Weekly News : 25/1/10

MANCHESTER RECORD FAIR // RED DEER CLUB RECORDS // POCKETKNIFE // MODERN ENGLISH // THE MAPLE STATE // TROJAN HORSE // NINE BLACK ALPS // STEVE GULLICK

Firstly this week, a head’s up for all the vinyl buffs, record hoarders and collectors amongst us all. This Saturday sees The Deaf Institute host its first record fair. Free to the public – and apparently cheap for those wishing to have a stall on the day – it looks to be a fine opportunity to seek out rare releases. There’ll be DJs playing throughout the event (10am-4pm), listening pods available for test-before-purchasing purposes as well as dealers specialising in memorabilia and autographs. See you there then. We’ll fight you for that uber-rare turquoise 10″ though, be warned.

Self-proclaimed saviours of good music, Red Deer Club Records have just announced their agenda for 2010. The one-man Manchester-based operation will celebrate its 5th birthday in April, with releases from George Thomas & The Owls, Sophie’s Pigeons, Jamie Harrison and Young British Artists due before and around then. Amidst that, there’s the Red Deer Tour – featuring Sophie’s Pigeons and Panda Su, with dates across the UK commencing at the Retro Bar on February 12th. And lastly, the label are hosting some penny-saving offers in February, with package deals, £5 albums and even freebies for the taking. For more info: http://www.myspace.com/reddeerclub

From a label already up-and-running to one just ready to launch. Modern English – born out of a company specialising in creating new media solutions – have the most diverse roster I think I’ve seen from a start-up. Amongst them are Manchester’s death-popsters 1913, singer/songwriter Micky P Kerr, upbeat London indie-rockers Call Me Animal and Mauritian dubstep/dance act Thallie. There’s an exclusive launch party next week that we’re covering, so we’ll bring you the news and views subsequently. In the meantime, take a moment to share the positive thought that independent and DIY labels can still breathe and be born in these gloomy times.

You might have seen them supporting Rolo Tomassi last week, or with Lightning Bolt before Christmas. Well, scuzz-rockers Pocketknife are in the studio this week, recording some new material. They’re probably my favourite Manchester three-piece at the minute, so I for one am quite excited. Give ‘em a listen and get aroused yourself. http://www.myspace.com/pocketknifeuk

Ok, so this isn’t new news, but I’ve only just found out myself, so naturally I had to share. Remember The Maple State? Yeah, they were pretty damn great despite never getting to reach the heights their momentum and recordings proposed. Anyway, frontman Greg Counsell is back recording music under the solo banner of Ghost Saddles. He’s got a few songs up on Myspace – ‘Atlas Shrugged’ being a particularly beautiful number. Go listen and bug him to start playing live. http://www.myspace.com/ghostsaddles

Trojan Horse, our favourite local prog-rockers, are on the lookout for a new drummer. Having recently seen their hard work rewarded with exciting support slots in 2009, their sticksman’s departure may be untimely, but surely they won’t be short of suitors? If you fancy yourself in this grand ol’ band, then get enquiring at http://www.myspace.com/trojanhorseband. Facial hair; optional.

Owner of Manchester’s latest venue, Fac251, Peter Hook of New Order has audibly been calling in favours to get the first wave of acts to play at his new venture. Twisted Wheel and Freebass are two of those already confirmed or thereabouts, and with Hook’s affiliation and Factory’s reputation, there’s a few obvious names that you’d put money on appearing in the near future. In contrast, Hook’s pledged that they will “put their money where their mouth is” with regards to helping struggling unsigned bands within the city. Time will tell just exactly how they intend to do that.

And finally, another date for your diaries. There’s a special non-profit fundraiser going on at Night & Day on March 19th. Initially to be held at Kraak Gallery, the gig is to raise money so that Kraak itself can host the Steve Gullick exhibition. Having been a photographer for NME and Melody Maker for years, he’s captured the likes of everyone from Kurt Cobain and Nick Cave to Lou Reed and Bjork in still imagery. Playing the fundraiser are Nine Black Alps, The Witches and Former Bullies, with NBA and The Longcut DJs. 8pm-late, £5. The exhibition itself runs from March 12th-27th. So there’s more for your diary. You’re welcome.

Right-o, so enjoy this last week of January and we’ll see you on Saturday at Friends Of Manchester Fest at Jabez Clegg and Kro Bar. These chaps are on at 6.15pm on the second stage.

Plank! – La Luna