As Ben mentioned yesterday, I’m going to start writing about music using Views from the Sofa. This space is for me to share my music experiences. I want to share the music that I listen to, whether it be listening to my i-pod on the bus, music at a club, at a live gig or something fresh that I’ve heard on the radio. Hopefully some exciting new artists and amazing new gig venues will emerge in my reflections.

I have grown up in one of the greatest cities in the world, renown for its music genius. Due to the antics of the late Tony Wilson, founder of Factory Records, and the birth of the major Madchester movement, Manchester’s identity is arguably dominated by its musical history. For those who don’t know, Manchester has been the birthplace of many incredible and genius bands including Take That, The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis.

Growing up in Manchester has meant that music has always been at the centre, and at the heart, of my life. With such a vast number of live music venues, ranging from the cosy sized reinvented Sound Control on New Wakefield Street to the enormous freshly named Manchester Arena (formally the Manchester Evening News Arena or the ‘M.E.N.’ as I still refer to it as), not to mention the hundreds of bars and clubs dotted around the city and the variety of independent record stores, it was inevitable that I would be consumed by this super power and I have always been happy and willing to allow music into every aspect of my life.

I love all different genres of music from a range of eras. From Simon and Garfunkel, to Blondie, to the Manic Street Preachers; all impacting on my life in positive ways. XFM Manchester is my favourite radio station and is my inspiration for my new music interests.

I hope by reading my views on music I can share my passion, introduce you to new music or help you discover bands or artists you may never knew existed.