Hatsune Miku is not just any pop star. In her native Japan, she has sold a staggering amount of records, been featured in video games, manga, cosplay and holds the distinction of having been sent to space in a rocket, twice. But just what is it about this 16-year-old star with two shining turquoise pigtails and a never-ending wardrobe?

Cultivating a cult status since their debut in the late 80s, My Bloody Valentine's heady blend of ethereal melodies and dissonant, fuzz-laden guitars marked them as the forerunners of the shoegaze genre. Five years since they last toured US shores, the iconic purveyors of moody, spaced-out anthems are heading out on tour. The strictly limited, 7-date trek heralds a the rumour of a long awaited EP of new material, followed closely by a full-length album by the end of the year.

In 2017, Play NYC opened its doors to thousands of game creators and players, offering exclusive scoops on forthcoming video game releases, panel discussions with developers and networking events. Fast becoming the city's hottest gaming convention, the two-day event returns for an even bigger 2018 run, moving to the Manhattan Center to accommodate even more attendees and expand the interactive facet of the festival.

British folk sensation Ben Howard is embarking on a lengthy US tour to promote his brand new record, Noonday Dream. It comes after his highly acclaimed second album, I Forget Where We Were, which revealed a more introspective side to the singer songwriter after his sunny debut, Every Kingdom.

UK superstar Jessie J is taking her recently released, four-part album R.O.S.E on the road. After taking a break from releasing music over the last four years, Jessie J will return back to center stage in October with support from opening act, German singer and songwriter Ro James.