Johnny James

Teaming up with allstar hip hop big band Abstract Orchestra, Slum Village’s show at Band on the Wall promises to be a special one.

If you’re a fan of world music, then Awesome Tapes From Africa’s show at Band on the Wall is an absolute must this February.

Fatoumata Diawara is a standard-bearer of modern African music. A joy on record and a revelation live, she’s unmissable at New Century.

Dry Cleaning’s minimalist brand of post-punk is generating a lot of attention of late, and for good reason. Don’t miss them at Gullivers.

Straddling a multitude of genres, from techno to contemporary classical, Anna Meredith’s new album Fibs is a sheer delight. Her gig at Gorilla will be, too.

Dublin rapper Kojaque is steadily gaining ground on the Irish and international music scene. Catch him at Soup Kitchen before he graduates to larger stages.

One year on from its release, Manchester’s own Pijn are performing their celebrated post-metal album Loss in full at Soup Kitchen.

Ahead of their gig at YES this December, we caught up with MOLD, one of the more intriguing lo-fi bands making music in Manchester at the moment.

Manchester-based grunge-pop trio Calva Louise are turning heads with their newly acquired swagger. Don’t miss them at YES.

Multi-talented jazz producer Werkha joins forces with eclectic multi-instrumentalist Shunya for a huge show at Whalley Range’s Carlton Club 

In support of his latest album, Bikes are Bikes, London rapper Barney Artist is bringing his introspective beats and bars to Soup Kitchen this December.

As Manchester’s mean winter closes in, Whitney’s sun-dappled songs about love and loneliness are here to keep us warm.