JOHN BLEK is not really called John Blek. ‘Blek’ is a moniker adopted for the stage, with the songwriter and producer keeping his actual name a secret (rumour has it he was born John O’Connor).

Now settled in Iceland, the American singer John Grant is enjoying the warm glow of success, writes Ed Power

MCKENZIE Smith knows he made the right decision. Last year his band, Midlake, parted company with their frontman and songwriter, Tim Smith (no relation).

Johanna and Klara Soderberg make up the sublime folk act First Aid Kit, says Ed Power