Often referred to as amongst the most important British artists of the last ten years Thea Gilmore is also just a major artist in the US, a touring partner and collaborator with Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez and many others. The raw honesty of her songwriting style, combined with her powerful yet fragile vocal style have made her an extremely popular live draw, renowned as one the best exponents of her genre. Last year Thea became an official Farida endorsee, headlining the Words and Music festival with her newly acquired J-66N jumbo acoustic.

For more information visit www.theagilmore.net

An artist who is making music for the sheer love of it, Liam Frost is a breath of fresh air in the cynicsm of the Music industry today. Widely regarded as one of the most important artist to emerge from the Manchester scene in recent years, his songs cover a wide range of topics, from the hopelessly romantic to the cold and desolate, while never losing an immediate, accessible edge. Liam plays the Farida M-26VSB parlour model.

For more information visit www.liamfrost.co.uk

A truly unforgettable live band, Liverpool's Wave Machines have built a loyal fanbase around the globe with their unique, futuristic art house sound. As well as hosting their own 'art meets music' live events Wave Machines sell out shows from SXSW to Dubai, and are enjoying a run of fantastically well received singles from their debut album 'Wave if you're really there'. Wave Machines play the brand new Farida CT-60 electric model.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/mywavemachine

High energy disco five piece Soft Toy Emergency were one of Liverpool's biggest debut acts of 2009, releasing their first single ' Critical' in November following blistering performances at the the Glastonbury and Reading festivals and a BBC live session at the legendary Maida Vale studios. Guitarist Andy Willers was lucky enough to get hold of a prototype SA-36 farida hollowbody, the only one of its type in the UK, which he is pictiured here with.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/softtoyemergency

Manchester five piece The Travelling Band have become a well repected touring and festival favourite over the last few years with their own brand of good-feel Americana. A whole host of rich musical influences are apparent on their their debut album 'Under the Pavement', as in their live shows. Last year, while supporting Folk legend Arlo Guthrie, they debuted their latest single, a cover of The Stone Roses 'Waterfall', performed in their own inimitable style. The Travelling Band play the Farida FTC-12 electric model.

For more information visit www.thetravellingband.com

One of Scotlands most promising young bands, The Gillyflowers' sound draws on a rich heritage of multi-layered harmonies. This sound has not come just from their native Scotland but also from an avid interest in an authentic country sound from the US. Lead singer Kirsten Adamson cut her musical teeth as a teenager touring the US alongside dad Stuart Adamson, leader of Scottish supergroup Big Country, and that deep rooted country sound is evident thoroughout the Gillyflowers songs.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/thegillyflowers

Despite their youth, Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club look set to be one of the most remarkable success stories of UK indie in the next year. Forming in school just a few years ago, the heartfelt whimsical vocals and infectious guitar hooks of 2DCC have made them a big hit around the world, signing to ultra-cool French indie label Kitsune. Their first album is one of this years most eagerly anticipated debuts. 2DCC play the brand new Farida CT-60 electric moel(modified with Bigsby tremolo).

For more information visit www.myspace.com/twodoorcinemaclub

"Johnny Bramwell from I Am Kloot is one of the four most talented songwriters this country has produced in the last ten years. " - Pete Doherty. Fantastically well regarded and critically acclaimed Manchester three peice I am Kloot have been getting these kind of plaudits for over a decade now. With a sound all their own, as uncomprimising as it is stunningly original, Kloot continue to delight audiences lucky enough to catch one of their live shows. Singer and songwriter Johnnie Bramwell is also a fantastic solo performer in his own right, and plays a Farida J-66N Jumbo acoustic.

For more information visit www.iamkloot.com/

One of a new generation of session players to emerge over the last few years, Irish guitarist Dave O'Grady is a much in demand session and live guitarist, playing with acts as diverse as Bon Jovi, Seal, Ringo Starr and Paco Pena, as well as recording his own original material. Dave plays a Farida PRP-10 electric model.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/daveogradymusic

Voted one of Northern Irelands top indie bands by the BBC, Kowalski have a sound all of their own. The Fly.co.uk said of them; "In the past twelve months, Kowalski grown into something huge, a cocky, four headed monster, armed with the best voice in the country, as full a sound as humanely possible and tunes to batter us into submission...."

