Music Editor
Back in 1992, the late Tony H. Wilson and his business and life partner Yvette Livesey established In The City. The aim was simple – to provide a music convention that welcomes new and unsigned acts alongside the movers and shakers of the music industry. But forget about the PR side of things – for students and music lovers in Manchester, In The City is the opportunity to check out a huge number of new bands at decent prices. And where else would you want to hold such an event but Manchester? Student Direct spoke to In The City’s General Manager Jon-Paul Waddington. “An event like In The City needs to be in a place that lives and breathes music, and there’s perhaps only three cities in the world that fulfil that condition,” he says. “New York is an obvious choice, secondly I’d say Berlin, although that’s arguably tenuous. And then of course, there’s Manchester.”
This year ITC has invited some of its favourite friends to help showcase their favourite bands. Look out for events hosted by Channel M, NME, Piccadilly Records, The Warehouse Project, Drowned in Sound, XFM and Alan McGee to name but a few. ITC has not, however, forgotten its roots which firmly lie in unsigned bands and artists. 2008’s event presents no less than 49 unsigned bands delivered over three days at different venues around the city, and that’s before we’ve even considered the fringe events. Laying claim to launching the careers of an impressive number of bands, ITC can boast previous acts such as Radiohead, Oasis, Coldplay, Foo Fighters and many more.
In The City 2007 showcased several bands that have gone on to achieve critical acclaim and chart success. Since playing The Roadhouse at In The City 2007, The Courteeners have sold out the Manchester Apollo two nights on the trot, had a top ten album with St. Jude, and played at the packed John Peel tent at Glastonbury. Jon-Paul agrees that The Courteeners progression has been impressive, but is keen to talk about other bands from ITC who have more cult appeal. “I mean, Liam Fray’s a great songwriter,” he tells us, “but if you want a band that’s achieved a huge amount since ITC 2007, I’d say Noah and the Whale.” Other bands making a name for themselves since last year’s event include The Wombats, Twisted Wheel and, er, Scouting For Girls. So just how significant is ITC to up and coming bands? “It’s one of the few events anywhere in this country where a band can come and play and there’s a big chance there’s someone in that crowd who could make their career,” says Jon-Paul. “There’s nothing else out there like In The City. South by South West, arguably, but that’s completely different.”
However, it’s not all about the music. As ITC proudly states, the nights may belong to the bands but the daytime’s all about the panel events. Some of the highlights of the three days include ‘Festival Independence’, a look at the health of the UK’s music festivals and a debate entitled ‘The Importance of Being Idols’ with New Order’s Peter Hook and The Charlatans/XFM’s Clint Boon. You might find the vast majority of these panel events are more for commercial types who use phrases like ‘the industry’ and ‘networking’ as opposed to your average music loving student. However, Jon-Paul disagrees. “You’re sure to learn something new at each of our panels,” he asserts. “If you ask a kid in a band about royalties, for example, they’re going to think it’s really dull – but kids in bands need to know these things, and our panels are where they’re going to learn them.”
So who is Jon-Paul looking forward to seeing at this year’s event? And who does he tip for the top? “There’s too many to list,” he laughs. “Where do I start? Jessie Rose Trip’s one of my favourites – she makes Amy Winehouse sound like pub karaoke. I Am Austin are a great band from North Wales, the Brute Chorus are brilliant too. And don’t miss Oscar Charlie,” he adds. “They’re like a cross between Feeder and Los Campesinos - but in a good way…”
ITC 2008 will mark the second year without founder Tony Wilson, but his influence is clearly evident in the running of the event. “I always remember Tony saying ‘always look forward, never look back,’” says Jon-Paul. “He still informs everything we do.” Jon-Paul seems reluctant to launch into any sentimental tributes, saying he’ll leave that to other people. “We’re not going to do anything in Tony’s memory – because everything we do inherently is in Tony’s memory.”
In The City 2008 takes place from 5th-7th October in various venues around Manchester. Limited wristbands are available at £26 or individual tickets can be bought at www.wegottickets.com/inthecity2008
www.inthecity.co.uk
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