The six bands I have highlighted all are local or have had connections with the City and all have new material out during 2007. Let’s begin with Candie Payne, someone who impressed me during the latter end of the year with a couple of stylish tracks. With her modern take on sixties soul, and taking influences from the likes of Marlena Shaw and Billie Holiday, she has the confidence, the image and most importantly the songs to do something this year. Her backing from the Deltasonic team along with support from her two musical brothers will also be important for her success. If she does make it comparisons will be made with Cilla, just because it’s been that long since the City has produced a songstress of her ilk. There is many a musical fan that hopes Candie’s debut album, out in the next few weeks, will provide the long waited female icon for the next generation.  | | Alterkicks |
The Sonic Hearts are staying in the same 60s era with tracks that have an unquestionable Merseybeat theme. Singer Sean Francis Butler has been performing folky acoustic tracks in one guise or another for many years. His hard work and determination paid off with a recent deal with the major EMI. Sean is joined in the Neon Hearts by Kirsty on Flute, Anthony on Bass, Stu on Drums and Adrian on keys. The first fruits of this new agreement will be out later this year. Alterkicks are another of the bands that have recently signed a deal. They signed to B-Unique last year and put out their debut single, the upbeat and melodic ‘On a Holiday’. It won them support slots with the likes of the Automatic and Larrakin Love. Singer Martin Stilwell (vocals) was originally from Knowsley Village, a place that may become synonymous with songwriters in bands. He formed the five piece a few years back and now consists of Mike Oates [guitar] Gareth Padfield [guitar] Mark Yari-Gerrard [bass] Oli Hughes [drums]. They are putting the final touches to their debut album for a 2007 release and are planning to play Liverpool at Korova in February.  | | 28 Costumes by Mark McNulty |
28 Costumes deserve to be a national household name instead of just the regional cult status they enjoy. The local band are fun, entertaining and original. They are four fellas who make slightly off kilter arty party pop that is performed dynamically and energetically, a must see if you haven’t witnessed them live. 28 Costumes consist of Chris McIntosh on Vocals and Guitar, Tony Reilly on Guitar and Vocals, Paul Green on Bass and Vocals and Ally McPhie on Drums. If you ever need a band to get the crowd jumping then these are your lads. Their first album ‘The Fake Death Experience’ was released nearly three years back now, and they have recently been working with AC/DC producer Tony Platt for a new album expected to be ready by March. Also watch out for two bands that have had connections with the City over the years that are also out to capitalise on early releases with some singles out in January. Pop Levi have been getting lots of recent national radio play from the likes of Zane Lowe at Radio One and with a new single and album produced by his four piece band in Los Angeles, the former Lipa student will be looking to return to conquer this year. And finally a quick mention for 747s who made a great debut called ‘Zampano’ in late 2006. They spent quite a bit of time here in the early days of the band were they wrote songs and developed their sound. The new single ‘Rainkiss’ is out on 22nd January 2007. | 
