Sheffield Sound City 93

SHEFFIELD Sound City 93 begins on Monday 5 April. As part of a week of musical events taking place across the city, the Independent, in association with Radio 1, the British Phonographic Industry, the Musicians Union and Sheffield City Council, is sponsoring a set of lunchtime talks on pop music and related issues.

The six speakers in the Independent Sound City Talks are now confirmed. On Monday, Feargal Sharkey, currently working in A&R at Polydor records, will talk about talent scouting and his new desk job. On Tuesday, Danny Kelly, the editor of Q magazine and former editor of NME, will discuss the way the media's access to pop stars is controlled. And on Wednesday, Simon Napier-Bell will explain exactly what pop managers do all day.

On Thursday, Paul Gambaccini will ask the question on the lips of the nation: 'British Music: is it still in the Premier League?' On Friday, Boy George will speak about being a target for the tabloids, and concluding the talks on Saturday is John Peel.

After each talk, there will be a chance to ask questions from the floor. Guests presenting the speakers include Nicky Horne, Bob Harris, Bruno Brookes and Mark Radcliffe.

All the talks take place at the Crucible Studio Theatre, Tudor Square, Sheffield, and start at 12.30pm. Entrance is free, though anyone wishing to attend must first obtain a ticket from the Sheffield Sound City organisers. Full details about the talks and the other events in Sheffield Sound City 93 will appear here next Thursday.