel the globe, performing in all corners of the world, before The Answering Machine recently returned to their adopted home of Manchester to record a follow up. The track 'Animals' is the first taster from these recent sessions.  http://www.theansweringmachine.co.uk/

The Answering Machine - Animals

Inspired by classic melancholic but uplifting acts such as Joy Division and Doves, 1913 are the latest band to emerge from Manchester with windswept anthems in their hearts and stadiums in their minds. Atlantis, their recently-released debut single, is a great example of what the band themselves call 'death pop': anthemic, melodic and embracing. http://www.myspace.com/1913official

1913 - Atlantis

A one-man psychedelic pop machine, Magic Arm is the alter-ego of musical magician Marc Rigelsford. As a self-taught musician and producer, Marc set out with the aim of crafting conventional pop songs, but has wandered off into some more interesting and unusual directions. His recently released debut album Make Lists Do Something combines the mix and match folk-pop of The Beta Band or Beck with a dash of cheeky Mancunian charm, typified by his brilliant cover of LCD Soundsystem's Daft Punk Is Playing At My House. Having already supported the likes of Grizzly Bear and Beirut in his home town of Manchester, Marc is now ready to hit the road with the backing of a full band, spreading a little bit of his magic as he goes. http://magicarm.co.uk/

Magic Arm - Widths & Heights

The Real Dolls’ music defies easy description; they’re part punk, part electro, part J-Pop, part Hip Hop. Reminiscent of Santigold, Gorillaz and N.A.S.A, at the same time they’re something completely different. Their contagious enthusiasm and high-energy live performances will capture the imagination of even the most committed cynic. http://www.myspace.com/therealdolls

Real Dolls - Control

Manchester electro-pop trio Run Toto Run only released their first single last summer, but they've already caught the attention of plenty of people. Having appeared at Glastonbury, played on every radio station in the land and received rave reviews wherever they've performed, it's safe to say that they're one of our top tips for 2010. The track you can hear is Catch My Breath, the band's latest single. http://www.myspace.com/runtotomusic

Run Toto Run - Catch My Breath

Hailing from Manchester, and with an unbelievably powerful live presence, TEN BEARS are here to stay. Lead by their incredible energy, charm and charisma they have been causing a stir around Manchester and UK music venues, winning over crowds where ever they go. Their energetic 'cOSmiCDiRtRoCK' delivers up pop slices such as 'Charlie', 'To The Moon' and 'Braces' - and brings to life the inner mind thinkings of Ten Bears; Kris Hudson, Luke Daniel, Dom Kozubik, Tim Estherby and Sam Hammond. They have recently returned from a UK tour and a trip to Georgia. (see TEN BEARS TV) They have Radio One coverage on the Huw Stephens show and a live session for Marc Riley's 6 music under their belts. They are currently in the studio working with Ric Levy (Yeah Yeah Yeahs/Mystery Jets) and had a wild summer with Glastonbury Festival and many others amongst the highlights.

Ten Bears - Charlie

Producer, lyricist and rapper, Skittles is a one-man hip-hop force in Manchester and beyond, his recent album 'Poor With £100 Trainers' confirming his talent for insightful rhymes and innovative beats. Appearing at Umbro's Tailored At Dale Street night curated by Hit + Run, Skittles led a full band through an electrifying set that confirmed his power as a live artist. This live recording of 'Take Me Away' comes from that night at Umbro's Dale Street studio. 
http://shop.oneguycalledskittles.com/

Skittles - Take Me Away (performed live for Tailored At Dale Street)

Showcasing his explosive live performance, rapper Riz MC performs at Umbro' Tailored At Dale Street gig, produced in collaboration with Hit & Run. Riz MC, who recently released his album Microscope, is also an established actor, having recently appeared in Plan B's acclaimed Ill Manors and Chris Morris' Four Lions. 
Here Riz MC performs with The Kaleidoscope Orchestra, producing a rich, powerful slice of live hip hop. For more details head to http://www.umbro.com

Lethal Bizzle ft. Bad Form - 'Blinded' - (Original Edit) (Lethal Bizzle Recordings)

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