Local Bands

Five-piece outfit Souvaris are an unorthodox band. For one thing they took the unusual route of leaving London to come to Nottingham because they thought the music scene was better here.

"It might seem against the trend. It's very hard to get shows in London and we weren't happy with where we were living," says keyboard player John Simson.

"We thought we'd relocate to where there's a lot more support for the local music scene."

Benefits

John says the more central location means it's easier to play shows around the country. He also likes the sense of community in Nottingham and the "do-it-yourself" ethic when it comes to putting on shows.

Hopes

Souvaris quote Mogwai, Sonic Youth and Yo La Tengo as influences. They're not exactly Top 40 regulars but that doesn't bother the band.

Star fans

The former Chelsea striker Eider Gudjohnsen once turned up at one of their shows.

Says John: "I'm not sure if he'd come to see us or was just passing through. It was quite a shock to see someone who probably earns more in a day than I do in a year."

New release

Souvaris's new album A Hat has just been released on the Nottingham based Gringo record label, which is celebrating 10 years in business in 2007.