D'ya ever hear records on the radio/TV and think "Why is that person/band/act famous?" yet on a weekly basis encounter countless class acts who should be filling the shoes of these usurpers? I do.

They're usually playing for nowt bar the love of playing itself and often in a dive that no music executive would be seen dead in. It is almost as if there's a dominant branch of the media hell bent on filling our screens and airwaves with vacuous music. Or perhaps it's because the pre-teen demographic are the ones spending the big bucks and therefore shaping the world of popular music?

I'm no marketing expert but that's my guess and if I had my way I'd change it. One particular local five-piece indie popster outfit known as Faers are certainly deserving of a decent break. They have the creativity, originality and expertise to drag the toughest music fans under their wing. They've a great stage presence, unique sound and a backlog of potential hits such as We Dance On, an anthem waiting to be discovered on their Soundcloud page, or another track called Giuseppe which I can only describe as indie meets mbaqanga (a southern African type of calypso-ska, i.e. Paul Simon's Graceland). They've no actual impending gigs but keep an eye out for them and I'd advise any up and coming groups to team up for shows.

Faers sold out Camden Rocks last Saturday (May 2), so let's hope it's only a matter of time before they elbow out some of the less deserving types from our consciousness. I've been promised an unplugged Faers session on my 9pm Tuesday night radio slot on HayesFM so watch this space.

This Thursday night (May 14) at 8pm sees Mike Nisbet's performance at the Uxbridge Folk Club, 388b Long Lane, Hillingdon (Royal Naval Association behind the shops on Hillingdon Circus).

You can experience this north of the border, velvet toned songwriter for just £8 and there's concessions for students. Sit back and relax with a glass of your favourite tipple while Mike sings his stories to you straight from the heart. Supporting Mr Nisbet will be Hannah Clapham whose haunting array of self-penned and perfectly executed songs will render you speechless and dare I say euphoric.

Cover Bands

Friday May 15

Wild Roots Acoustic @ The Six Bells, Station Road, West Drayton

The Funatics @ Hayes Workingmens Club, Pump Lane, Hayes

The Stiles Band @ The Brook House, Kingshill Avenue, Hayes

Gary Roman @ The Adam and Eve, Uxbridge Road, Hayes

MOT @ The Black Horse, High Road, Eastcote

Saturday 16th May

The Stiles Band @ The Three Steps, High Street, Cowley

Dillion @ Ye Olde Crowne, Station Approach, Hayes

Ear Candy @ The General Eliott, St Johns Road, Uxbridge

Open Mic/Jam Sessions

4pm First Sunday of each month @ The Blues Bar, Station Road, West Drayton

8pm Tuesdays @ The Old Crown, Station Road, Hayes Town

9pm Wednesdays @ The White Bear, Ickenham Road, Ruislip

6.30pm Thursdays @ Harris And Hoole Coffee Shop, opposite Uxbridge Station

8pm First Thursday of each month @ The Crown And Treaty, Oxford Road, Uxbridge

8pm Last Thursday of each month @ The Brook House, Kingshill Avenue, Hayes