For more information visit www.myspace.com/wearekowalski

Sandi Thom’s debut single “I wish I was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair)” went to Number One in an incredible seven countries, staying there for a record-breaking twelve weeks in Australia alone. Sandi’s debut album then went on to sell 700,000 copies worldwide. Building on this incredible success, Sandi has gained a reputation as a phenomenal live act, and her 2008 follow up album ‘The Pink and the Lily’ has cemented her reputation as a first rate songwriter.

This year Sandi will be touring again both on sides of the atlantic, taking with her the Farida M-2, presented to her here by Sean Boothman of Urban Rock.

“These guitars are a great find, I can’t believe the price tags they have put on them, everyone should have two in their collection”

A renowned session player since the age of seventeen,Colin Hinds has played with a host of household names including Paul Carrack, Ruby Turner and Gary Barlow.
Colin became a full time member of ‘80s legends China Crisis eight years ago, and has since divided his time between recording, touring and holding guitar master-class sessions.

During his career Colin has been lucky enough to play just about every guitar out there, but has now found his ideal touring guitar, the Farida FH-18.

Boy Genius are one of the most exciting live acts currently playing the UK circuit, with an unrivalled reputation for sheer energy and volume.

Their songs are finely crafted chunks of catchy rock-pop, with hooks that bounce around your head long after your ears have stopped ringing.

Their debut 'Dragonkick' EP is available now, and is a perfect showcase for the confidence and tongue-in-cheek attitude that has marked them out as ones to watch this year.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/boygeniusband

"The M-26 is a fantastic guitar for country blues. The authentic sound of the '20s and '30s at a fraction of the price, and with none of the issues"

Lewis Cohen is one of the best of the new generation of British acoustic blues musicians. A fine singer and guitarist, Lewis really understands the music that he plays and that comes through to the audience when he performs his own versions of blues classics by Robert Johnson, Bukka White and other legendary bluesmen, as well as his own material. Lewis is busy writing and recording his second album, which will be heavily featuring his Farida M-26.
lewiscohenblues.com

English Post Punk revivalists Maximo Park added a Farida FTC-8 and a Farida FTC-32 to their armoury before taking them to Los-Angeles to work on their third album (unreleased at the time of writing).

Lead guitarist Duncan Lloyd and multi-instrumentalist Archis Tiku (pictured with his FTC-8) were impressed by the guitars' classic looks, punchy tone and playability.

“I played a lot of guitars and not one compared to the Farida”

Tipped as one the major breakthrough acts of 2009, Polly Mackey has already created quite a buzz in the industry, culminating in her appearance in the finals of this year’s annual ‘MIBI’ songwriting awards.

Her newly recruited backing group ‘The Pleasure Principle’ have added a harder edge to her sound, described by NME as 'wandering heartstrung acoustic pop’. A year of incessant gigging at just about everywhere worth playing in the UK has paid off for Polly, being invited to appear at the prestigious South by Southwest festival in Austin Texas.

Not bad when you consider that she is still just seventeen years of age.

myspace.com/pollymackey

“When you’re playing in front of 10,000 people you need to know the gear is up for it”

In their 25 year career, China Crisis have sold six million records, toured with The Police, David Bowie and Santana among many others, and still continue to fill venues worldwide with their loyal fanbase.

Their arena tour earlier this year pulled the crowds once again, culminating in their fantastic homecoming gig at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.
Unlike many ‘80’s revivalists, China Crisis have never been away, and Eddie’s prominence in the Liverpool music scene has seen him appointed as a director of the world famous LIPA Academy.

