Manchester is home to a large number of the UK’s best rappers. With its own distinctive sound, and a rapidly growing list of rappers to its name, Manchester is undoubtedly the rap capital of the north of England. Let’s dive in and discover Manchester’s best rappers. Children of Zeus Stradling hip-hop and neo-soul, Children of … Read more
From post-punk to Britpop to acid house, Manchester has undoubtedly made its mark on the UK map of musical innovation. But where would Manchester music be without the humble record store? Many of the shops which prospered throughout the fertile years of the 80s and 90s are still standing today – despite facing off some … Read more
Blending electronics, field recordings, and chamber music, Wax Ephemeral is the debut album from Manchester-based composer Rachael Philip. Described as ‘a tribute to the carousel of life, death, and recycling and revival into new forms,’ the record is absorbing and immersive. With a background in film and commercial soundtracks, Philip’s sound worlds are strikingly visual. … Read more
The new video release from Marco Woolf explores the tenderness and joy of family relationships. The track sits on his EP Francine, i, which follows the story of an African woman who migrates to the West for the sake of her children. Building from a gentle kalimba introduction, the sounds of ‘Let’s Build This House’ … Read more
The lockdown months have been somewhat of a blessing for creative, introverted souls. Soundcloud and Bandcamp are teeming with fledgling bedroom pop artists sharing confessional songs that they’ve penned in moments of solitude. But while the online sphere becomes ever more saturated with teeny-boppers making music on their laptops, it’s a relief to find DIY … Read more
Love’s A Joke, I’m The Butt Of It’ is a charmingly naive R&B anthem from emerging Manchester artist Jamaal Monarch. Walking a fine line between sensitivity and bravado, Monarch reflects on love and coming-of-age during lockdown. The lyrics flit between the coy, the humorous, and even the childish, ultimately landing on Monarch’s self-affirming chorus, ‘you … Read more
Skeltr seamlessly blend spiritual jazz and rave in their epic debut album Dorje. In a distinctly unusual fusion of genres and ideas, the Manchester-based duo pull off a crossover that feels unwaveringly coherent and organic. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist philosophy and practice on the one hand, and Manchester‘s rave scene on the other, the record … Read more
Producers all over the internet have been churning out lofi hip-hop, chill-hop beats, and the like at a dizzying pace. On the surface, Manchester’s glue70 may seem like one of many in this saturated genre. But a closer listen reveals a depth, integrity, and timelessness to his new 2070 album. Make no mistake – glue70’s … Read more
Luke Royalty’s first release of 2020 is a bitter, searching breakup lament. Filled with the inevitable questions, disappointment, and regret that surround a failed relationship, the mood of ‘October Seven’ captures something distinctive about the flavour of breakups today. Bluesy guitar licks, soulful delivery, and hints of a backing choir define the sound of this … Read more
Psychedelic prog-rave band HENGE have developed a cult following thanks to their wild live shows, their message of joy, and their journey from outer-space. Combining tremendous abandon and energy, with unflinching commitment to their story and purpose, HENGE are a band who are actually doing their own thing. Their new single ‘Exo,’ from the much … Read more
On the back of a series of pre-lockdown shows at some of Manchester’s most esteemed venues, Femi Tahiru’s latest release shows the rising indie R&B artist at his best yet. In ‘The Weekend’ singer and guitarist Tahiru pairs washy jazz changes with smooth and subtle vocal hooks. With building synths and percussion, producers Luke Mac … Read more
There aren’t many cities where you’ll be more spoilt for choice with music venues than Manchester. From beautiful, pristine venues fit for the world’s finest orchestras to dark and dingy basements that host a vibrant underground scene, Manchester really has it all. In this article, we take a guided tour through the city’s most high-profile … Read more
The new release from 7-piece Manchester-based Bethlehem Casuals is colourful weirdness at its finest, and a much-needed hit of positive energy in these turbulent times. The concept behind the album is a tale of wit and absurdism: the story of a street dog on a journey to find out why there is no music left … Read more
With a sound that makes you feel like you are one of the only people in the world, Dunebug is one to watch. The ex-Manchester, now London-based lo-fi dream-pop artist moulds together influences from the likes of Fat White Family and Japanese Breakfast to create a serene and intricate sound you’ll want to disappear into. Dunebug’s … Read more
The striking debut single from Manchester‘s Lindsay Munroe is an honest, vulnerable and ultimately celebratory reflection on overcoming insecurity. Focusing on the potent image of being able to physically mould your body like clay – a fantasy Munroe had as a teenager – she candidly reveals a journey of struggle and liberation. The video’s anarchic … Read more
I meet Mali at the counter of a bustling Manchester café. “You look stressed? Don’t worry, you’ll be fine!” she’s telling a sunken-eyed barista as the sound of smashing crockery echoes around the space. We settle down to sip coffee, and I ask if she’s used to doing a second job like this. “Second, third, … Read more
Manchester is home to a number of music festivals which reflect the rich cultural diversity of the city. Collectively they cover a myriad of different styles, from post-punk to jazz-funk and everything in between. Whether you’re after an inner-city one-dayer or the full-on tent-in-a-field weekender, there’s something here for you. Moovin You’ll find Moovin Festival … Read more
Amidst our nostalgia driven pop culture, it is refreshing to discover artists who respond more directly to the strange, fractured world we live in today.
Yemi Bolatiwa is one of Manchester’s stand out vocalists today. But this isn’t something she anticipated when first arriving in the city in 2008.
Hailing from Manchester, Bethlehem Casuals are a high-energy mix of folk, disco, jazz, and more, wrapped up in a world of colour.
Manchester is a city with a vibrant music scene, so it’s no surprise that it boasts several great music blogs.
The lack of gender diversity in the music industry is an enduring problem across the UK. Despite being a city defined by radical thought and a colourful musical past, Manchester still has catching up to do.
Manchester’s music scene is always absolutely buzzing, and 2019 looks to be no exception. Here’s our round-up of what’s getting us excited for the year to come – 20 exciting new, unsigned and emerging artists from the city.
Gerald Simpson, better known as A Guy Called Gerald, is a man who knows how to make people move.
