Mark Hopton's an outsider obsessed with Manchester music. He knows the dates, facts, band members, lyrics, histories and places. He can join them in complicated webs of association because he knows the secret: everything's connected. Music's his escape into a better world.

Oh man, he needs that escape. His dad's in prison, his psycho brother's only one step away, and they're twisting his melons trying to make him risk his freedom by smuggling drugs. It ain't easy saying no when family and their shady contacts can be bone-breakingly persuasive. Heaven knows he's miserable now.

The summer sun does bring one ray of light: he secretly admires Samantha, a beautiful Welsh girl at work. Watching her is like listening to music, it strengthens him, she's his wonderwall of true faith. He's happy with that. Love is fool's gold.

2000 Tunes is a meditation on life, family, friends, growing up, and following your dreams.