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We never did read the NME with any regularity, preferring Melody Maker’s more hands-on approach to music back in the day (in this case, that day being circa 1996). But today we’ve been catching up with its latest Manchester-centric coverage.
First up, there was an opinion piece a month ago about how ‘Manchester’s Music Scene Is Dying‘ – sparking much debate both on NME.com and elsewhere. Turns out the writer, Alistair Beech, is very much pro-Manchester and intended the piece as a sort of rallying call rather than an obituary-in-waiting. Looks like it was a case of heavy-handed/over-worked sub-editors and people reading headlines and jumping to conclusions, but there’s some interesting reading in there nonetheless.
Then even more recently, the same author compiled a roundup of the best bands coming out of Manchester right now. Dutch Uncles, Airship, May68, Lost Knives, Modernaire and Hey! Manchester alumni Run Toto Run all feature. Read more here – if your eye sight is up to it.
Hey! Manchester recently found itself on the mailing list for the Single Cell Collective and decided not to unsubscribe. How often does a new label launch in Manchester? Well probably fairly often – but this one looked good visually and promised Six Rivers, a whole compilation of local artists, as its debut release.
Below, we pick out our favourite tracks from among the 18 featured, and we speak to Jonathan Atkinson, one of the collective members.
First question is an obvious one: who’s behind Single Cell?
A growing band of over 18 artists and musicians. Most of us are from Manchester, and most of them from Hulme. We’re a pretty fluid bunch with people collaborating, writing, producing and playing on each other’s tracks. Among that there are a few standout bands including You and Boo, Caulbearers, Mel Uye Parker and Brocken Bow.
We like music zine The Line of Best Fit. It covers great artists (Fever Ray, M Ward, Sonic Youth and Grizzly Bear currently feature on the homepage), and it just feels nice and wholesome.
The lead story right now is by the city’s own Tom Whyman: Pop Scene Manchester is a round up of his favourite bands – and thankfully there’s not a Madchester revivalist in sight. Here’s who’s covered:
It’s a good mix: one or two you may have seen, a couple you might at least know by name, and some fresh names too! Check out the piece for interviews and audio samples.
