Jim Noir is the latest solo artist from Manchester who seems to be creating a bit of a media stir with his debut EP, 'Eanie Meany'. The EP combined both retro and contemporary influences, great melodies and the odd comedy lyric. 'Eanie Meany' was released last year to great acclaim, while his new EP, 'My Patch' is out in March - both on My Dad Recordings.

And if you're still bored at work and want more info, check out the official Jim Noir site.

Hi Jim, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions..so how are things in the Noir household?

Swimmingly old chap, things are going swimmingly, and may I say what a nice shirt your wearing it's very you, who-ever you are.

Thanks but I think red satin is a bit too much. So you released you're debut EP 'Eanie Meany' just before Christmas which was really well-received, were you surprised by the reaction it got? It's nearly sold out too, which must be a bit of a buzz for you, and your mum must be very proud.

And I'm hoping shes gonna get a lot prouder too! Yeah I was a bit surprised at the reaction, especially how many people like it. It's a good start innit? There's plenty more and it's getting better so hopefully I'm in for a good ride in this bizzare bizness.

So tell us about your new EP 'My Patch'. It's out in March, what can we expect? By the way, the last tracks had a really "lo-fi" feel are they home recorded?

Yeah I write and record it all at home with the help of too much coffee and cigs. Well the new one has a slightly more hi-fi feel to it, not on purpose mind you, I just got a new microphone. It has 4 tracks on it and again they are all different but still in keeping with the sorta pop song formula, it still has the Noir sound people seem to like so it should be as well received hoppyfully.

Is there an album planned?

Yes there is, although im not sure what it will consist of yet, I think we're going to do a sorta '3 EP's' thingy after these are done, and put some extra tracks so it's not a dreadful rip-off. After that I have got plans to make a proper album hopefully as I wish, without being forced into a big studio, I dont mind that after I've made the masterpiece.

I've not seen any live dates scheduled yet, you're not shy are you? Any plans to hit the road?

Yep, at the moment just now round about this here time I'm forming the band. I've been rehearsing with the already found members and we've been setting traps around the city trying to catch a singing drummer.

I know it's hard to select a handful of names, but who would you say has you influenced the most. You know, made you really want to get into music and start making it yourself?

Take a wild guess. Correct.

No shit? I knew you digged Wham! You are my new best friend.

What were you doing to put bread on the table before you were signed?

Just the usual menial jobs you know, Piracy, Archery, Swimming.

So do you hope to become something of a household name? I don't think TOTP is ready for you just yet though.

I think you might be right there, but yeah I dunno, household name? I don't wanna be all that famous really, I'll settle for casual double takes rather than full on 'what plectrums do you use?'

What are your thoughts on the Busted split, how are you coping? On the plus side, if you are a bit strapped for cash, I hear they are after a new singer..

Tragic news yes. In what can only be described as hideous panic in myself at the thought of kids younger than me taking it badly and trying to wrestle mice, I took it upon myself to organise a suicide hotline, not sure if I've missed anything whilst bru making but we haven't received a single call yet, odd.

Is DNCN the biggest lurker you've ever met? He's everywhere and anywhere you go, drunk and trying to make new friends..!

A proper legend he is too. I've never met anyone like him and respect him for it. He can also do the lower harmony to 'Sloop John B' with me at parties which is killer.

I know you are not American, but something has been bothering me as of late - why are American houses made of wood? I mean, have they never heard of brick..and then they wonder why their houses get flattened whenever there's a tornado. I saw a programme the other day where they built an entire house in 5 days and furnished it...I mean come on, this can't be safe surely?

Have they never heard the story of the 3 little pigs??? What's going on for fucks sake??!!!

Your label mate Jack Cooper had candyfloss as promotional items when his first EP was released, what would you have for yours? I see you as a hot-pot or black pudding man myself.

Tractor engines.

Bit heavy to carry home though aren't they? But anyway...what's been on your record player lately?

I dont know where I've been all my life, or he, but I've just deescovered Mr Harry Nilsson, tasty. I've also been enjoying lots and lots of Latin and Brazil stuff, Soft Machine and Bonzos at this very minute.

Well cheers Jim, you've been a lovely guest and we can't wait for the new EP.

Thankyou very much, now it's my turn, When is YOUR EP out?, who are YOUR influences?...............

Well since you asked...it's actually out next month. Buy it, it's really good. Or don't and lose out.