Debut album coming from The Lion And The Wolf

ACOUSTIC singer-songwriter The Lion And The Wolf will self-release his debut album Symptoms through his Courage And Stone Records on November 24th.

The man behind the music - Isle of Wight's Thomas George - has been touring relentlessly over the past year, including a number of UK festival dates in the summer.

But the album has been a lot longer in the making.

He told RealSoundsOK: "Symptoms is a reflection of the past four years work. The songs have come together at a time in my life where each track tells and integral part of the journey, from playing in front rooms of people's houses to performing on Europe-wide tours."

Keeping to his DIY ethos, Thomas's work in the studio has brought his original bedroom recordings of lo-fi folk songs to life using full instrumentation and warm analogue sounds.

But he has kept a raw sound by recording with no digital plug-ins. You can have a listen to first single Colour to judge the effect for yourselves.

The Lion And The Wolf will be continuing to rattle up the show count for the rest of the year as he tours the UK and Europe.

Find out more at facebook.com/thelionandthewolf

Fatboy Slim to headline at Bestival

FATBOY Slim aka Norman Cook has been announced as the Friday night headliner for this year's Bestival.

The performance coincides with the dance god's birthday and promises to be a show to remember.

Norman said: “It was at Glastonbury 2003 where I closed the Sunday Best stage for [Bestival founder] Rob da Bank that I first saw the glint in his eye to create his own festival. 

"12 months later I was headlining Bestival and TEN years on, here I am again, throwing them the biggest birthday bash possible and sharing the main stage alongside Elton John and Snoop Dogg. 

"It’s an absolute honour to return for this momentous occasion – staying creative and independent in these times. You've come a long way, baby!"

As well as those headliners, the festival will also feature M.I.A, Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, Wu Tang Clan, Bombay Bicycle Club and many others.

The festival takes place at the Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, from September 5th-8th.

For more details, including ticketing, visit http://2013.bestival.net/

Exciting Willy Moon to drop new album

NOT many artists are described as a hybrid of Cab Calloway, Michael Jackson and The Ramones - so step forward Willy Moon.

The 23-year-old is due to deliver his debut album 'Here's Willy Moon' through Island Records on April 1.

It is was written, recorded and produced all on his own (with a few tracks being produced by Pulp's Steve Mackey), and he doesn't like to waste time with the 12-track record just 29 minutes long.

The London-based New Zealander said: "My album is short like my songs. I always loved the relentlessness and excitement of that first Ramones album and there's something of that spirit in there. I think it will surprise people who've only heard Yeah Yeah, there's some slower, more atmospheric songs on it and one that even last for over three minutes...ha!"

Willy spent last summer playing festivals across Europe, including Cannes film festival and recently made his debut on BBC2’s Later… With Jools Holland, while Apple picked up his Wu-Tang-sampling barnburner ‘Yeah Yeah’ for its latest iPod ad.

The album is available to buy on iTunes here.

He is also heading out on tour on support of the album with the following dates:

05/03 - XOYO - London (Sold Out)

22/03 - O2 Academy - Birmingham

23/03 - ABC 2 – Glasgow

25/03 - Deaf Institute - Manchester
 (Sold Out)
26/03 - The Haunt - Brighton
08/05 - Electric Ballroom – London

Tickets are available here.

And he will also be performing at this year's Isle of Wight Festival in June and Reading & Leeds Festival in August.

Check out his latest track below...

Sir Elton and Snoop Dogg to headline Bestival

YOU certainly can't accuse the organisers of Bestival of not offering an eclectic mix of music at this year's festival with Elton John and Snoop Dogg announced as its headliners for Saturday and Sunday nights.

This year is the 10th anniversary festival and Sir Elton and Snoop will be joined on the bill by the likes of M.I.A., Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, The Knife, Wu-Tang Clan, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Roots and many more.

“I haven’t played any of the major festivals in the UK in recent years, so when the opportunity to play Bestival came up I was very interested," said Sir Elton. "I’ve heard that the Bestival audience comes in fancy dress and I can’t wait to see that, they must all look amazing from the stage. 

"At various times I have worn enormous feathered head-dresses, cloaks, hot pants, jumpsuits, clown suits, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, French Maid, The Eiffel Tower and The Statue of Liberty onstage! Wearing fancy dress makes us all feel less inhibited so I think it’s a great way to enjoy live music."

Bestival takes place from September 5-8 at Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, England.

For the full festival line up - including which DJs will be playing sets - visit the official website at www.Bestival.net

Tickets are on sale now with a wealth of ticket types and payment options. For more, visit www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-tickets