Pre-COVID, Beatstream was a Manchester-based digital streaming service that exclusively streamed gigs live from venues directly to your phone or browser.
Since first launching the app in 2014, they’ve been all about supporting local music and venues.
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That’s one thing that hasn’t changed. Bringing musically likeminded people together remains their thing.
During lockdown, the Beatstream team organised some exclusive live performances from Manchester legends Clint Boon and Graeme Park that were broadcast online via the service. But with very little happening in terms of live music right now, they’ve had no choice but to diversify.
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Fast-forward a few months and Beatstream are launching a brand new programme for all types of artists.
Helen Fish, founder and CEO of Beatstream, told The Manc AUDIO how the company has invested in technology enabling artists to stream ticketed performances from their own homes or studios.
“We are in the process of launching the Beatstream affiliates programme,” said Helen.
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“It will be a team of industry professionals using their network to recruit artists of any level and host ticketed virtual events on the Beatstream platform.”
Sounds ideal, right? And as an added bonus – you can earn money whilst you’re at it.
“It’s a risk-free way for artists to be able to earn some extra money or create a whole new income stream altogether,” said Helen.
“With lots of industry professionals out of work at the moment and venues closed, it really is a great opportunity.
“It’s zero cost to host an event. The person organising the event earns a revenue, the artists performing earns revenue and the more gigs we can host on the platform, the bigger the difference we can make to the industry by giving it a chance of survival until the venues reopen and life becomes a little more normal.”
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Livestreams and online festivals were all over the internet during lockdown.
Of course, nothing beats that crowd atmosphere or competes with that thumping bass in your chest. But if this is the best we can get, make ours a double.
With so much uncertainty around an impending second lockdown, we might have to entertain the idea of experiencing music from our sofa once again soon.
Helen hopes that once venues start to reopen, the usual Beatstream service can resume. But in the meantime, this will provide not only a new way to experience our favourite music, but also a means for artists to continue to earn a living.
Events are expected to start from November 1, so get involved asap. For more information, email the team at [email protected].
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Elbow announce three very intimate shows in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Elbow have announced a three-night Manchester residency, and they’ll be playing a much more intimate venue than their usual.
The Bury-formed rock legends have announced a run of ‘very special’ intimate gigs to celebrate 25 years of their debut studio album, Asleep In The Back.
Elbow frontman Guy Garvey has said the band want it to be a ‘time machine night’ for both them and their fans.
Last time Elbow played a hometown gig, it was an enormous outdoor summer show at Castlefield Bowl in Manchester.
And the time before that, they were opening the UK’s largest indoor arena, the Co-op Live (admittedly, they weren’t supposed to open the venue, but its opening got delayed to land on the date of their gig).
So to see them play to a crowd of just 1,500 people is not an occurrence we’re likely to see again for a while.
Elbow have just announced three intimate Manchester gigs, performing at the O2 Ritz this November.
They’ll perform their debut, Asleep In The Back, in its entirety, along with selected B-sides and rarities.
Speaking of the announcement, Guy Garvey said: “It’s fascinating for us to revisit the atmosphere we created, and the Ritz feels like the perfect setting to capture that atmosphere.
“A time machine night for us and for the fans. See you there.”
Elbow will perform at O2 Ritz Manchester on Friday 20, Saturday 21, and Sunday 22 November.
Tickets will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 4 September HERE, with an artist presale from 10am on Wednesday 2 September.
Andy Burnham’s favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast
Daisy Jackson
Andy Burnham’s favourite pub, restaurant, neighbourhood, and Sunday roast have been revealed – and the man’s got taste.
Old footage of now-PM Andy Burnham chatting to content creator Isaac Likes has been doing the rounds again, and while the interview dates back to before Andy left us and headed down to the big smoke, his Manchester recommendations still stand.
From his go-to neighbourhood and favourite pub to where he heads for a Sunday roast, and even the song he likes to play when he gets behind the decks, Burnham gave us a glimpse into his ideal Manchester day.
First up, there’s the Northern Quarter, which Burnham reckons has to be his favourite neighbourhood in the city.
He said: “Got to be the Northern Quarter. It’s the place where it’s all happening.”
When it comes to food, he singled out Firehouse, sitting on the edge of the Northern Quarter, as one of his favourite places to eat. He also gave a shoutout to its sister venue Ramona, where he’s been known to get behind the decks.
Andy said: “On the edge of the Northern Quarter, Firehouse is a place I love to go. Ramona Pizza, I’ve DJ’d there – if the mayor DJs there it’s gotta be alright.”
For a proper pint, Burnham’s choice is a little more traditional, saying his favourite pub is the ‘proper old school’ Peveril of the Peak.
The beautiful tiled pub was recently named the best in the UK, just days before its legendary landlady Nancy passed away.
When Sunday rolls around, Burnham said he has a couple of options up his sleeve. The Wharf in Castlefield gets a mention, as does Edinburgh Castle up in Ancoats.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterThe Edinburgh CastleFirehouseSome of Andy Burnham’s favourite places in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
He said: “We love our gravy, we drink it by the pint in Manchester.”
Of course, no conversation with Burnham about Manchester would be complete without talking music.
Asked to name the best Manchester band of all time, he offered a few contenders – The Smiths, New Order, and, ultimately, The Stone Roses.
“The band I think are quintessentially Manchester is The Stone Roses. That was peak Manchester,” he said.