You’ll need some warming up this week, so here’s t5m’s favourite new music that is guaranteed to cheer your soul through a decidedly chilly January.

Folk, pop, country and rock are the ingredients that influence the intrinsically melancholic music of Teddy Thompson. His label, Verve Forecast, have released his fourth album, A Piece of What You Need and it showcases his formidable vocals, song writing and guitar flair while venturing into rewarding new musical and lyrical territory. Thompson says of the record that it is the closest he has ever gotten to making a record he has always wanted to make. The album is a mixture of effortless pop sensibility and playful sonic palette that incorporates aural surprises such as the careening brass band on “Can’t Sing Straight” and “One of These Days”. Thompson’s trademark blend of catchy song craft and good-natured black humour is present on new tunes as “In My Arms”, “What’s this?!!” and the bitter sweetly fatalistic “Turning the Gun On Myself”. Check out our interview with him on his t5m channel.

Florence and the Machine are in fact made up of the lead hot lady singer Florence Welch, and a variety of other artists who provide the backing music for her voice.  A mix of Kate Bush, Bjork and PJ Harvey mean that her music is ecstatic and accessible while still uncompromising. Plus she is the Brit Awards critic’s choice so keep your eyes fixed on our exclusive coverage of the Brits here.

Johnny Flynn is a singer/songwriter/actor/poet. He and his backing band The Sussex Wit have been promoting his album ‘A Larum’ throughout 2008, and we think that 2009 is going to be a big chart success story for the nu-folk musician. He has an unwavering voice, perfect for the ukuleles and fiddles that flesh out his songs.  If you haven’t already heard Flynn, please do, he is beautifully engaging.

Now for some group love, check out this Australian native quartet The Temper Trap, who have supported Kasabian, Cold War Kids and Modest Mouse but to name a few. Although they have not yet had press representation in the UK, they have joined forces with British producer Jim Abbiss, who has helped Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Massive Attack, and loads more to full blown victory- so we are expecting the same. Their sound is atmospheric and captivating, yet solid and catchy, created using grand guitars, vivacious beats and vocals that project endlessly.

Hanna Bayatti