We had a blast at last year’s Sound City – not only did we seem to be writing about it every single day, but every evening over a week seemed to be taken up with criss-crossing the city’s sticky-floored venues. It was exhausting, eye-opening, and a hell of a lot of fun.

This year’s first batch of acts have just been announced, and it’s a typically strong handful. Most surprising is one of the festival’s headliners – pop heavyweight Professor Green (we wouldn’t dare ask to see evidence of his PHD), who sold out his own gig at Mountford Hall but a few weeks ago.

Joining him on the bill are ultra-hyped new pop starlet Charlie XCX, Texan punk favourites White Denim (pictured), scrappy upstarts Cloud Nothings, and legendary electro-rock duo Death In Vegas, who make a welcome return to the city.

In addition, Sound City have announced they’re to host the UK Student Music Awards at the Echo Arena, and they’re also set to run a new music and tech expo during the festival. All rather exciting. More announcements heading your way over the next couple of months.

Liverpool Sound City 2012
17th – 19th May, Various venues
www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk