Book now: Off the Record music conference & showcase in Manchester Northern Quarter

New music showcase and conference Off the Record is set to give Manchester its own take on SXSW. The event has an excellent pedigree with the region’s leading music festivals (Kendal Calling, BlueDot and Sound City) joining forces with music blog Louder than War to organise panel events and a live showcase in and around the Northern Quarter. Thirty emerging artists will perform across six venues including Night and Day and The Castle from 6pm onwards. Artists have been chosen by, among others, Elbow frontman Guy Garvey, Tim Burgess and BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens as well as label founders and music journalists. Each has put forward their favourite three acts who have been together less than 24 months and not yet released a debut album. The line up will be released 24 hours before the event.

Fri 4 Nov, Conference: Methodist Central Hall, Live music: Night and Day, The Castle, Gullivers, Soup Kitchen, Aatma, Ruby Lounge, £15 gig only, £20 conference only, £35 full access, www.otrmcr.com