LISTEN NOW to the experienced outpourings of our elders and generally-much-betters. This is the department of One Two that passes on advice and opinions from the country's top players and music writers.

THIS MONTH: OVERTONES are we live enough, is the art of performance turning up its toes, John Morrish supplies a concert in prose (P64) - SESSION Big Country drummer and beezer session-ist Mark Brzezicki speaks of breaking into the studio circuit (P68) - PLAYBACK pick of our donated demos (P70) - JOHN PEEL hero of a thousand demo hopes reveals what he wants to hear from a cassette (P71) - HOW TO BECOME A PRODUCER the bestest knob-twiddlers divulge how they did it (P72). And how do you do it? In fact do you...

SERIOUSLY NEED HELP

Do you need advice and assistance right now on any subject to do with playing music? You'd think of sending a letter to One Two Testing, but that could take a few weeks until the next copy comes tumbling off the presses. If only there was someone you could call. A body to talk to on the other end of the phone. An unbiased opinion from someone who could advise you, if not on the spot, then at least the next day when they'd checked out the facts.

There is.

US.

One Two Testing is launching a never sleeping, 24 hour, ansaphone service as an unbeatable Musicians' Helpline. If you're bugged by any questions or worries about gear or playing, ring the Helpline number, leave your (short and snappy) question on the recording machine, plus a daytime phone number. We'll collect the calls the next morning, rub the office heads together, and when we come up with an answer we'll ring you back and give it to you.

Expert advice (such modesty) at the end of a phone line.

So, stuck on what guitar to buy, eager for an A&R contact number, worried about a strange hum from your combo? Pick up that handset and speak. We're only some numbers away.

THE HELPLINE (Contact Details)