ALEXANDRA BURKE

Hallelujah

Alexandra Burke’s debut single "Hallelujah" has already made it into the record books: it has been confirmed as the fastest-selling download single in history across the whole of Europe! The single sold over 105,000 copies in the UK on download only in just one day, Sunday 14th December. It smashed the previous record of 82,000 in one day achieved by Leona Lewis with her debut release, "A Moment Like This". "Hallelujah" is currently at No.1 on HMV.com, 7Digital and Play.com’s download chart, as well as being top of the iTunes 100 chart. The single will be released on CD in shops on December 17th, and is backed by "Candyman" and ‘Without You" - two audience favourites from Alexandra’s time on the X Factor.

TIMMY VEGAS & BAD LAY-DEE

Another Dimention

Mashed up, house music madness meets street tough, lyrical badness in a tune set to re-write the dance floor rulebook. January 5, 2009, the ever-reliable Eye Industries brings you the meeting of musical minds that is "Another Dimension" by Timmy Vegas & Bad Lay-Dee. Fusing elements of Crystal Waters and the Beastie Boys with a funked-up house groove and a sharp urban edge, "Another Dimention" is all set to kick off 2009 with a speaker-blowing bang. Already receiving support from Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Scott Mills, Footloose and MistaJam, Sarah Main, and David Dunne, there is no doubt that love for "Another Dimension" is cutting a swathe through DJ's and genres. Timmy Vegas and Bad Lay-Dee are walking a perfect line between cred and crowd pleaser. Eye Industries deliver a huge drum ‘n bass remix from Danny Byrd alongside a cool house remix from Tom Novy to make this an unmissable release.

TINCHY STRYDER

Take Me Back

If DJ Tim Westwood, Kano, JME and Dizzee Rascal were asked who on the growing UK Grime scene was standing out in the crowd, grime artist Tinchy Stryder would definitely be at the top of their list. Dubbed as the "next Wiley", Tinchy Stryder is the UK grime artist to watch out for in years to come. The 21 year old East Londoner, real name Kwasi Danquah, was born in Ghana and moved to East London at the age of 9, brought up and still living in one of the capital's most dangerous boroughs, Tower Hamlets. Tinchy released his first solo album "Star In The Hood" in 2007 on Takeover Entertainment – an independent 360 music company who handles management, recording, tours and merchandise for all their artists. Takeover Entertainment is run by two forward thinking teenagers, who not only funded the recording, production, distribution, but also the promotion of Tinchy's debut solo album by selling "Star In The Hood" T-Shirts at gigs and on eBay. "Star In The Hood" has sold 20,000 copies to date.

WILEY ft/ DANIEL MERRIWEATHER

Cash In My Pocket

"See Clear Now" is the hotly anticipated album by rapper, producer, MC Legend – Wiley – due out on January 5th via the legendary Asylum Record label, a division of Atlantic Records. Entering ground-breaking new musical territory, Wiley switches up the scene on this coming of age album which flows like a heavy-mixture of grime fused with funky-house with elements of everything wrapped in something new. Guets include Hot Chip, Kano, Daniel Merriweather, new kid on the grime block Scorcher, Pharrell protégé Kenna, Sam Young and Mark Ronson to name a few. "Cash In My Pocket" is produced by Mark Ronson and features the vocal talents of Daniel Merriweather, Wiley has read the mood of a nation hit by the global economic crises and has come up with an ode to the credit crunch of sorts.

SNOW PATROL

Crack The Shutters

Snow Patrol release their new single "Crack The Shutters" through Fiction/Polydor Records on December 15, 2008. "Crack The Shutters" is the second single taken from their fifth studio album, "A Hundred Million Suns", which has already gone platinum. "A Hundred Million Suns" was recorded through Summer 2008 in Hansa Studios in Berlin, and at Grouse Lodge deep in the Irish countryside. Written by Snow Patrol, the album has been produced by long-time producer Jacknife Lee (Bloc Party, REM, U2). Gary Lightbody (vocals/guitars) says, "I'm so proud of this record. Everybody played out of their skin. Garret (Jacknife Lee) continued his progression from maverick genius to one of the best producers in the world. Musically, lyrically and sonically, the best record we've made."

