The Great Escape Festival in Brighton (think the UK’s answer to South By Southwest) is hosting some fine Australian talent in 2009. The event kicked off yesterday in the seaside town, taking over 34 venues for showcases, panel debates and industry talks.

Nine of our best exports are over there schmoozing and spruiking their wares: Yves Klein Blue, The John Steel Singers, Lost Valentinos, I Heart Hiroshima, Cloud Control, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, British India, The Shiny Brights and The Temper Trap. According to a press release, six of the nine bands have shared a total of $51,000 in touring funds from the Australia Council for the Arts.

In coming weeks, FasterLouder will be bringing you Great Escape photo diaries, videos and other bits-and-pieces from The Temper Trap (this really is their year), Lost Valentinos and I Heart Hiroshima. Stay tuned.