(SEVERAL DAYS LATE) UPDATE ON IAN WATKINS TRIAL

Quick update on the ongoing trial of Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins - in December 2012, he was charged with multiple sex offences, including 'conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a one-year old girl, and with possession of and/or distribution of indecent images of children and 'extreme animal pornography' (from Wikipedia). Appearing in court via video link on June 3rd, he denied all charges. The trial will now begin on November 25th, supposedly taking a month. 

More updates as I hear them. 

HAZ-MAT SUITS AT THE READY; NEW ENTER SHIKARI TRACK 'RADIATE'

Never ones to, you know, slow down, Enter Shikari have written, recorded and made a video for a new track. Named Radiate, it's classic Shikari - lyrically, calling out on the flaws of society in an anthemic way, amid a backdrop of crashing guitars and bouncing synthesisers, all the while ebbing and flowing between ranting and more sombre interludes. Give it a few listens, it'll grow on you. 

WIN FREE FESTIVAL ENTRY (IN ASSOCIATION WITH JACK DANIEL'S & J.D. ROOTS)

Festival season is upon us! With more well-known events such as Slam Dunk already been and gone, and the big ones like Download and Reading/Leeds still to come, there's much to look forward to. But I have some opportunities for you, my readers, to get into a couple of fests happening over the summer, as reviewers/writers. Jack Daniel's, liquor of Epic Meal Time fame*, has a campaign to promote up and coming bands; J.D. Roots. JD has stages at some festivals in order to give these artists some limelight - to quote them, "JD Roots will be getting involved with the local music scenes that produce the legends of tomorrow and the moments of today." So you would be going to these festivals to cover bands appearing on the JD stages. 'But which festivals?' I hear you ask.

The first is Long Division, a 3-day event in Wakefield, just south of Leeds. Click on the link, in bold < to find out about the lineup and what's going on. The dates of this are the 7th-9th June, so next week. But if there is anyone who could get to Wakefield next Saturday, get in touch via Twitter, email, or comment below, and I will give you some more information about the doings!

The second is SWN Festival in Cardiff. This year taking place from the 17th-20th October, the JD Roots stage will be at Cardiff's rather famous Clwb Ifor Bach. Details about the festival are yet to land, in terms of who will be appearing etc, but the likes of Aluna George and Palma Violets have appeared in previous years, to give you an idea. Again, if you're interested, get in touch!

*to be fair I stopped watching EMT a while ago. Also I know you know what JD is.