Chris Horkan who runs Hey! Manchester is an instantly recognisable figure around town, with his viking-esque beard and gentle frame (although it should be noted that beards are not unusual for Manchester promoters). He was one of the first people to give me advice when I first starting putting on events and I must have listened, because here we both are, still doing what we love. Looking through his Sounds From The Other City line-up this year, one name immediately stands out: Gay.

Largely ungoogleable but as their name suggests, Gay have a very carefree art-rock style… Talking Heads meets Grizzly Bear? The Toronto based act will be making a rare appearance on these shores and I’m looking forward to seeing how their songs will translate live. I think they could be perfect for a sunny day; poetic pop music with a slightly unpredictable nature.

Gay play The First Chop Brewing Arm.

Tickets are selling fast: grab one from Piccadilly Records, Common and online through Skiddle: http://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Sounds-From-The-Other-City-2014/21202/

http://soundsfromtheothercity.com/home/

Phill Young