Tom Cotton, Head of Music at Amazing Radio, looks forward to this week’s Evolution Emerging  in Newcastle, by giving you the low-down on which gigs he’ll be taking in.

“It’s that time of year again when I swan around the Ouesburn valley, pint in hand and pretend to be doing work. Of course I’m talking about Evolution Emerging which takes place on Friday, here is my route around the festival which I will no doubt never stick to.”

View Amazing Radio’s Tom Cotton presents: A Guide To Evolution Emerging in a larger map.

“I’ll probably be starting at The Cluny to see Lulu James open up what you could call ‘The Main Stage’ I’m expecting this to be heaving so if you find yourself at the back of rather large queue can I recommend you hop up Stepney Bank to The Star & Shadow to see Ghosts of Old Berlin. Then I’ll definitely be at The Cluny for Teeside’s Indie juggernauts Eeves, I still haven’t seen these guys live so I’m beyond excited to catch them. A must see. I’ll then be hot footing it next door to The Cluny 2 & catch the second half of Amy Holford‘s set. Her voice will leave you aghast and in years to come you’ll be able to show off to your mates. “What? Amy Holford? Oh yeah saw her back in 2012 mate. FOR FREE”

I’ve been planning this route for quite some time and my next move was definitely going to be O’Messy Life at The Tyne Bar but unfortunately they’ve had to pull out so this leaves me in a quandary. At the minute I’m leaning towards going to see Collectors Club at The Cumberland Arms but I might plump for Weird Shapes at The Star & Shadow. I’m sure neither option will disappoint. What I do know for sure is I’ll be heading back down to The Cluny 2 to catch the enigmatic and precocious Fantasy Rainbow. Vibes are pretty much guaranteed.

Once I’ve enjoyed all that I’ll be off to The Star & Shadow to play some Future Indie Pop, Lo-Fi R’n'B, & Hipster Hop at the official after show party. Come hang, or something equally as douchey.”