Much loved Liverpudlian artist and musician Gary Daly has released a five track CD to coincide with the opening of an exhibition of his critically acclaimed work at Kirby gallery.

The EP, 'How to live and love your life', is available as a limited edition, complete with postcards of Gary's work. This video to the track 'Baghead Blues', taken from the EP, features Gary playing his Farida 0-16 parlour guitar.

“I’ve been really impressed with the Farida, definitely right up there”

Celebrating 21 years since The Christians first burst onto the UK music scene with their debut album entering the charts at No.2, the band are sounding as fresh and original as ever.

Garry Christian’s distinctive vocals are instantly recognisable, one of the most memorable soul voices these shores have produced, and a year of fantastically-received tour dates have proved that their impressive fanbase is as strong as ever.

The next year is shaping up to be a busy one for the band, with a new album ‘Soul from Liverpool’ released in January, followed by a string of television appearances and
live dates all over Europe.

“I’ve never played a guitar lighter or brighter”

Quite rightly regarded as one of the finest Welsh bands to emerge in recent years, Camera have built a reputation as creators of a very particular brand of unforgettable music. Building on a base of finely-tuned yet understated musicianship Camera’s music overflows with haunting,
overlapping melodies, creating their highly individual sound.

Their debut album ‘Ashes And Dim Light’ was released on the My Kung Fu label to critical acclaim, with their latest EP due for imminent release.
myspace.com/cameratheband

“A great little gigging machine”

Seven-piece funk monster 6ix Toys have developed a reputation as a stunning live act, incessantly gigging on the festival and underground club circuit.
They have attracted the attention of all the major soul and funk DJ’s, with their infectiously catchy debut single ‘Voodoo people’ garnering praise from all corners. ‘Like the JB’s in full flight’, said The Independent, ‘highly recommended’.

Their debut album is out now on First Word Records.

“It never lets me down”

Post-punk pop pirates The Uncomfortables have carved out quite a niche for themselves in recent years with their signature ‘doom jazz’ sound.

A tireless gigging schedule supporting acts such as Jamie T and We Are Scientists has built them a formidable following around the country,
helped by their recent MTV feature.

Their anthemic song ‘Windmills’ climbed to number six in the iTunes chart, leading to the release of their album ‘Down There For Dancing’ on Soixante-neuf records. Their latest EP ‘Portrait Of A Band In Decline’ is now available.

myspace.com/theuncomfortables

“Since I started playing the guitar at eight years old I have played the lot, and nothing comes close to these guitars in terms of what you get for your money”

As well as a highly successful career in performing and artist management, Dave Hinds also co-founded LIFE Café, one of the UK’s leading live music chains. Dave’s list of industry associates reads like a Who’s Who of the last twenty years, working with a diverse mix of artists crossing all genres.
Never moving too far from his roots as a singer/songwriter, Dave still writes and performs, always on the lookout for the latest stand-out gear on the market.

“I fell in love with the sound and look of this guitar instantly, I’ve called mine Marilyn on account of her beautiful curves”

Indie pioneer Michael Head formed Shack after the demise of his cult ‘80’s band The Pale Fountains, and has since influenced a whole generation of musicians with his song-writing style. NME called Mick ‘a lost genius, one of the finest songwriters of his generation’, and Shack
are still a band very much in demand, currently signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash record label. Their latest release, ‘Time Machine - The Best of Shack,’ is a timely career retrospective.

“I need a guitar with a voice as loud as mine”

When you’re busking you only have half a minute to grab your passing audience and make them listen, something Matt Stott knows only too well.

A much-loved local busker, Matt delivers his trademark Britpop classics with gusto, always drawing a crowd on a Saturday afternoon.

“Try it in open G with a slide, sweet!”

Already a seasoned touring and session player in his native Canada before he came to the UK in the late 70’s Colin Lambert has been a full time guitar teacher ever since.

He is an authority on a wide variety of musical styles but specialises in open tunings, old time blues and gypsy jazz, and has a reputation for a very discerning ear.

