Guardian Music — Is there really a market for this female duo's prettily melodic pop with a punch? Yes, if 4m YouTube hits is anything to go byHometown: Hamburg, Germany.The lineup: Valeska Steiner and Sonja Milena Glass.The background: There's a k-pop group called B... more info

Guardian Music — Former Housemartin Paul Heaton is going on a pub tour of Britain, cycling from gig to gig. He tells Laura Barton why he can't write lyrics unless he's in Hull – and tunes unless he's in Gran CanariaIt's just after lunch and the King's Arms is heav... more info

Impose Magazine — Perry Shall makes artwork for the people 'ALL THE DAMN TIME.' Mostly, he roadies, sells merch, tour-manages and does artwork for JEFF The Brotherhood, and occasionally, other bands. He also books shows in Philadelphia, plays in two active bands (Dry ... more info

Guardian Music — Here are the best small-scale music festivals of the summerAll Tomorrow's PartiesWhen 7-9 DecemberWhere Butlins, Minehead, SomersetWhat Eclectic get-together, curated by the NationalWho Kronos Quartet, the Antlers, Owen Pallett, Boris, Tim Hecker, Me... more info

ContactMusic — Russell Crowe stunned the audience at Londons Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night 23May12 by joining Elvis Costello on stage during his gig The She hitmaker headlined the prestigious venue and sang several of his tracks before inviting Crowe to shar... more info

Guardian Music — City Hall, NewcastleWith a back catalogue as labyrinthine as Costello's, the act of choosing a set list must be arduous and baffling. Hence the "Spinning Songbook", whereby a fairground-style wheel containing the names of 40 songs is spun by members ... more info

Chicago Tribune — Riot Fest, the annual punk festival, is moving outdoors for the first time this year, promoters say: Sept. 15-16 at Humboldt Park. The festival’s Sept. 14 opening will be held at the Congress Theater. more info

Guardian Music — Union Chapel, LondonFor the theatrical opening, at least, the setting is perfect. The Tammy Wynette and George Jones wedding song The Ceremony is playing as Michael Weston King and Lou Dalgleish walk up the Union Chapel aisle. She's wearing white and... more info

Guardian Music — Toast to Freedom will go on sale this week performed by supergroup of musicians and celebrities to mark Amnesty anniversaryA supergroup of prominent artists and performers are to release a song on Thursday as part of celebrations to commemorate Amnes... more info

Jam! Showbiz Music, Canada — British singer-songwriter Elvis Costello was without his "spectacular spinning songbook" wheel when he played Casino Rama on Thursday night in front of 3,000 fans. more info