In 2008, with the iPod busy conquering the world, Apple selected a handful of tunes for a series of iconic TV commercials. They sought sounds that epitomised the iPod ethos of crisp, digital, portable, durable yet disposable fun. One of the songs selected was 'Shut Up and Let Me Go' by Salford duo Jules de Martino and Katie White, aka the Ting Tings.

It was a marriage made in heaven. Via a 30-second burst of indie electro-pop, rich with hooks, a thumping bass line and an infectious lead female vocal, Apple claimed a few more million in sales and everyone wanted to know what that song was.

But those in the know, including 6 Music's Marc Riley, were already channelling the Ting Tings. Their debut release was the double-A side 'That's Not My Name'/'Great DJ', followed by 'Fruit Machine'. Each track was a perfectly crafted three-and-a-half minutes of modern pop, bearing the influences of indie disco and Italian house. All three were ambassadors for the band's debut record 'We Started Nothing'; a short, sharp Alka-Seltzer for an indie scene drunk on guitars.

Popular around the world and lauded for mesmerising live performances, the Ting Tings saw 'We Started Nothing' ship more than 2 million copies. They began talking about a follow-up album in 2009 and a single, 'Hands', was released in late 2010, reaching No 1 on the US Dance Chart.

The new album has been delayed time and time again but is now firmly expected for release in January. Given that it is only (reportedly) nine tracks long, it seems that the duo is taking as much care with their second record as their first.

Jules and Katie kick off their autumn tour at The Cockpit in Leeds on Monday 21st November, followed by shows in London (King's College), Bournemouth, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester (Sound Control) and Glasgow, before the final gig of the run at the O2 Academy in Newcastle on Tuesday 30th November. More dates may yet be announced.

We will have tickets for all dates when they go on sale at 9AM on Friday 21st October, priced £15 for London and £12.50 for other venues. Demand will be high.