“A great sound, and so easy to mess around on”

BBC radio darlings The Loose Kites have done things the old fashioned way, building up a loyal fanbase, tirelessly touring with their brand of good time folk pop. A string of residencies across the UK, and a host of high profile support slots with the likes of Nizlopi, Julian Cope and Chumbawumba, has set them up for what looks like being a rapid ascension to become one of the most exciting folk acts this country has produced in recent years.

Legendary producer Tony Visconti said of The Loose Kites ‘this band is delightful, they write good songs and have excellent voices’.
myspace.com/theloosekites

“very light and comfortable, the response of the sweet Spanish sound was quite something, thanks Farida”

Brian ‘Liquorice’ Locking is one of the UK music industry’s founding fathers. Achieving chart success in the 50’s as a bass player with both The Shadows and Marty Wilde’s Wildcats, Brian has been playing and performing ever since.

A massive influence on generations of fans and contemporaries, Brian still regularly thrills crowds with his musicianship and engaging on-stage banter. A true multi-instrumentalist, Brian (nicknamed ‘Liquorice’ for his penchant for clarinet) has recently recorded a new album of harmonica standards, due for release soon.

“Makes all my other guitars look like firewood!”

The Drellas is the new band of Tommy Scott, former frontman of indie giants Space. A fantastic
live act, The Drellas have gained a reputation for a band with a sound all of their own; dark, heavy and truly experimental. Called “The Drellas” after Andy Warhols nickname for Lou Reed, this band fit the same description says Tommy Scott, ‘part Cinderalla, part Dracula’.

Signed to Branded Youth records The Drellas’ debut album is available soon.
myspace.com/thedrellas

“A cracking little guitar”

The Time are the quintessential hard-working rock and roll band, regularly selling out shows across the North West, and travelling the length and breadth of the UK supporting the likes of Babyshambles, building a reputation for their brand of streetwise indie.

Moneysupermarket.com have picked one of The Time’s tunes for their latest ad campaign, which will no doubt push them further into the spotlight.

‘The next band on the conveyor belt of talent’, wrote The Sun newspaper, ‘following the Arctic monkeys and The Enemy’.

myspace.com/thetimeuk

“I have been using Farida guitars on my latest project and have been very impressed by the build and sound, very classy”

An industry professional all his working life, Keith started out at seventeen years of age, founding
Herman’s Hermits and going on to achieve chart success around the world. After several years recording and touring with the band, Keith moved into composing for film and television, quickly gaining a reputation for his memorable and original scores. Keith has since written countless compositions, receiving both BAFTA and EMMY awards in the process, and has just finished
work on his latest film score.

“Bloody great!”

With three classic albums, twelve top 40 singles (including three top ten hits and the top five hit ‘Good Enough’), three sell-out shows at Brixton academy and an unprecedented 90 minute set on Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage, Dodgy truly earned their label of Brit-pop legends.

Recently recording and touring again, Dodgy have been warmly received by audiences all over the UK with their new single ‘Down In The Flood’ also gaining critical acclaim and the support of BBC Radio 2.

“Awesome range and tone”

Heavy Metal upstarts Severenth have toured the UK underground circuit for over two years building a fierce reputation for their intense brand of melodic metal and incendiary live shows.

Support slots with the likes of Kittie, Ill Nino, 3 Inches Of Blood, Panic Cell & Will Haven caught the attention of the music industry and in 2007 the band began recording their debut
album ‘The Age Of Paranoia’ which was released in 2008 via independent alternative label Ant
Hill Music/Pinnacle.

myspace.com/severenth

In just two short years The Wombats have come from obscurity to become one of the UK’s most successful bands. Hit singles, hit albums, non-stop sell-out tours, NME awards, there is very little this band haven’t done, and next year looks set to be their busiest yet.

One of our most successful musical exports, The Wombats also have an awesome global following, with their signature brand of on-stage showmanship selling out venues from here to Melbourne.