PARAMORE

Decode

Fueled By Ramen released the new Paramore track "Decode" on December 8, 2008. "Decode" is the lead single from "Twilight – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". "Twilight" the movie, open in UK theatres on December 19th. "Twilight is the first series of books I've ever read", says Hayley Williams. "I didn't get into the Harry Potter series, even though I love the movies. Twilight really caught my attention and held it. I'm really excited to see the book adapted to film and excited that our band gets to be a part of the phenomenon." "I chose the title "Decode" because the song is about the building tension, awkwardness, anger and confusion between (Twilight's lead characters) Bella and Edward." "Bella is the only mind Edward can't read, and I feel like that's a big part of the first book and one of the obstacles for them to overcome. It's one added tension that makes the story even better."

KINGS OF LEON

Use Somebody

Kings Of Leon return with the release of their new single "Use Somebody on December 8, 2008, through Hand Me Down/Columbia Records. "Use Somebody" is the second single" to be taken from their massively acclaimed No. 1 album "Only By The Night" and follows the monumental success of their No. 1 single "Sex On Fire", which is still in the charts. The album is already certified Double Platinum (600,000+) after just one month in-stores. "Use Somebody" is backed by an amazing ethereal remix of "Knocked Up" from their "Because Of The Times" album, courtesy of Lykke Li, and a video, shot recently in Los Angeles by Sophie Muller, who also directed their much admired "Sex On Fire" clip. Kings of Leon will be playing London's Wembley Arena on December 22nd, and will be in New York at Madison Square Garden in January 2009.

LILY ALLEN

The Fear

Lily Allen returns with the much anticipated release of her second album "It’s Not Me, It’s You" on Regal Recordings on February 9, 2009. The album featured twelve brand new tracks and is the follow up to her debut "Alright Still" which sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide and spawned the classic No. 1 single "Smile". This and a string of equally incisive singles catapulted the then 21 year old artist into massive global recognition and success. Two years later, "It’s Not Me, It’s You" still celebrates Lily’s supreme pop artistry, but this time there’s a depth and a dexterity to many of the songs that moves her even further ahead of her contemporaries. The album is preceded by the single "The Fear" which is released on January 26, 2009.

TOMMY SPARKS

I’m A Rope

After earning his stripes on the Worldwide Bloc Party tour (the band called on Tommy when they were left a man down due to Gordon’s paternity leave), the band have personally invited him to support them on the UK leg of their tour in early 2009. The debut single "I’m A Rope" out on February 2, 2009, on Electric Eyeball Records is a rousing banger sure to convert indie clubs everywhere into eyeliner melting saunas. Remixes come courtesy of "Drums of Death" and "Yuksek". The accompanying video for "I’m A Rope" – Tommy’s idea – is directed by Max Vitali (The Prodigy, Madonna). The concept is one never attempted that saw 16 people hypnotized during the making of the performance based video.

KID CUDI vs. CROOKERS

Day 'N' Nite

Rapper and singer Kid Cudi – with a little help from production duo Crookers – will unleash the first big hit of 2009 with hip-house masterpiece "Day ‘N’ Nite", released on January 12th on Data Records. Lyrically angst-filled and insomnia inspired, the debut single oscillates between hypnotic, stripped back electro and unashamedly deranged, rave-style breakbeats complete with wonky bassline. The result is a disconcertingly catchy anthem that’s already causing high-scoring Richter Scale damage in clubs and winning over fans all day and all night long. Having caught Kanye West’s ear and imagination, Cudi has been in the studio with the star collaborating on Kanye’s "808’s & Heartbreak" while simultaneously crafting his own LP, due for release in early 2009. Kid Cudi’s unstoppable momentum has also lead to him being tipped by Rolling Stone and featured on the cover of the current edition of US music mag XXL.

