LIVE: NOT A SUMMER FESTIVAL – 07/02/2015

– THE CASTLE HOTEL / GULLIVERS, MANCHESTER – I forget that February is a really wintery month. Once January is out of the way it’s summertime right? Sadly not and it’s another chilly afternoon in Manchester, but luckily I can feel like it’s summer by attending an all dayer split between The Castle and Gullivers, […]
 – ACADEMY 2, MANCHESTER – It’s a (Irish) family affair. The night kicks off with Dublin’s Jack Morris, whose solo acoustic performance clearly displays his main strength of being a seasoned songwriter. His ability to convey his own unique view of the world around him, teamed with strong melodies show why he is so respected […]

LIVE: HUDSON TAYLOR / SOUTHERN – 07/02/2015

LIVE: BLACK HONEY – 05/02/2015

– THE CASTLE HOTEL, MANCHESTER – Brighton quartet Black Honey are tonight’s visitors to The Castle Hotel. Much has been written about the band since their songs first emerged on Soundcloud last summer, but despite that, the entry tonight is completely free. Along for the ride this evening are two bands from around these parts, […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – It’s an interesting feeling going to a gig without knowing much about the band you’re off to see. Having enjoyed the singles and videos they’ve put out so far, but not knowing a huge amount about them, tonight I’m heading to The Deaf Institute to see Viet Cong. Following […]

LIVE: VIET CONG – 05/02/2015

LIVE: AMBER RUN / PIXEL FIX / THE BEACH – 01/02/2015

– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – Amber Run are in Manchester tonight to kick off their headline tour, ahead of the release of their debut album (coming out later this year). I saw Nottingham 5 piece Amber Run at this very venue at last year’s Dot to Dot festival, then again at The Soup Kitchen […]
– GORILLA, MANCHESTER – “I’m one happy grandma!” shouts Neneh Cherry, Addidas clad and writhing for joy. Now 50, the Swedish-born singer has more sass and attitude than some of today’s stars half her age.  I’m 24, and I feel exhausted watching her. 26 years since the release of her biggest-selling album, Raw Like Sushi […]

LIVE: NENEH CHERRY – 29/01/2015

LIVE: WHITE FENCE / ULTIMATE PAINTINGS – 28/01/2015

– KRAAK GALLERY, MANCHESTER – One-man psychedelic troubadour Tim Presley aka White Fence arrives with band in tow including the surprise addition of Cate Le Bon to a sold out Kraak Gallery. This much-anticipated gig holds extra interest for many of the tonight’s crowd with lip-smacking prospect of Ultimate Paintings in support. Ultimate Paintings comprising […]
– NIGHT & DAY CAFE, MANCHESTER – It’s Independent Venue Week this week and four Manchester venues are taking part in hosting shows before it comes to an end. Tonight, Night & Day is hosting its first of three IVW shows as Frank Turner comes to town. Just under a year ago Turner was headlining […]

LIVE: FRANK TURNER – 28/01/2015

LIVE: KING CREOSOTE – 27/01/2015

– ACADEMY 2, MANCHESTER – King Creosote, aka Kenny Anderson, is a bit of a hero of mine. Shuffling on stage wearing a hoodie with a festival line up on (headlined by Idlewild and including himself…bet it was a good one wherever it was), he introduces his band as his seven dwarfs and gently launches […]
– ACADEMY 1, MANCHESTER – “Sorry if you thought you were coming to see Jessie J. She was here last night. I’ll try and put on a good show though” claims Jessie Ware. And she didn’t disappoint us– not at all. Those of us who missed out on her intimate gig at the cathedral last year were treated to a second date […]

LIVE: JESSIE WARE – 25/01/2015