'Bands I believe in'

Clint Boon

OLDHAM'S favourite musical son Clint Boon is buzzing about his latest exciting venture - Set2Go Live - which takes place in central Manchester on Sunday, November 6.

Inspiral Carpets keyboard star and radio and club DJ Boon - along with "partners in crime" Joe McGrath (administration) and Ben Taylor (promotion) - dreamed up the idea of a new live showcase all-dayer following the overwhelming success of his opening three 'Set2Go' podcasts, which are aimed at championing and encouraging some of the best unsigned artists from in and around Manchester.

The city's Sound Control venue will now host the opening live showcase on November 6, when 11 top live acts will strut their considerable stuff at an all-ages event which also sees Boon DJing.

Bands/artists set to play are The Blinders, Ist Ist, No Hot Ashes, Saytr Play, Liam McClair, Ryan Jarvis, Maruja, Tourist Attractions, Mind over Matter, Jess Kemp and The Jade Assembly.

Boon told me: "Without exception they are all quality, quality bands or artists, ones which I'm more than happy to put my name behind. They're bands that I believe in.

"There's more too. The ones who haven't been available this time, we'll just get on the next show.

"If we do this first live event right, we'll just put another one on immediately.

"To be honest there's no reason why we couldn't put one on every month.

"If people get to see these events are on and once they know the bands are second to none, there's no reason why it can't be a very successful platform for unsigned music.

"It's not a money-making scheme this. I'm doing this to help these artists have a taste of what I've had a taste of."

Boon is famous for his support of young, up-and-coming bands and he, more than most, knows how important a showcase gig like 'Set2Go Live' can be as an artist strives to make their way in the cut-throat music business.

"When I started in Oldham in the mid-80s I can remember playing at places like the Grey Horse, as it was then, so when someone gives you the chance to play in Manchester, it is exciting," said Boon.

"I can remember that buzz, and the musicians who are featuring on our show are buzzing about it.

"It's another little step, and it's another reason to keep your band together for another month or two!

"It does feel like you're going against the wind a lot of the time. Unsigned band members have to keep their day jobs so a lot of them are constantly on the verge of breaking up.

"Getting on a gig like this will hopefully extend their life as a band so they can then move onwards and upwards."

Log on to @CBset2go on Twitter for all the latest live showcase ticket news.