Fucking sure it won't. And there's a handful of bands in Northern Ireland who are only too aware of that situation. I've spoken to at least four individuals lately, who have been sweet-talked into business arrangements that have the potential to bugger them sideways for the rest of their careers.

And what especially stinks about this kind of enterprise is that the deal-makers, who have so eloquently talked up their potential at early meetings, have turned out to be flakey and ill-informed. In terms of contemporary music, they are witless. In the financial domain, they aren't as hot as they claimed to be. Just ask a few of their creditors about that. And I've spoken to some of those as well.

Bands in the north are generally insecure and desperate for attention. It's the wallflower syndrome; anyone who comes along with a few complimentary words and industry connections (however slender) will have plenty sway. Message to the bands; don't be soft. Read up on books about the industry. Talk to lots of your peers. Don't use a lawyer that's recommended to you by the record label. Don't sign away publishing with the same label/manager you're signing to, unless there's a hell of a good reason to do so. And finally, don't think that this will be the only deal you'll ever be offered. If you have such awful self-esteem, then you won't be a contender anyway, and you're wasting everyone's time.

A last word on the subject. In the Christmas edition of Hit The North, I alluded to one business that seemed especially erratic. That particular situation has worsened. We're still watching you, buddy.

decent intentions

But before we get too negative, let's look for a few labels that have more decent intentions. In the past, we looked at Musicbest Ltd, headed by Ian Stewart, the former Northern Ireland international footballer. He's been a shrewd player in this area so far, and has been developing one, moddish band, The Thirty Ones. The debut record, The Chase EP was well-presented, if a little naive. That's just been seconded by 'Kolov', which was recorded in Edwyn Collin's studio in Hampstead, and produced by Paul Cook, the Sex Pistols vet and an old mate of Ian's.

It's far more promising, and the turntable scratchings have been amplified, giving it a more contemporary edge, akin to Lo Fidelity All Stars or Campag Velocet. The record has decent artwork, the posters are everywhere and the website (www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/studio/5482) is in place. Proper.

Let's call up Fantastic Plastic now, to see how they're getting on with the new Backwater release, 'Earthly Faces On Alien Places'. This label, headed by the ear-chewingly talkative Darrin Robson, has a growing reputation for one-off releases by the likes of Sultans Of Ping, The Blue Aeroplanes, Autopop and Kite Monster. They put out the Ash version of 'Get Ready' a couple of years ago, on sexy red vinyl. They released 'Hit' by The Wannadies, which was B-listed by Radio 1 long before the 'real' record company appreciated the potential.

As well as the new Backwater record (the Downpatrick act's first step on the road to rehabilitation after parting with the Ché label), Darrin is enthusing about his other projects, such as Pharmacy, which features Craig and Ian from Power Of Dreams, plus Morty, drummer from Sultans Of Ping. The project is progressing okay, and so is his latest charge, the Scottish band, Astrid.

That's already been hailed by Mark Radcliff and Steve Lemacq. All 1000 copies of the record were despatched in three days, and Darrin is taking calls from a shopowner in Japan, who is gutted that he can't get 50 more. Belle And Sebastian modelled the Astrid T-shirt on their recent video, and that inflamed the demand again. So Darrin's also fielding calls from American radio stations. There's even a source in Argentina that's heavily excited.

"The thing about major record companies," Darrin gasps, "is that they're always pissing money up the wall. There's no vision, they're not focussed. Fantastic Plastic isn't a money making thing, it's fan-based. it's like an official bootleg label, putting out experimental, and vibey things."

The label started off from Darrin's record shop and mail order business in Newtownards, County Down. These days, business is split between there and the guy's office in London. Darrin's ascent is only just starting.

a fan thing

Back in Belfast and there's another fervent conversation, this time with Brian Carson and Tony Brundin of the Moving On music festival. This event, which ranges across town until the end of June, embraces the likes of Bhangra, salsa, modern jazz and Congolese soukous.

It's part of a wider remit, which has energised Brian for more than ten years now. Originally working under the jazz banner, he has been bringing acts to town for a select but passionate audience. But such a narrow musical definition isn't appropriate these days. Now he deals with the Cuban trumpeter Bobby Carcasses and with Mo' Wax recording artists as well as hosting Thelonious Monk tribute evenings. Brian also claims to have hosted the first drum and bass night in this city, before it became popular.

He defends the fact that his vision of cutting-edge music depends on funding - "Most other music is funded by drink; what's the difference?" - and is reassured that he's finding like-minded fans and promoters across Ireland and Britain, making this mission easier to realise.

"The point of it all is my particular love of the music," he states, "And also, I'm reasonably good at what I do."

It's a fan thing. You see it in the eyes, and in the way they talk about the music. Here's the kind of people to do business with. n

• Moving On promotions: Tel. Belfast (01232) 643753 Musicbest Records: 8 Hunters Lane, Belfast BT21 0AB, Tel. (01247) 882927 Fantastic Plastic: 319 City Road, London EC1V 1LJ, Tel. 0171 2781150