Music

On the eve of the local election results, it was perhaps appropriate that Thom Bartley treated BBC WM listeners to four of his favourite songs.

His catchy blend of acoustic folk, breakcore and tropical vibes have inherent political undertones, tackling issues of religion, governments, time, drugs and societal standards.

As he explained live on BBC WM Introducing: "I wouldn't say I'm necessary political but I do feel strongly on certain issues which I like to then write music about.

Thom rehearsing

"I used to write a lot of poetry and that has been an influence. The lyrics always come first; the music follows."

Born in Wolverhampton in 1987, Thom has spent the last few years reading Law at Keele University but now plans to start gigging around the West Midlands over the summer months.

Thom played four of his songs on BBC WM Introducing, the final one of which surely must have the longest title of a track ever featured on the show: 'Cheers For The Soul God - I Got Myself 86 Quid For It, Minus Commission'.

Thom playing live

Other numbers included: '1948'; 'The Rules' and 'Silverlace Syllable'.

Listen to Thom Bartley's entire live session by clicking the link at the top of this page.

To find out more about Thom, including details of his soon-to-be-announced gigs, visit his website at: www.thombartley.com

BBC WM Introducing - Thursday 1st May 2008

In addition to Thom Bartley, other artists featured included:

Live in session - 5th June

• Icelandic Traffic Badgers - Slideshow Bob
• Sunset Cinema Club - Sunday Best
• Out In The Crowd - Too Many Times
• Girls That Scream - Red Shoes
• The Elements - Caught In A Storm
• Showdown City - We've Got Potential
• The Arcane Parade - The English Way
• Mexicolas - 101
• Dauntless - Go Ahead And Smile

Would you like to perform on BBC WM Introducing? Click the link below to find out how!