Leeds musical treasure Katie Harkin is preparing to add her latest, eponymous solo project to a résumé already laden with brilliant accomplishments.

Baxter Dury told Jason Williamson that he envisaged his new album ‘The Night Chancers’ – as told by an ageing hip hop mogul who looks back on his life in chapters – the perfect analogy for an album doused in self-awareness and promiscuity.

As coronavirus restrictions force people to find more creative ways to entertain themselves – with giant lasagnes, flat bingo, and care home Hungry Hippos all making waves on social media – one major new casualty is the grassroots music industry.

Caravan Palace kept the continental fire alive in a blazing set at the Albert Hall in Manchester on Friday.

Noel Gallagher’s two nights at the Manchester Apollo will cost fans £68.90 for a standing ticket, so it’s no wonder one of Manchester’s most famous musicians still had tickets for sale hours later.

The bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order visited Buile Hill Academy in Pendleton, to inspire pupils and discuss his remarkable career in the music business.

The tour includes 55 dates between Febraury and October after the release of his ‘Heavy is the Head’ album. Stormzy will be in Manchester on Thursday 17th September 2020.

Tom Walker continued his autumn tour across the UK with another high class performance at O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester.

Nathan Cunningham, who owns The Low Flying Geese production company, is awaiting confirmation from the BBC on whether they will commission his documentary debut Piccadilly Rats: Live in Moderation – which charts the highs and lows of the band and has been three years in the making.

Mercury Prize Winners Elbow have curated an album as part of an exclusive artwork exhibition heading to Manchester this week – Sounds of the North, in town from September 19-30.

With Rat Boy’s, aka Jordan Cardy, second album expecting to come out in 2020, his fans were given a taste of the artist’s new music when he released a new single called Truth of the Youth.