Liverpool Views

BBC 6 Music's DJ Steve Lamacq champions the best new music and showcases hot new talent at the Carling Academy in Liverpool on Friday 19th September with Ladytron, Franz Ferdinand and Mountaineers. The Academy is one of the newest editions to the live music map and located in the heart of European Capital of Culture for 2008, the opening in September is gearing up to be the next big event in the City's calendar.

Part of his Lamacq In The City tour, Liverpool follows London, Leeds, Northampton, Oxford and Middlesbrough as Steve's city of choice in his search for music's next big thing. Three exciting and innovative groups join Steve on stage:

Ladytron - Hailing from Liverpool, band Ladytron take pop music to a new level with their keyboards, rhythm boxes, female vocals and striking image. They released their debut album 604 in 2001 to critical acclaim. Mickey Petralia (Beck, Beastie Boys) worked with them to produce their second album in Los Angeles entitled Light and Darkness.

Franz Ferdinand - The band are currently recording their debut album and take their name from the Duke whose assassination started World War One. Franz Ferdinand take "edgy, sexy, kinetic pop music into the mainstream." Their new single Darts of Pleasure is out in September.

Mountaineers - This three piece Liverpool based band's debut album Messy Century is out this autumn. The electronica outfit use computer software to transform their folk like pop songs into something truly fresh and creative. The band originally from Wales have recently toured with Goldfrapp and Sparklehorse.

Steve Lamacq says: "This is the second time I've been to Liverpool this year for a show and I'm really looking forward to going back. In terms of musical vibrancy Liverpool has taken over from Manchester as a place for energy and ideas at the moment. "A lot of people associate the city with bands like The Coral - who played the last time I compared there - but Ladytron are another great example of one of Liverpool's major musical traits which is making great pop music with a slightly maverick touch. In an alternative universe they'd be on Top Of The Pops every fortnight. "Along with them we've got Franz Ferdinand from Glasgow who've polished up some old, quirky '80s influences and turned them into this eloquent set of shiny new indie-funk songs."

Steve presents his show on 6 Music every Saturday, 1.00-4.00pm. Lamacq In The City kicked off on 11th March with Kinesis, KillCity and Antihero at London's Borderline. Each gig features bands which have figured highly on Steve's show - through either his personal or the listeners' choice - alongside a local band. Tracks from the gigs are played in Steve's show the following Saturday and then repeated elsewhere across 6 Music.

Lamacq In The City is at Carling Academy Liverpool, 11-13 Hotham Street, Liverpool, L3 5UF on Friday 19th September - doors open at 7.00pm.

Gig fans can enter a draw for free tickets by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/6music

Tickets are also available via 24hr ticket hotline on 0870 771 2000 or www.ticketweb.co.uk

6 Music is a new BBC digital radio station that champions the very best in rock and popular music, and can be accessed via DAB digital radio, digital satellite television, Freeview, digital cable television and the internet www.bbc.co.uk/6music

For more info: Juliet Wioland, BBC 6 Music Publicity 020 7765 4330

Further info www.bbc.co.uk/6music/presenters for info on Lamacq in the City
www.franzferdinand.co.uk for info on Franz Ferdinand
www.ladytron.com for info on Ladytron
www.liverpool-academy.co.ukfor info on Liverpool Academy
Pictures: BBC Picture Bulletin Board or 020 7765 4890