Punky balladeer Jess Silk has fire in her belly and passionate songs on her lips, and she’s coming to ruffle feathers in both Stockton and Sunderland this October.

“Is pop still political? It has its moments … People coming through like Jess Silk … A young woman who writes very powerfully about her own political perspective.” That’s Billy Bragg chatting about Jess Silk, a singer/songwriter from the Black Country who is music to the ears of anyone who thinks that too few artists are happy to stick their heads above the parapet these days. Indeed, Silk has often been compared to people like Bragg – and Frank Turner – and she certainly has plenty of full-bodied melodies to go with her fabulous voice, which contains just the right about of gravel. She’s already won over crowds at the likes of Glastonbury and Rebellion and last year she played six dates with The Levellers. In October she’s on support duties at NE Volume Music Bar with Headsticks headlining. And then, at Sunderland’s The Ship Isis, she’s headlining with Wales’ Ruby Kelly supporting. Our advice: see both gigs! DP

Headsticks + Jess Silk + Cherry & Peesh, Friday 18 October, NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton, 7pm, £15; Jess Silk + Ruby Kelly, Saturday 19 October, The Ship Isis, Sunderland, 7.30pm, £10. More info and tickets etc: jesssilk.co.uk