We like this time of year at Pop Cart – it’s one of the best times to discover brand spanking new music. Here are some people, bands etc that you should check out…

HURTS (top-left) are a striking duo comprising of Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson, who recently finished 4th in the BBC’s Sound Of 2010 poll. Their single ‘Wonderful Life’ is a magnificent, brooding electro number. We’ve been lucky enough to hear three more tracks called ‘Happiness’, ‘Illuminated’ and ‘Silver Lining’– all of which, are darkly elegant, uplifting yet with a hint of melancholy. ‘Wonderful Life’ is available on 12″ vinyl from Townsend Records, with their debut album due in August 2010. For more, visit the Hurts MySpace page.

Rachel Furner (top right) is a 17 year old singer/songwriter with an accomplished sound and a voice that is stronger than her years. Rachel is signed to Mercury/Universal and is currently writing and recording her debut album – with songs like the glorious ‘Unravel’ and ‘Carousel’ (which you can get for free by clicking here to sign up to her mailing list) she will be making waves in 2010. If you want to see Rachel perform live, she will be doing a show via uStream on Thursday 25th February from 7.30 – you can find out more and watch by clicking here. For more, visit Rachel’s MySpace page.

Young & Divine (bottom left) are a three piece American power pop-punk band consisting of members Johnny (vocals/guitar) Jake (guitar/vocals) and Joe (drums). Their debut single ‘Shake That Bubble’ can be downloaded for free from the bands website by clicking here. Their songs have strong melodies, and are highly infectious and energetic. An EP and their self-titled debut album will be released soon. For more, visit the Young & Divine MySpace page.

Goldhawks (bottom right) are Bobby Cook (vocals), Jack Cook (guitar), Colin Straton (bass), Graham Smith (drums), Nick Mills (keyboards) – a five piece band from London, who are currently supporting The Courteeners on their UK dates. They have a sound that is destined for stadiums – the songs are loud with big crashing sing-a-long choruses. You can get hold of a track called ‘1996’ for free by signing up to the bands mailing list by clicking here. For more, visit the Goldhawks MySpace page.