MTV know how to put on a good party. I think we can all agree on that. So when they announce that they’re organising a huge party in Malta for 50,000 people and it’s free, you know it’s going to be good before you even hear who’s playing or any of the important details.

This year’s Isle of MTV is hoping to capitalise on the success of the two previous years’ events, which saw the likes of Akon, Enrique Iglesias, Maroon 5 and The Kooks all play the event. For 2009, The Black Eyed Peas (pictured right), Lady Gaga, Metro Station and Esmée Denters all play the gig this year on Wednesday July 8th, just over two weeks time.

The four hour live event takes place in Malta’s Il-Fosos Square and will be turned into a 90 minute TV special, which is possible thanks to the support of Air Malta, Grand Hotel Excelsior and the tourist board, Visit Malta. They’ve all made it possible collectively for locals to experience world-class bands that normally they wouldn’t have a chance to see, something that I’m quite keen on – Radio 1 have done it with their Big Weekends, bringing big bands to towns in the UK that don’t normally have great music scenes, and MTV are doing it for Malta.

So, if you’re looking for a last minute summer break with some great music, or just something to catch on MTV later in the summer,  be sure to check out Malta and Isle of MTV.

To round out the week’s MP3s, we have a bumper special. The Joy Formidable have given away the majority of their debut for free, and sounds amazing – even better when you don’t feel guilty for stealing the music!

Originally from North Wales but now based in London, The Joy Formidable create dream pop which has drawn comparisons to Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Pixies, and understandably – it’s just sublime, so so perfect. Plus, the leadsinger, Ritzy, isn’t bad on the eyes either.

The tracks are on their website in scummy WMA format, so we’ve converted them to lovely MP3s for you. If you want the rest of the album, it’s available for £7 from their website, or a few more tracks for the price of your e-mail address.

MP3: The Joy Formidable – The greatest light is the greatest shade
MP3: The Joy Formidable – Cradle
MP3: The Joy Formidable – Austere
MP3: The Joy Formidable – While the Flies

Keane have announced that they’ll play three free UK Shows next week ahead of the release of their third album.

“We decided last night that we want to get out there next week and play our new songs to our fans in an intimate environment,” said lead singer Tom Chaplin. “We love playing live, we love the intensity of the atmosphere in those clubs, you just can’t capture that in an arena or festival. We want to do it like we used to! It is going to be amazing fun.”

Tickets for the three shows are free, but you’ll need to sign up here by 4pm tomorrow (Friday 10th October).

Keane will play:

Monday 13th October – Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms
Tuesday 14th October – Leeds Cockpit 2
Wednesday 15th October – London 100 Club

One of the perks of running a music blog like There Goes The Fear is the inbox deluge of MP3s and random myspaces to check out. Hopefully this will be one of the first in a sporadic series of posts aiming to give you a selection of the MP3s we can’t feature more, or don’t feel strongly enough to write more about.

Sarathan Records got in touch to tell us about their new signing, Peter Bradley Adams. He has a new record out, “Leavetaking”, and some amazing songs up on his myspace.

Peter wrote a song called “So Are You To Me” for his sister’s wedding. Peter had so much demand for the sheet music for weddings that now he freely gives it out to any askers on MySpace. The eastmountainsouth version of this song has sold over 17,000 downloads without a speck of promotion or a single radio spin….

MP3: Peter Bradley Adams – Always

The Winter League got in touch to show me their myspace. They said about themselves:

The songs are at times hopeful, at times resigned to the overwhelming catastrophe…The loss of a land where maps are constantly redrafted to chart the eroding landscape, where cities regenerate in endless cycles and the monuments of the past fall into the sea.

Majestic brass rings out over chiming guitars and delicate pianos. Found sounds and whirring electronics fuse with textured strings, humming organs and rich choirs. The sound of a marching band at the end of a quiet and hopeless world.

See if you agree by downloading their Dead Leaves demo.
MP3: Winter League – Dead Leaves Demo

I love I’m From Barcelona. Like, full on love them. They’ve got a new album out in October, and this is the first single from it.
MP3:I’m From Barcelona – Music Killed Me

And, if you like that one check out the Adventure Kid remix of I’m From Barcelona vs Madonna. Slightly strange, but oh-so-good. Don’t be suprised if I have to take this one down shortly though… I’m sure we can all guess what Madonna’s people are like. (i.e. scary!)
MP3: Adventure Kid – Music Killed Me

Keane have a new album out at the end of the year, and a new song called Spiralling which they were giving away free last week on their official website. Personally I’m not a big fan of the new direction they’ve taken on this track, however you might like it…
MP3: Keane – Spiralling

Following on from Razorlight, Kanye West and The Killers and a tonne of other A-list stars, Vodafone have announced the lineup for their August “TBA” secret gig.

N.E.R.D., The Streets and McFly will all play Brighton Beach on Sunday 10th August.

The rather mixed lineup will follow in the footsteps of Razorlight who played Brighton Beach in summer 2006.

Tickets are available only to Vodafone customers by texting ACTS to 61500. Winners will receive tickets for themselves and two friends and those not lucky enough to attend will be able to watch the gig on T4, hosted by the insufferable Dave Berry.

Vodafone have made the decision this year to move away from the one-artist regular gigs that they’ve had in previous years, instead choosing to make a “mini festival”. Whether this works out we’ll soon see!

Full info is available from here.

I love Simian Mobile Disco’s album, it almost made my Albums of 2007 post last year.

Those nice PR people have offered us the chance for you, (yes, YOU!) to win tickets to see them on their current DJ tour around the UK, or for those of you in the USA for their upcoming tour. And if you don’t win tickets, you can watch some videos – all good, no? Enjoy!

The annual “Love Music, Hate Racism” event has been announced. The carnival, on Sunday, April 27th in London’s Victoria Park will see Babyshambles, Roll Deep, The Paddingtons, Patrick Wolf and Fionn Regan all play amongst other bands and artists.

Speakers will include Tony Benn, Derek Simpson (Unite), Mark Serwotka (PCS), Weyman Bennett (LMHR), Gemma Tumelty (NUS).

The carnival will also include the stars of the original 1978 carnival playing live, three stages and a huge dance marquee. The best thing however is that it’s all FREE.

More information is on the Love Music Hate Racism website.

This year’s Vice Live Tour has been announced, which sees Friendly Fires, Black KidsIpso Facto and all take to the road for four FREE shows.

To claim your tickets, you have to register over at Vice Live and then you can get your free tickets to one of the four shows around the country:

Wednesday 30th January – Glasgow ABC2
Thursday 31st January – Manchester Mint Lounge
Friday 1st February – London 93 Feet East
Saturday 2nd February – Bristol Fleece

Currently climbing the ropes to superstardom, Palladium have announced a free show in London.

They’ll be playing Time Out Magazine’s ‘On The Up’ event on Thursday October 25, at the Bar Academy Islington.

Tickets are completely free of charge and are available from here.