MIXING IT IN CAMDEN

The streets of Camden are paved with gold for ascendant pop stars seeking their fortune in London - or so it may seem from the bountiful opportunity knocks-style Camden Mix which is back to boggle minds for a third year. Over 11 frenzied days, (17-28 Sept) Camden venues play host to gigs (including one by Black Star Liner, above) seminars, workshops and exhibitions, where gig-goers, the music biz novice and the seasoned record label professional can partake of the delights on offer.

It is unclear whether the next Oasis was discovered at Camden Mix last year, but bands who have new tapes in their sweaty paws might find the Music and Enterprise part of the Mix useful. The four-day music market includes two demo juries - covering soul, rock, dance and jazz - presided over by leading biz players, and a Young Person's Guide to the Music Industry. Also particularly curious are dance music technology strands; Digital Slam 2 and Raw Material's Virtual Mix. Digital Slam 2: features an ISDN gig, linking up guitarist Vernon Reid in New York, junglists Grooverider (right) and a Guy Called Gerald in London and the Joburg Streets collective in Cape Town.

Raw Material's Virtual Mix, which has hip-hop and soul as its core, is an education programme for the faint-hearted when it comes to new technology. The Camden Mix lays siege to virtually all NW1 venues for the festival period. Watch out for events that are good but sadly clash, like the global techno-orientated night which has the Afro Celt Sound System at The Forum and the Asian-centric The Empire Strikes Back, at the Underworld. But in general,much effort is made to ensure a ball is had by all, and the cliche "something for everyone" is quite appropriate here.

Camden Mix: 17-28 Sept, various venues across Camden, London NW1. Mix ticket line: 0171-287 0932. Tickets from the usual agents

Angela Lewis