A little more conversation

If you've been to a good gig in Oxford over the last couple of years, chances are you've got Simon Bailey to thank for it - which is what made the Future Perfect man the perfect interviewee to kick off the new Sounding Bored spin-off series of interview podcasts (you never know - the idea might catch on...).

In conversation with Rob, Simon talks about how he got into the gig-promoting game; the importance of building a brand; the live music scenes in Wolverhampton and Leicester, where Future Perfect also operate; the thrill of taking a gamble; the coup of securing an Oxford gig for the reformed Slowdive; the joys of helping to develop the careers and audiences of bands like IDLES, October Drift and newcomers Mellow Gang; and the sociability and capacity for boozy late nights that are essential for the role.

Naturally, he also takes the opportunity to plug his bash Ritual Union, a one-day multi-venue festival due to take place on Cowley Road in October. A much-needed successor to Gathering, Ritual Union will feature Future Perfect favourites Josefin Ohrn + The Liberation alongside the likes of Peace, Black Honey, TOY and local heroes The August List.