THE KILLERS

Human

The Killers single "Human" is the first from their third studio album "Day & Age"; the hotly anticipated follow up 2006’s "Sam’s Town", and 2004’s "Hot Fuss" on Vertigo Records. "Day & Age" is filled with the soaring vocals, epic choruses, and the remarkable songwriting that has won them legions of fans, radio and chart hits, and multiple awards worldwide. It’s The Killer’s at their very best.

THE SATURDAYS

Issues

The Saturdays return to the charts with new track "Issues". Showcasing their vocals, this beautiful ballad is set to show a whole other side to The Saturdays. The single comes backed with their cover of Madcon's version of Frankie Valli's "Beggin". "Issues" is released on January 5, 2009, on Fascination Records.

PANIC AT THE DISCO

Northern Downpour

Las Vegas foursome, "Panic At The Disco" are due to top off yet another hugely successful year with the release of a live CD/DVD, entitled "Live In Chicago" on December 1 on Atlantic Records. Fresh from their highly anticipated sophomore album debuting at No. 2 in the UK charts back in March, things have shown no sign of slowing down for the band. "Nine In The Afternoon" and "That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)" proved to be follow-up hits to the band's platinum selling debut despite being a departure from their previous sound. Filmed at the Chicago stop on the Honda Civic tour, this live CD/DVD set showcases live versions of all the hits from both of the band's albums and is a must-have for any diehard Panic At The Disco fan.

GYM CLASS HEROES ft/ ESTELLE

Guilty As Charged

Gym Class Heroes release "Guilty As Charged", the second single to be taken from their acclaimed third album "The Quilt" on December 8th through Decaydance/Fuelled By Ramen Records. The album's opener, "Guilty As Charged" is a stomping, bass and brass-propelled anthem, bounding with dance floor energy and infused with the sweet vocal charms of UK soul sensation Estelle. A hybrid of neo-gospel and hip-hop with a twist of Latino, "Guilty As Charged" is a fitting testimony to Gym Class Heroes perpetual ability to cross and blend genres with unparalleled skill.

LADY GA GA ft/ COLBY O’DONIS

Just Dance

Looking for a decent bet on a tasty new pop starlet for 2009? Then look no further than Lady GaGa. You've no doubt heard the name by now – plastered as it is across great swathes of the worldwide web – but who exactly is she? Take the name and roll it around on your tongue a little while: Lady. GaGa. The "Lady" is straightforward and the "GaGa" pretty obvious (from Queen's Radio Gaga), but the rest is far from simple. She is a songwriter who learnt piano aged four, wrote her first song at 13, won early admission to the esteemed Tisch School of Arts at 17, and writes tunes so irresistible that Pussycat Dolls and Britney Spears have each donned haute couture creations from the Haus of GaGa. She's a performance artist who spent her teenage years at any New York open mic night that would have her, and her early 20's performing in the city's Lower East Side clubs. Now at 22, she's a bonafide pop star. Her forthcoming debut album "The Fame" hits our shores on January 19, 2009. The debut lead single "Just Dance" is out digitally on December 29th, and physically on January 5th, on Polydor Records.

JASON MRAZ

I’m Yours

Currently dominating the airwaves across Europe and America, "I'm Yours" – the new single from San Diego singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, will be released in the UK on December 15, 2008, on Atlantic Records. Written by Jason, and produced by Martin Terefe (KT Tunstall, Martha Wainwright, James Morrison), "I'm Yours" is breezy, Californian pop at its best, blasting away the winter blues with a lilting, feel-good vocal and an infectious calypso beat. It's taken from Jason's new album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things", which went gold in America and reached No. 3 in the US charts. Originally included on a limited edition bonus EP in 2005, "I'm Yours" is now a genuine online sensation. The YouTube video has over 30 million views, spawning over 1,500 user-generated videos.

