Now, we know there weren't any metal bands in last week's Showcase special. So just to redress the balance a little we managed to get hold of Supamodel, who were more than happy to tell us their thoughts about this year's Showcase.

What are you looking forward to at this year's Showcase? We are looking forward to the festival very much seeing our fans and also friends from other bands who are appearing with us. After all, Bolton is where we started, and we hope to continue to play venues around the area for many years to come.

Are you nervous about playing the Showcase? We are never nervous on stage now it is now just pure enjoyment. We are looking forward to getting up and giving 100 per cent-plus, as we always do.

Are you planning any on-stage japes? If we were, it would not be a surprise if we said beforehand.

Why do you think the Showcase is important to Bolton? The Showcase is important because it gives all musicians and artists a chance to be seen locally and show people what a huge amount of local talent there is. Hopefully this will encourage promoters and agents to come to the area.

It has always been difficult for artists to get recognition nationally if they come from areas outside London. Usually bands have to travel to London and perform there to be spotted or to be taken seriously.

Why should people come and see you? We always deliver an exciting, full-on show, both musically and visually. We also spend time meeting and chatting to our followers after the show and try making them feel special. After all, without them we wouldn't be getting the work that we do now.Venues are now contacting our manager or the band directly, via phone and email, to appear at their venues. This will hopefully allow us to turn pro later this year, which is our ultimate aim. We are already negotiating European and Irish tours for 2007 and are getting inquiries from a couple of big name bands to act as support on their tours. We will also be releasing a full CD of original material in the next few months, which promises to do well.

What do you think of Bolton's music scene? We think the Bolton music scene is one of the most exciting and dynamic in the West Lancs / Manchester area. There is so much raw talent in the area which needs to be pushed and supported. The area needs more venues putting on regular music nights of all genres of both music and art-related work. Hopefully then more lovers of live music will attend gigs and raise the area's musical profile.

The opening of the Soundhouse, which is a fantastic venue to play and has one of the best sound engineers in the area, is hopefully the start of putting Bolton on the map as a place to hear music at its best. This, in turn, will create more interest from outside the area for both audiences and bands wanting to play in Bolton.

Supamodel play the Metal Showcase on Sunday at the Soundhouse. Doors open 6.30pm. Admission is free.