Went to the 08 Place yesterday for the launch of Liverpool Sound City 2007 at USA 'South By South West' music festival in Austin Texas.

The Wombats, or rather, a Wombat (Murph), played a very good short set before co-ordinator Dave Pichlingi (www.mmda.org.uk) explained what its all about.

With the aim of exposing American music fans to the latest musical acts emerging from the region, a special night of music from the World Capital of Pop is being staged. ‘Liverpool Sound City’ hits the Latitude 30 Degrees music venue on Saturday March 17th 2007. Appearing on the same bill as Amy Winehouse, Razorlight and Lily Allen, this is huge news for the regions music lovers!

Hot Club de Paris’ 2006 debut album, Drop it ‘Til It Pops has been championed by some as one of the best debuts of 2006. Recently wrapping a tour with Dirty Pretty Things, the band is preparing to take on the US with their three-part folk harmonies backed by twitchy, jazzy, Marxist punk.

New ‘must see’ act The Wombats create unassuming charming pop music that has garnered them much praise from those in the know. "A must-see next time they're in town as they begin the fast track to rock 'n' roll superstardom,� declared Chart Magazine of Canada.

Also becoming ambassadors flying the flag state side for the thriving North West scene are electronica, indie-rock act ‘Delta Fiasco’, singer-songwriters ‘Candie Payne’ and ‘Eugene McGuinness’, Spank Records act ’28 Costumes’, Glastonbury Festival performers ‘The KBC’, NME darlings ‘Wax Planet’, and the intricately layered ‘Working for a Nuclear Free City’.

Liverpool Sound City 2007 has been co-ordinated by Dave Pichilingi (Project Director) in association with the Music Development Agency and Merseyside ACME and The Liverpool Culture Company.

“There is a rumour (that I think is true) that if you are not in a band in Liverpool then you either manage one or you used to be in one and you now drive a taxi cab. According to latest statistics at least 3 million people saw The Beatles play The Cavern. Urban myths are abound. One true fact is undebatable is we make damn fine music in Liverpool.� says Dave Pichilingi.

The Liverpool Culture Company, with Visit Britain, will launch the Britain Rocks campaign at SXSW, which focuses on the nations iconic musical landmarks. The Liverpool Culture Company will also be promoting Liverpool as the music destination of 2008 at SXSW and will also be showcasing England's first music city podcast, which is accompanied by a Sound City guide. The free pod cast is available at: http://www.liverpool08.com/AboutLiverpool/MusicAndTheBeatles/MusicTour/index.asp