大象传媒

23.02.08 | Plug 'n' Play studios | Milford Road | Reading | 7.45pm | 拢5

More details of Josaka's Reading and London gigs here:

To the casual observer it may seem odd celebrating the birthday of a website. But when they discover that Josaka.com has been akin to a friend, band manager and reviewer for the collective Berkshire music scene over the past nine years, there is a lot to celebrate.

Josaka founder Kevin Harrington

Founded by music fan Kevin Harrington, Josaka started life as a local music resource website in 1999, fulfilling a need for a virtual platform where Berkshire's bands and artists can get together and discuss the local scene and find out about gigs taking place.

Nine years later and Josaka is still as popular as ever, even promoting live music nights, sponsoring local festivals and running its own label.

So far every birthday party held in Josaka's honour has been a complete sell-out and this year will be no exception.

And new for this year, the party continues with a sister gig at London's Dublin Castle on Wednesday 27 February 2008.

White Sunday

White Sunday

Headlining the night are Reading indie rockers White Sunday, who name this gig as the highlight in their current tour of the UK.

White Sunday have recently had praise from press and DJs alike ahead of their debut album, released later this year.

Hello Wembley

Reading synth punkers are bathing in the glory of Radio One airplay - Huw Stephens will be playing their latest single Up Great Britain this Wednesday 6 February between 9pm and 10pm.

Other than that the band, who feature their own Roweta in the form of ace vocalist Debbie Howard, are a sure-fire party starter who are much in demand on the gig circuit.

The Trouble With Me (C) Alex Cooke

The Trouble With Me

This is your last chance to see the original band line-up as frontman Buller will sadly be leaving The Trouble With Me. In fact he's already left but he's honouring the band's agreement to play both Josaka gigs. The band plan to release single Heads Will Fall on听 10 March 2008.

They are also releasing a limited edition pink vinyl single with Hello Wembley on 10 March 2008. Only 500 copies are being made and each one is numbered and signed - a must-have release for 2008.

Boydidgood

Opening the gig are a young Reading band who can name the huge Birmingham NEC among the venues they've played at. The indie rock band have a promising future, as recognised by Josaka's Jim Bowes, who says: "I just had to book them, I was really impressed".

Their debut EP is out now.

Kevin Harrington says:

"It's a really exciting time for us - I'm delighted that each year is bigger than the last.

"In the next month we are releasing two great records and putting on two great gigs, including a completely free one in London at the Dublin Castle.

"We're not deserting Berkshire, we're taking it to the capital and showing them how much talent there is here!".

See photos of 2007's bash here: