As Toronto-based Sultans of String prepare for their first extensive tour of Ireland and the UK this month, we catch up with founding band member, Chris McKhool who tells us about the ethos behind the uplifting music presented on Subcontinental Drift and his own musical background.

A self-assured and stylish collection of very listenable contemporary folk-roots songs, Fine Line has all the necessary ingredients to become a big crossover success without compromising the band’s musical vision.

Hero & The Sage is a hugely impressive debut from Vancouver-born, LA-based singer-songwriter Tara Beier – a new arrival on the Americana scene that deserves a wider audience.

The latest Bob Harris Under the Apple Tree Session in association with FRUK features the wonderful Chantal Acda in session performing the title track of her album The Sparkle In Our Flaws. Watch it here.

Another mixed bag in our Lost in Transmission mix series. This includes some recently featured artists including GRIP TIGHT as well as healthy dose of other new releases as well as favourites from the past. This one’s very eclectic.

We have a video premiere today from Scottish duo Evering for their new single Have No Fear. The video, which was written & directed by Marcy Palejova, is one that is timelessly aching yet upbeat in its sentimental nature.

Gypsy Blues is a firecracker of an album and a testament to Blue Moon Marquee’s damn hard work – who are currently on another (40-date) North American tour, it would seem they have no intention of easing up any time soon.

Psych-rock band Syd Arthur release a brand-new track, entitled Apricity, also the title track of their new album being released via Communion Music in October. Watch their new video which was shot in the Kent.

Eyeland is like nothing else you are likely to hear, unless you have direct access to the future, but beneath the impressive and immersive layers of meaning and narrative, beneath the squall, the surprise and the silence, exists a spirited set of songs that are clearly the work of one of the best and most confident bands in America.

Our Song of the Day is the stunningly beautiful ‘Monde’ taken from Stranded Horse’s (Yann Tambour) new album Luxe released back in January on Talitres. Whilst this album took a long while to surface, it was worth it.

Watch Bon Iver at Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid LIVE festival. It includes an a cappella performance with The Staves as well as a great performance of Creature Fear from his 2007 debut.

Finders Keepers Records take you back to the Balearics when the first hippie communes welcomed jazzers, artists, actors and activists to those mythical retreats over 50 years ago. A real treat for the ears.