Audio

A new online series spotlighting Manc songwriting is set to debut this month

Very excited for this one.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 3rd September 2025

This region has produced some of the greatest songwriters of all time; it’s just straight-up facts, and now the brand-new digital docuseries entitled Manchester:Unplugged is set to spotlight that treasured truth online.

Created by StreamGM – the non-profit digital streaming service dedicated to showcasing and supporting the music, nightlife, and culture of Greater Manchester, which evolved from the all-important ‘United We Stream’ project back in lockdown – this is just as much a hometown celebration as it is a show.

They’re the same team behind the Spill The Sound series presented by Louise Schofield, and given they’re now a few seasons deep into old-school music telly, we’d wager this new programme is going to be a similar success.

Getting underway on Thursday, 4 September, the very first episode of Manchester:Unplugged is nearly here. Keep reading to find out more.

Put in the simplest terms, this new series is all about our many marvellous Manc lyricists and the best of local and contemporary songwriting.

The new free-to-watch online documentary series uncovers the stories behind the songs that make Manchester one of the world’s greatest cities for music.

Available via the streaming platform itself as well as uploaded directly to YouTube, each 10-minute episode follows the journey of one song born in the region, from the spark of an idea to the creative process of writing, recording, release and its eventual impact on us listeners.

Better yet, the show is filmed in iconic and grassroots local venues, rehearsal rooms, pubs and creative spaces and more, all portrayed at their cinematic best, blending stripped-back performances with intimate interviews from the artists reflecting on their work.

With a focus on both the city’s rising stars and its more established names, Manchester: Unplugged captures the energy of the city’s diverse and constantly evolving scene, while staying rooted in its ever-growing history and heritage.

Manchester Unplugged
The Covasettes after their performance at New Century Hall. (Credit: Supplied)

Speaking on the new project, producer Laura Graham told The Manc: “Manchester: Unplugged is about more than music,  it’s about memory, place, and the moment and reason why a song was brought to life.

“Each episode is a personal narrative by the songwriter. At its core, it’s about meaning and connection: between artist and audience, song and place, past and present.

Once again, debuting this Thursday on StreamGM and YouTube from 7pm, the maiden episode of Manchester:Unplugged features local indie band The Covasettes, who featured as one of our artists of the month back in March 2024.

You can get ready to watch it down below.

Read more:

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Featured Images — StreamGM (supplied)