This week's programme is themed around the Manchester international festival, which is now under way.
Damon Albarn discusses his new opera about Dr Dee, the Elizabethan astrologer, courtier, alchemist and spy, which receives its world premiere at the event.
Alex Needham catches up with DJ, writer and broadcaster Dave Haslam, who tells us what his favourite Manchester track is, and explains what his aims are for his True Faith series of talks and gigs with new bands such as Egyptian Hip Hop, D/R/U/G/S and Lonelady.
Julie Campbell – alias Lonelady – also talks to Alex, and explains what her local influences are, and how the abundance of labels and clubs in the city ultimately became suffocating for her.
