The only thing predictable about the music business is its unpredictability. Corporate shake-ups, the power of the net, the oft-predicted demise of the CD, the resurgence of vinyl - and that's before we've even started on the artists.

The only thing predictable about the music business is its unpredictability. Corporate shake-ups, the power of the net, the oft-predicted demise of the CD, the resurgence of vinyl - and that's before we've even started on the artists.

Here at Event we like to bring you a wide selection of music, and here are some of the new names which we reckon might be gracing your iPod, radio (or whatever your chosen format is) in 2009.

First up, an easy one - we think - is Taylor Swift, already massive in the US with a number one album there with more than a million sold in just three weeks. The country crossover star penned her eponymous album when she was just 16 and had a hand in all the songs. Still just turned 19, she is equally a home with heartbreaking ballads as well as the danceable stuff, and is already a dab hand at all the media and stardom nonsense. The Tennessee star is no slouch in the looks department either, and with her lyrics based on her real-life romances, expect plenty of coverage in the gossip columns as well as the music ones. Her UK debut, Fearless, is due out in March.

Next up in a trio of teenagers from inner London. Er, rap, UK grime, hip hop? Not a bit of it - what floats the boat of siblings Kitty, Daisy and Lewis is the raw energy and drive of pre-Beatles rock'n'roll with a large dollop of swing, rockabilly and the blues. The quiff-sporting trio have already wowed 'em in the hugely-influential South By Southwest festival showcase in Austin, Texas, released their eponymous debut album, mentored an excellent compilation album (The Roots of Rock'n'Roll), supported Mika and Razorlight, played at Glastonbury and Bestival... and appeared on Blue Peter. Backed by their mum (ex-Raincoats drummer) on double bass and their dad on rhythm guitar, they have oodles of stagecraft and great tunes.

Another trio, Noisettes, are newly signed to Vertigo and much is expected of the band's second album, Wild Young Hearts. Led by style-icon-in-the-making bassist/vocalist Shinghai Shoniwa, their music blends influences from diverse performers as Blondie, Ting Tings and Rihanna, with a blend of classic girl-group sounds and a smattering of disco. Their new album has been produced by Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Adele) and the first Wild Young Hearts EP will be released in March.

Chairlift formed in Colorado, but headed for the Big Apple in 2006, where they have been quietly planning world domination ever since. Caroline Polachek (vocals), Patrick Wimberly (drums) and Aaron Pfenning (guitar) have something of the vibe of 2008's much-lauded MGMT, with a big sound, a touch of the Eighties and a generous helping of synthpop. Their debut album, released in October, is Does You Inspire You, which blends arthouse sounds with music which sounds like it's escaped from the era of Brat Pack and big hair (but in a nice way). And you'll have heard their new single Bruises on the ad... you know, THAT one...

With her striking red hair and even more striking music, Florence Welch has been tipped as one to watch in 2009 by several critics. Recording under the title Florence and the Machine, she's released a brace of singles on the hip independent label Moshi Moshi - Kiss With A Fist and Dog Days - before signing to Island Records. Slots on BBC Introducing... and appearances at Glastonbury and Reading-Leeds have also increased the buzz for this kooky and personable star in the making, with the sort of bohemian and starry background the media love. Look out for her debut album in May.

And finally, the Hot Melts are a power pop foursome, from the Wirral peninsula, sounding like Nirvana playing 50s rock'n'roll (ie. grungy but with lots of harmonies and Happy Days aesthetics). Punk label Epitaph wooed them into a worldwide deal under their own Wonderland Records imprint (formed by the management team behind the Kooks). The single I Wish I Had Never Been In Love was released back in October, and new single Edith is due for release in February. The Melts will be going on the road with This City, Sons of Albion and Canterbury in the same month. Combining punk, rock'n'roll and catchy pop hooks the quartet comprise of Will Baylis (vocals), Jonny Green (guitarist), Jack Prince (drummer) and bassist Jamie Otsa.