Rebekah Shaw speaks to Laura Marling about femininity, creative production, and moving on from LA at the folk musician’s first student conference

Yes it’s a joke gone way too far, but as Star Wars-themed metal bands go, Galactic Empire are one of the good ones, writes Joe Hunt

Amber Run come to the Academy on Thursday the 23rd, let Emily Pite tell you why you should be there too

Tom Walker’s energetic performance at Manchester’s Fallow Café leaves the audience feeling they have witnessed something special, writes Amy Matthews

On the eve of their farewell tour, Christian Hurry speaks to the beloved folk-pop group about their career highlights and future trajectories

The Italian soul singer seems awkward and lost in translation in a disappointing show, writes Hugh Morris

Death, aging and loss: grim subject matters make for compelling songs in a strong week for new music

Harrison Kersey previews another promising night organised by students in this week’s Student Spotlight

Amy Matthews joins Tom Walker moments before his sellout show at Fallow Café to talk about extensive touring, Paolo Nutini, and his next secret mission

A truly haunting and mesmerising play by Lizzie Nunnery

Madeleine Jones speaks to the up-and-coming rapper about his next EP, the issue of cultural appropriation in hip hop and how social media has changed his relationship with his supporters

Elizabeth Gibson celebrates Indigo Girls’ joyous, adventurous fourth album and their remarkable career

The Flaming Lips return with an album that is characteristically heavy on the atmosphere, unicorns and Miley Cyrus vocals, but light on memorable tunes

The Riot Grrrl veteran returns to Manchester with band in tow and plays a show that refuses to rest on the laurels of past successes, writes Cassie Hyde

Rounding off the year on home turf, Shura’s catchy dance-pop is unfortunately let down by a static performance that lacks variety, writes Cassie Hyde

Geographical metaphors abound in a strong selection of tracks released in the last week, by Joe Casson

Despite multiple closings and re-openings in the past, it seems Sankeys Manchester is to close for the final time after the building was bought by property developers

“2016 is gonna be MY year”, you said on January 1st, and chaos descended thenceforth

Tara Bharadia reflects on the legacy of pop star and gay icon George Michael, who died on Christmas Day

Amy Matthews sits down with rockers VANT to talk about Theresa May, Manchester crowds and their forthcoming album DUMB BLOOD.