In the past year or so the fledgling hip hop scene on the island has been gaining momentum thanks to a collective spearheaded by Han-FX and Jor-DMC (aka Keiran Hannifin and Jordan Preece). Thanks to recent live shows, the collective are steadily raising their profile on the Manx live scene. Indeed Han-FX and Jor-DMC recently released a promo video for their track ’Hip Hop News’ which you can find on youtube.

Following the release of their debut album, ’Partners In Rhyme’ in December last year, there are also plans for a second album release, entitled "The Swoop" in the not too distant future.

Which leads us to this Saturday and to their next live event. Held at Amber in Douglas, "Isle Of Mandem 2" features both Han-FX and Jor-DMC along with the aforementioned collective, namely Reetz Stagg, Dread Lion, SkillDog, Knight-Hook and Mid Life Cypher.

If this sounds your kind of thing, the doors open at 8pm, it’s free entry and it all kicks off around 9pm.

Whilst we’re on the subject of all things relating to live events, we are now of course right on the cusp of TT 2017. Celebrating 20 years this year is the Bushy’s Tent who kick of their live shows this Saturday with the now sold out show from The Lightning Seeds. Support comes from local boys Phil Reynolds and The Dearly Departed and The Ballaghs, featuring our very own Mr Mike Wade.

Fear not however as there are two weeks of live gigs to come and i’ll be previewing more of the TT gigs at Bushy’s and others taking place in and around the island as TT fortnight progresses.

Continuing through next week Monday with Mad Daddy who specialise in all things Rockabilly, who play ahead of Looney and The Vikings.

Tuesday night sees a nice bit of Metal as The Fletcher Christian Mutiny, Aeons and the aforementioned Fugue State all take to the stage.

On Wednesday it’s the turn of Rock/Indie boys Final Cut, who play alongside 9 Mile Smile.

Finally this week, we turn our attention to Ian Thompson who as mentioned last week, having inked a three year deal with U.S. label, The Spectra Music Group has just released his first single for the label in the shape of "Inspiration".

Staying very much in the vein that Ian is now known for, this ’pick you up if you’re feeling down’ kind of track shows Ian’s influences of the likes of Glen Tilbrook of Squeeze fame.

That’s never going to be a bad thing.