LEONA LEWIS

Run

Leona Lewis releases the much talked-about Snow Patrol song "Run" as a download on November 30th. Leona first performed the song on Jo Whiley's Live Lounge earlier this year. She also performed it most recently on the November 15th The X Factor. Leona's record company had been unindated with requests to release it as a single ever since – but unfortunately as a download only. But it can also be found as bonus track on the re-packaged album "Spirit" (Deluxe Edition) which is now at No. 1 in the UK Album Chart. The music video, directed by the acclaimed Jake Nava (Beyonce "Crazy In Love"), was shot in South Africa in early November. Leona has described the Snow Patrol single as a song of "loss and hope." "The feel for this video is kind of like an enchanted, haunted forest."

KAYNE WEST

Heartless

Kanye West returns with the release of "808's & Heartbreak", another groundbreaking new album by the world's premier hip hop artist. Guests on the new album include Mercury Record's very own Mr. Hudson, who appears on the tracks "Paranoid", "Say You Will", "Amazing", "Street Lights" Coldest Winter" and "Welcome To Heartbreak". Kanye and Ben Hudson have been working closely over the last few months, which culminated in this collaboration as well as Kanye grasping the production reigns of Mr. Hudson's new album, due out in March 2009. Other guests on "808's & Heartbreak" include Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, and Kid Cudi. The second single from the album, entitled "Heartless" is out on January 1, 2009, on Roc-A-Fella/Mercury Records. Kanye's last three albums, "College Dropout", "Late Registration", and "Graduation" have sold over 11.5 million albums worldwide to date. "808's & Heartbreak" has launched Kanye West further into the stratosphere of greatness he currently resides.

BOYZONE

Better

Boyzone have cemented their triumphant earlier this year, with their top 5 single "Love You Anyway" from "Back Again…No Matter What – Greatest Hits" album which also debuted top 5. "Better" out on December 8, 2008, is the next single to be released from the Greatest Hits album, on Polydor Records. The Boyz reveal their sensitive side in this beautiful, soaring ballad and with warm, honest vocals and a stripped back acoustic sound it's set to make the perfect Christmas soundtrack.

NE-YO

Mad

After hitting the UK top spot earlier this year with "Closer", and narrowly missing the No. 1 spot with third album "Year Of The Gentleman", Ne-Yo returns with "Mad" released on the 22nd of December on Def Jam. On "Mad", Ne-Yo teams up with Stargate, who he previously worked with on his first No. 1 "So Sick" and hits "Sexy Love" and "Because Of You". "Mad" already looks set to storm the charts on release. With "Year Of The Gentleman", the Las Vegas native and premier songwriter has constructed a suite of songs that shows exactly what he means by class. Written over the course of travels through Europe last year, and influenced by his own fascination with the Rat Pack, Ne-Yo explains, "For me, the sharpness of Sammy and Sinatra is the kind of style I strive for in clothes and music. "Year Of The Gentleman" is named in honour of those guys." Ne-Yo returns to our shores with a UK tour with the Pussycat Dolls in January.

DAVID GUETTA & CHRIS WILLIS

Everytime We Touch

"Everytime We Touch" is the sonic finale from David Guetta's album "Poplife"; the long-player (his third) that's brought him hits including "Love Is Gone", "Love Don't Let Me Go", and "Baby When The Lights". His own favourite from the album, "Everytime We Touch" was written with long-term collaborator Chris Willis, and co-produced with Steve Angello and Seb Ingrosso, the infamous pairing from the Swedish House Mafia. Work is well underway on his forth album, which will feature some surprise guests from across the musical spectrum. Guetta's now ranked at No. 5 in the Top 100 DJ's Poll (up from No. 10). He's the highest placed house DJ yet again, and in a Top 10 brimming with trance talent, the accolade signifies that his take on house and electro is pushing him further into uncharted territory on an international scale. YouTube views of his music videos are now in excess of 50 million. "Everytime We Touch" is released on January 19, 2009 on Positiva Records.

