Winning a Grammy for ‘Best Engineer’ doesn’t sound that glam or sexy, but the confidence gained from her recent win is evidenced by Imogen Heap’s new live set. Taking to a stage adorned by various instruments, her Perspex piano sat next to a fairy light tree off which hangs a gong and various percussive trinkets, the intricacy of Imogen’s ‘engineered’ electro-pop creations is soon to be impressed upon us.

After a legendary performance on News Night last year not to mention a blossoming partnership with Calvin Harris and finding himself in Ibiza, it has been quite a year for Mr Rascal. From Bow to Birmingham, Dizzee has just released Tongue ‘n Cheek, his fourth studio album and this Saturday saw him performing at the new 02 Academy as part of his European tour.

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Outside the Academy the rain is lashing down like apocalypse has started and skinny jean wearing youths wail in disapproval at this unplanned cold shower. Inside however things are heating up quite nicely as Sheffield’s finest – Rolo Tomassi – flail around the stage seemingly intent on covering every single board. For people not familiar with their sound, imagine a hardcore band playing Trad Jazz at double speed whilst vocalist Eva Spencer alternates between angelic whispers and demonic growls. On paper it doest work.  Live, however, they are magic. Twisting guitar lines overlap with sinister synths to provide the backdrop to Eva’s evil sirens call. The punters in the academy stand open-mouthed not knowing whether to dance or to stroke their chins in approval. Ace!

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Celebrating the 30th birthday of Rough Trade Records, Jarvis Cocker will be back on UK stages headlining the label’s anniversary tour. Showcasing some new material, seen recently at a number of live gigs in New York and Chicago, Cocker is said to be on top form. His new record is planned for release mid way through 2009. As Cocker himself said, this is an anniversary worth celebrating, for three decades now Rough Trade has been uncovering new and otherwise unheard voices. Cocker will be supported by some Rough Trade special guests in Sheffield, London, Edinburgh, and Manchester, finishing off on the 2nd of December 2008 in Birmingham’s Academy.