HE may have spent the last few years dazzling fans with his fascinating, genre-bending live shows, but to too many people the name of Gideon Conn doesn’t register on the radar.

Those who haven’t caught one of Gideon’s live shows — or grabbed a copy of his stunning EP which has been doing the rounds for the last couple of years — have missed an absolute treat.

But, don’t worry, because there is still time to seek redemption.

The likeable Prestwich songsmith — who blends folk with hip-hop to devastatingly wonderful effect — released his new single Londonderry on Monday and is playing a Manchester show on December 22.

He said: “It hasn’t been quite as busy gig wise in 2009 but we have finished the album, which is nice. We have the Moho Live show on December 22 and it will be a nice way to end the year.

“I hope the album will stand the test of time and people still listen to it in 10 or 20 years’ time. It’s full of great tunes that should have people keep coming back to it and the musicianship is excellent.”

Running out of options, Gideon set up his own record label — New Bop Sounds — to release the single, which will give new fans a real taste of what to expect when the much-anticipated long-player, also called New Bop Sounds, finally hits the streets.

He said: “I’m always looking for new sounds because there is no point in releasing a record if it doesn’t do something new. I think 2010 is going to be our year.”

The band formed around Gideon in 2005, and have gone from strength to strength, wowing big crowds at major festivals and touring with some groundbreaking artists including Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, 6 Day Riot and Jason Mraz.

They released a catchy, hip hop/indie crossover single I Want You Around which was well received by radio — playlisted on Xfm and awarded breakfast single of the week on BBC 6 music, as well being championed by BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stevens. He had Gideon play the BBC Introducing stage at last year’s Latitude Festival to widespread acclaim.

With the album now in the can, Gideon is hoping to hit the road again early next year, and take in some more summer festivals.

He said: “The album is out in June so we are hoping that by then we’ll have done some more support shows, a tour and then hit the festivals.

“There are so many artists I’d like to support, Joan As Policewoman would be a highlight, but the most important thing is getting a good crowd and the right atmosphere.”

Londonderry is available from gideonconn.com or from Piccadilly Records in Oldham Street in Manchester city centre.

Gideon Conn plays Moho Live, in Manchester, on December 22.