Music needs its characters and they don't come more interesting than Devendra Banhart. Born in Texas of Venezuelan stock, he began life with a middle name out of Star Wars ('Obi') and a musical bent that was out-of-this-world enough for Swans' Michael Gira to sign him up to his Young God Records imprint.

Often championed as a troubadour of psychedelic folk and the so-called New Weird America scene (Vetiver, Joanna Newsom, Grizzly Bear, Wooden Wand et al), Banhart is perhaps more out-there by not following a formula, instead collaborating with Antony and the Johnsons, Beck, Vetiver and producing his own revered solo albums such as his first UK success "Cripple Crow" and his most recent set from 2009, "What will We Be". There's a little bit of Vashti Bunyan, Rodriguez and Marc Bolan about him (which might explain the 160,000+ likes on Facebook).

For 2013, Devendra Banhart has lined up his first studio album in four years with the announcement of "Mala", due to be issued this month. With it comes news of a few live UK shows which will take place in the summer, no doubt bolstered by some festival action as well.

Confirmed so far are Hove's The Old Market on 28th June, a three-week gap, then shows in Manchester on 17th July and London on 18th July. Tickets on sale now, priced from £17.50 upwards.

Expect more shows to be added in due course so bookmark this page!