Happy New Year! It’s going to be a great 2012 for music with lots of local bands primed to make their mark this year.

But don’t just take my word for it – gig promoters across Reading also predict great things for Berkshire artists.

Dry The River from Newbury were long-listed on the BBC’s Sound of 2012 and are a band that Dave Maul from Monkeysuit Promotions has been supporting for a long time.

“Even in the early days when they were a different band with different members their talent became obvious with their ability to make a crowd fall silent and listen,” he says.

“Dry the River are going to have a strong 2012 because of their live shows and strong folk rock inspired songs.”

He also foresees a good year for Parlophone-signed Sarah McIntosh, aka The Good Natured, also from Newbury. In fact, he gave her her debut gig back in 2008.

“Since then she’s crafted her pop sound while working with Swedish producer Patrick Berger,” he says.

“Sarah and her band will be making their debut on US TV this year.”

Club Velocity promoter Sid Siddle also thinks The Good Natured will be making an even bigger dent on the music scene this year.

“There seems to a good industry buzz about them,” he says.

“Their debut album will be out this year on EMI and they tour the USA in January.”

Sid also is putting his chips on Reading’s Tripwires.

“It looks like they will finally release their debut album on a good solid American independent in 2012,” he says.

“I am hoping that their debut offering is a great slice of Thames Valley Indie Pop.”

He also thinks it will be a good year for Shoot For The King, Jamal Holt, Watership, 13D, Kill The Joker, The Dianas, The Jettes, Jamie Crawford, Kinky Boot Beasts, Bear Jones and Dylan-Louise.

Tim Hooper, who puts on the BBC Introducing nights at the Oakford Social Club in Reading, predicts a brilliant year for “Berkshire super- group” Mancub.

“I only heard one track but I can’t stop listening to it,” he reveals.

“It’s brilliant.”

Listen to Linda Serck every Sunday at 7pm on BBC Radio Berkshire - email linda.serck@bbc.co.uk with music news and listings

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