P!NK

Sober

"Sober" is the stunning new single from P!nk – the follow-up to the global smash "So What". On "Sober" P!nk exposes a vulnerable side of her personality and insight into what makes us tick. "Sober" is a dark, kid of sad song," says P!nk. "And it's about the vices that we choose and I had this idea in my head, "Like how do I feel this good sober?"…."I don't know; it's just a really, really personal beautiful song, one of my favourites." The music video for "Sober" was directed by acclaimed Grammy-winning director Jonas Akerlund (Madonna "Ray Of Light", U2 "Beautiful Day", Christina Aguilera "Beautiful") and captures this duality of perspective. P!nk's recently announced "Funhouse" Tour 2009 was her fastest-selling yet, with extra shows being added due to phenomenal demand. The tour visits Glasgow, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, before climaxing in London with three shows at the 02 Arena. Check her website for dates and locations.

GURU JOSH PROJECT

Infinity 2008

The Guru Josh Project was formed in 2008 by three individuals with a love and passion for electronic music plus old school 90's rave. Featuring Guru Josh himself, DJ and producer Darren Bailie and fellow producer SnakeByte, their aim is to bring back the magic of the 90's dance scene with a fresh, up to date new sound and they've started off with Guru Josh's 1990 worldwide smash hit "Inifinity" released on the New State/Maelstrom Records.

BASSHUNTER

I Miss You

Basshunter will unleash his Christmas anthem "I Miss You" on December 15, 2008. Taken from his massive No. 1 album "Now You're Gone" and following three smash hit singles, his star is set to burn even brighter in the galaxy of pop. Released on the huge Hard2Beat label, home of Basshunter, September, and Sash!, "I Miss You" features the luscious Laruen Dyson on vocals. A hugely talented producer, "I Miss You" shows off Basshunter's slick producer skills and is set to be the anthem for any Christmas night out and will keep the party going right into the New Year! The "I Miss You" video continues the story starring the gorgeous Aylar Lie. Picking up where Aylar and Basshunter left off in "Angel In The Night", "I Miss You" is set amongst the mountains of Norway in a beautiful log cabin. Aylar, Basshunter, and a gang of friends have the ultimate Christmas day with presents, jacuzzi's, snow ball fights, and bikinis…..but who will be kissing who under the mistletoe?

OUTSIDERS ft/ AMANDA WILSON

Keep This Fire Burning

Outsiders are DJ's Vincent Morrissey and DJ Skweez who produced this uplifting dance track that has been huge all summer in the UK and Europe. The song "Keep This Fire Burning" has an interesting history – it was originally a hit for Robyn five years ago in her native Scandinavia. A year later, UK soul diva Beverley Knight then recorded a version and it became her biggest selling UK single. But there were never any dance mixes made at the time, so fast forward to 2008 and Outsiders have brought the R&B anthem right up to date for the dance floor. Outsiders enlisted Amanda Wilson to sing the vocals and Freemasons to do the remix – the pair famously launched the career of Freemasons with their worldwide smash hit "Love On My Mind" and the partnership is set to deliver another huge success. The music video is directed by Johnny Mourge, and the single is released on December 15, 2008 on Loaded Records.

BRITNEY SPEARS

Womanizer

Britney Spears is one of the top-selling artists of the last decade, and to date, she has sold in excess of 62 million albums worldwide. And now Jive/Zomba recording artist Britney announces her sixth studio album "Circus", which is set for release on December 1st. The first single from the album is "Womanizer", and it has already reached the No. 1 spot in the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, although it's not due out in the U.K. until November 24th. "Womanizer" was produced by the up-and-coming Atlanta production team The Outsyders, and has a dynamite accompanying music video directed by Joseph Kahn. Britney recently swept the MTV VMA's, walking away with three Moonmen awards for Video Of The Year, Best Female, and Best Pop Video for "Piece Of Me". Britney has enlisted a stellar group of established producers/ writers on the upcoming album, that include Dr. Luke (who wrote and produced the album's title track "Circus"), Danja, Max Martin, Bloodshy & Avant and Guy Sigsworth (Madonna, Alanis Morissette, Bjork).

