BBC Introducing 2011 Dave Monks' 'Ones to Watch'
BBC Introducing Merseyside presenter Dave Monks casts his expert eye over the local musicians to look out for in 2011.
Delta Maid is a Liverpudlian country and blues singer, and was inspired by singers Patsy Cline, Rory Block and Hank Williams to start writing and performing in 2005.
In 2010, Delta Maid toured with English folk singer/songwriter Seth Lakeman, supported established acts Ray LaMontagne and Martha Wainwright, and released her debut EP.
Delta Maid was chosen to play at Gary Barlow's GB40 show on 20 January 2011 and will release her debut album in April 2011.
Stealing Sheep are psychedelic pop trio Becky Hawley, Emily Lansley and Lucy Mercer.
Formed in 2010, the group have already been introduced by three BBC 6 Music DJs and were also tipped by Sir Paul McCartney who said they "capture the times".
The band have been offered a free recording session at Abbey Road Studios, London, and will release their second EP on 14 February, 2011, following a UK tour that begins on 1 February, 2011.
Liverpool songstress Janiece Myers collaborated with grime and hip-hop artist Wiley on her latest single 'Underground Love', and prepares to release the track in February 2011.
The singer, who is also a recent signing to Wiley's independent label, A-list, said:
"While it's great to be backed by Wiley, I still have to step my game up and prove myself. I have another single out in the spring and I aspire to create an album by the end of 2011."
Janiece Myers, aside from working with producer Davinche and artist Wiley, also featured on a BBC Radio 1Xtra show in January 2011, with presenter Mista Jam.
Acoustic indie singer Miles Kane, formerly of Last Shadow Puppets, The Rascals and Little Flames, began his solo career in 2009.
In 2010, he performed at Liverpool Music Week, recorded sessions for Radio One and 6 Music, and will go on to support Beady Eye in a sold-out tour in March 2011.
'Come Closer', Miles Kane's forthcoming single is due for release on 21 February following the start of his own tour on 10 February, 2011.
His debut album will also be released in 2011.
Dead Cities are Liverpool trio Martin Stilwell, Ryan Wyatt and Oli Hughes and they create "acoustic pop music with a pop and folk edge".
Inspired by Neil Young and lots of blues orientated music, the trio supported John Smith in St George's Hall, Liverpool in 2010.
In 2011, Dead Cities will release two singles and a self-released vinyl.
They are currently preparing their debut album which will be released in the summer.
The Big House
The Big House is a musical collaboration between singer/songwriter Candie Payne and former Zuton's guitaritst Paul Molloy.
The duo began performing together in July 2010, making their debut live show in St Brides Church.
Influenced by the likes of The Grateful Dead, The Lovin' Spoonful and Roy Orbison, The Big House plan on releasing their first single in 2011.
Other plans for 2011 include expanding the group to include drums and electric guitars.
The Sand Band
The Sand Band are a Liverpool five-piece influenced by Leonard Cohen, Neil Young and Elliot Smith.
Currently signed to Deltasonic, Go To Hell and Co-Op Records, the line-up includes long-term musical friends David McDonnell and Scott Marmion with Jay Sharrock, Max Goldberg and Ben Curtis.
In 2010, the band recorded, mixed and produced their debut album 'All Through The Night'.
Since its release on 17 January, 2011 it has gained promising reviews from both the Guardian and Independent online, and scored high ratings in music publications Q and Mojo.
Formed in 2010, Liverpool-based quartet Owls* are Tom Roberts, Carl Cook, Etienne Girard and Adam Goldberg.
In less than a year of forming, the 'cinematic rock' band made their debut performance at Liverpool Sound City festival and were tipped for 2011 by Liverpool music magazine Bido Lito!
Owls* are currently working on a debut album which they hope to release before the summer.
They plan to spend the rest of 2011 playing a range of gigs both in and out of the city.
Liverpool outfit Strawhouses create 'indie pop songs with a darker edge' and have been performing with their new line-up since 2010.
The four-piece, whose main influences include Radiohead, Tom Waites and The Smiths, were introduced by BBC Introducing Merseyside and BBC 6 Music in 2010.
In 2011, they will release their debut album which features upcoming single 'Batteries', play UK festivals and attend a special panel event at the prestigious BBC Maida Vale Studios.
The Red Suns
The Red Suns hail from the Wirral and Liverpool, and have been creating 'honest, soulful' indie tunes since early 2009.
The quartet, made up of David Dowler, Waz Adjerou, Matt Dowler and Jim Sharrock are mainly influenced by Radiohead, Arcade Fire, REM and The Pixies.
In 2010, the four-piece supported a range of established artists including The Coral, The View and British Sea Power, and played a headline show at Liverpool Sound City festival.
They have just finished their debut release and video, and will follow this with the release of their debut album and planned gigs later in 2011.