Guardian Music — (Southern Crossroads)Perfect timing isn't Danny George Wilson's strong suit. His first band, Grand Drive, specialised in heartfelt Americana before it became fashionable. Danny and the Champions of the World's 2008 debut unveiled lap steel guitars an... more info

Guardian Music — Our secret columnist spoke to an A&R for his take on the workings of the music industry ... only to find him out of a jobTo present more than one point of view, this week I sent emails from an anonymous account in the hope of speaking to some industr... more info

NME - Festivals — It's the one festival of the summer that's guaranteed to leave pasty bands and fans alike sun-burnt, and the only festival you can go swimming in the sea at 4.30am at without getting hypothermia. Oh Benicassim, you really treated us this year with Th... more info

NME — Tame Impala and Spectrals also play more info

Guardian Music — Adele, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga lead first increase in record sales in seven years, according to Nielsen SoundScan figuresCheck the sky for flying pigs: US album sales are up. American industry experts report that for the first time since 2004, more ... more info

Guardian Music — Thanks to Adele, Mumford & Sons and Marsha Ambrosius topping the US charts, British artists now account for 12% of the global music marketWhile it's not been a good week for our tabloids, the British music industry has fared better. Virgin Media fina... more info

Pop Justice — Remember all that fuss everyone made about stropfaced X Factor contestant Aiden Grimshaw, and how he should have been given a record deal? Well as we all know the only way it would have worked is if he'd done a 'Murder Ballads'-style psychopop album ... more info

NME — Session version of new ballad is currently doing the rounds online more info

Guardian Music — Members of Arcade Fire share their thoughts on playing at Wireless festival in London's Hyde Park with, among others, Mumford & Sons, Beirut and the Vaccines more info

NME — Coldplay, Mumford And Sons and Elbow also score chart rises after playing at Worthy Farm last weekend more info