KEVIN RUDOLF ft/ LIL WAYNE

Let It Rock

Kevin Rudolf ft/ Lil Wayne sits at No. 5 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with his new single "Let It Rock" on Cash Money Records. "Let It Rock" isn't due for release in the U.K. just yet, but there's always the download at iTunes. In the past, Miami Beach singer, songwriter, producer and guitarist Kevin has collaborated with Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, Nelly Furtado, Black Eyed Peas, and David Banner. "Let It Rock" is from Kevin Rodulf's debut album, "In The City" which is released in the US on November 25th.

KATY PERRY

Hot N Cold

As "I Kissed A Girl" seals its status as the undisputed song of the summer across the globe, Katy Perry has become the brightest new pop artist to emerge in 2008. Virgin Records are now preparing for the next wave of Katy's assault on our charts with the release of her new single "Hot N Cold" on November 24th. Some may have questioned whether Katy Perry could follow up the success of "I Kissed A Girl", but her new single proves without a doubt that she is no one hit wonder. Anticipation for "Hot N Cold" has already picked up steam in radio airplay and digital downloads well ahead of any promotional push. On "Hot N Cold", a driving slab of pure electro-pop produced by Dr. Luke, we hear Katy Perry venting her frustration with a fickle boyfriend. Katy Perry's debut album "One Of The Boys" was recently released in the UK. On the album Katy is joined by such noted producers and collaborators as Greg Wells (Mika, Natasha Bedingfield), Glen Ballard (No Doubt, Alanis Morrisette), Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Max Martin (Leona Lewis, Robyn), Sam Hollander & Dave Katz (Gym Class Heroes, Boys Like Girls) and Butch Walker (Pink, The Donnas).

BEYONCE

If I Were A Boy

"If I Were A Boy" is the new single from international superstar Beyonce, released on November 10th, on Sony BMG. One of the most hotly anticipated releases of the year, "If I Were A Boy" is the first track to be taken from Beyonce's third solo album, which will be released on Monday, November 17th. The fantastic accompanying music video was shot by Jake Nava, who previously worked with Beyonce in making the classic "Crazy In Love" clip. Beyonce has become a true global sensation selling over 15 million albums and singles. Her two previous solo albums "Dangerously In Love" and "B-Day" have earnt her Grammy's, a Brit and multi-platinum awards, and contained the massive No. 1 hits "Crazy In Love", "Déjà Vu" and "Beautiful Liar" and the worldwide anthem "Irreplaceable". Beyonce also received much acclaim for her performance in the movie version of the musical "Dreamgirls" and is set to appear as Etta James in the forthcoming movie "Cadillac Records". "If I Were A Boy" is coming with a whole bundle of hot remixes courtesy of Deadmau5, Audio Bullys and the Japanese Popstars.

KARDINAL OFFISHALL ft/ AKON

Dangerous

KARDINAL OFFISHALL released his debut album “Not 4 Sale” in the US on September 9th on Akon’s label Kon Live through Interscope Records. The first music video from the album is “Dangerous” and it features AKON. KARDI explains the significance of the album title…”I first had the idea for a T-shirt I’d made a few years ago; it read “Not 4 Sale” and had a bar code on it. My idea was something provocative – that went beyond gender, went beyond race, went beyond what type of music you’re into. And people would literally stop me on the street, telling me how dope the shirt was, how similarly they felt.” “The concept grew in my head based on that reaction. There’s energy you can’t buy – the essence of people that can’t be bought or bottled, and lives within them. That’s how I feel about myself – I can’t be bought. That’s why the relationship that AKON and I have is so dope; it’s based on mutual respect.” “Dangerous” is important,” notes KARDI, “because as much as I’ve been out there, this is my first bonafide hit as far as the world is concerned.” “AKON is one of the biggest entertainers in the world right now. For him to lend his energy and his star power to help bring my story out just feels like one of those things that’s meant to be.”

KANYE WEST

Love Lockdown

Kanye West releases "Love Lockdown" digitally on Mercury Records on October 27th, and physically on November 3rd. It's taken from Kanye's new album "808s & Heartbreaks", and was premiered live as the finale at the 2008 MTV VMA's in September. It marks a new direction for West, as this is his first solo single to feature no rapping. "808s & Heartbreaks" is released on November 24, 2008.