Underground Dance Parties- Manchester

Manchester, a city renowned for its vibrant music scene, has been shaping the electronic dance music world for over a decade and a half. One of the key figures in this transformation is Hit N Run/Rich Reason, a Manchester promoter who has been flying the flag for the underground music scene since its inception.

In the early '90s, the Drum & Bass (D&B) scene in Manchester began to flourish, and several key contributors played significant roles in its development. One such contributor was Eastern Bloc Records, founded in 1985 by John Berry, Martin Price (of 808 State), Michael Powers, and Paul Eiland. This record store served as a hub for local DJs and helped fuel the Acid House movement.

808 State, formed in 1987, was another influential group. Comprising Graham Massey, Martin Price, and Gerald Simpson, they were instrumental in the UK's acid house scene and contributed to Manchester's reputation as a hub for electronic dance music. Their music, particularly "Pacific State," is still celebrated today.

The Haçienda, a nightclub opened in 1982, became synonymous with the Madchester era. It hosted numerous DJ nights and live performances, including the legendary "Nude" nights, which helped popularize house music in the UK. The Haçienda was a launchpad for bands like Happy Mondays, Oasis, and Stone Roses. Mike Pickering, among other influential DJs, played significant roles in popularizing house music at The Haçienda.

Tony Wilson, a key figure in Manchester's music scene, co-founded Factory Records and conceptualized The Haçienda. His vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped shape the city's music culture. Other influential figures include Graham Massey and Gerald Simpson, who contributed to the development of Manchester's electronic music sound as members of 808 State and A Guy Called Gerald, respectively.

Local DJs and producers, such as Justin Robertson and John DaSilva, also played crucial roles in promoting and creating electronic dance music in Manchester, often working closely with Eastern Bloc Records to disseminate new sounds throughout the city.

Fast forward to the present, and Manchester's music scene continues to thrive, with collectives like Not Bad For a Girl and Shifting Spheres fighting for equal rights and opportunities in the industry. Dry Bar served as a vibrant meeting place for artists and musicians in the Northern Quarter, fostering a strong sense of community and togetherness that remains a defining characteristic of Manchester's music scene.

Nia Archives, a rising D&B star from Manchester, has made a significant impact on the scene. In 2022, she won a MOBO Award, an NME Award, a DJ Mag Award, and a nomination for a BRIT Award. She is praised for her raw artistry and her new-gen junglist movement, as well as using her voice and stance in the scene to educate people about the black origins of dance music.

Bloc2Bloc, a grassroots live streaming platform, has been instrumental in the growth of budding D&B artists in Manchester. Current D&B DJ Kaz credits the city and platforms like Bloc2Bloc for his success. Wilf, another long-standing promoter in Manchester, played an important role in the conception of The Loop, a groundbreaking drug-checking service at The Warehouse Project in Manchester in 2013.

Sankeys Soap, a renowned nightclub established in 1992, also played a significant role in the city's underground dance music scene. Manchester's music scene is particularly renowned for its electronic dance music, which originated from house music and has evolved into a multi-genre machine.

The Marcus Intalex Foundation, established after Marcus Intalex's passing in 2017, provides opportunities for young people in the city through DJ and production workshops, among other initiatives. Bou, a current D&B artist, is taking the worldwide D&B scene by storm and is known for his humility and kindness, such as raising money for Manchester's food bank.

Sacha Lord has made a life-long endeavor to save UK club culture, and Trigga has put Manchester on the map in Top Boy. Manchester continues to pave the way for the next generation of artists, with many flying the MCR flag and contributing to the city's rich music history.