Guardian Music — A new initiative is highlighting the value of music to a generation that thinks it should be as freely available as tap waterYesterday saw the launch of the industry initiative Music Matters. It's a two-pronged project with a range of short, animated... more info

Guardian Music — Soho Theatre, LondonAfter years busking and hustling in New York and Paris, Missouri-born singer-songwriter Krystle Warren has suddenly become hot property. A startling performance last year on Later With Jools Holland, as well as plaudits from Rufus... more info

Guardian Music — He may not be a publicist's dream, but the maverick musician will bring his forward-looking curiosity to this year's festivalThe appointment of Richard Thompson as director of this year's Meltdown is good news, but champagne and fireworks aren't appr... more info

Scotsman.com — REBUS author Ian Rankin has been asked to contribute to a biography about recently deceased singer-songwriter John Martyn. more info

Guardian Music — This hoarse whisperer sounds like an ageing American blues singer ... not bad for a twentysomething lad from EssexHometown: Motorway services, UK.The lineup: John Smith (voice, guitar).The background: He couldn't be more inauspiciously named, and yet... more info

Scotsman.com — FOLK and blues artist John Martyn left his entire UK estate to his partner and his daughter in his will. The Scottish singer, guitarist and songwriter, below, who lived in th more info

Guardian Music — Full of sarcasm and sneer, Beverley's debut single showed that not all 60s pop was light and fluffyIt's that time of year again: the New Year's Eve ritual of intoxication, to mark the passing of the old and the arrival of the new. Some people love it... more info

Aquarium Drunkard — Got back to L.A. last night.  The middle of my autumn traveling mix for the rental car was made up of Warpaint’s “Billie Holiday,” The Middle East’s “The Darkest Side,” John Martyn’s “Over The Hill” and the following track by Ben... more info

Guardian Music — It's the last ever School of Rock blog (sniff! sob! etc) and so time to climb the wooden hill to Bedfordshire in search of music's most soothing lullabiesIt takes all sorts, but I used to find that the sound of Peel favourites Truman's Water turned u... more info

Guardian Music — This quirky newbie could easily be dismissed as just another kooky songstress were it not for the quality of her music and voice. Oasis fans look away now ...Hometown: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.The lineup: Beth Jeans Houghton (vocals, guitar), Dav "Lego" S... more info