At the very end of July, Manchester producer and rapper Abnormal Sleepz released his latest album ‘The Meditape III’ – and we’ve pretty much had it on repeat all month.
So, it was only fair we crowned it The Manc Audio ‘Album of the Month’ for August.
If you’re familiar with Abnormal Sleepz, you’ll know that he’s all about honest, introspective and contemplative lyrics.
His music is a refined blend of soul, hip-hop and rap which produces a laid-back, easy-listening soundscape which compliments a multitude of moods.
And as Sleepz has become more versed in his craft and more experienced as an artist, he’s fast-become an integral part of the urban music scene in Manchester.
Armed with a clear vision for his music, he set out on the release of his first solo series of mixtapes ‘The Meditape’, based on the ‘Ten Perfections’ that are practised in Buddhist culture.
Above anything, the project’s experiment concept is testament to Sleepz’ fresh approach to music making. And this latest album, ‘The Meditape III’ is the third instalment to the mixtape series.
The album is the third in the Meditape triology. Artwork by Only One Mono.
The Manc Audio caught up with Abnormal Sleepz to learn more about this intriguing project.
“The Meditape mixtapes are really about a sound being a metaphor for how I identify with myself and the person I want to become through my growth in life and music,” said Sleepz. “They each stood for different times of my life, all a few years apart.”
So, as number three in the series, we wanted to know how this one differs from its predecessors.
“It differs in a way that this is the first Meditape I have included my own production on,” said Sleepz. “The growth, quality and flow of this one makes it its own. It has feels of the earlier tapes with a newer sound – it’s a lot more mature now.”
“‘The Meditape III’ is all about easy-on-the-ear vibes. It isn’t supposed to be too serious, and is more of a vibe to allow myself and others to just get on through life whilst being present.
“The importance of now is a big thing these days. But the main thing was growth, where I was to where I am, and how life experiences and my relationship with spirituality have helped me get to this point.”
He recently performed alongside Misha B at Manchester International Festival with Big People Music. Image: @abnormal.sleepz/IG
On listening to the album, you’ll spot that Sleepz is a big fan of collaborating.
So, you might recognise the voices of some fellow Manchester artists throughout the mixtape. For example, features from [ K S R ] on the track ‘Down Down’, with Francesca on ‘Saturday Story’ and with HMD on ‘Running’.
“Collaborating always allows me space to think and do more,” he said. “More brains are greater than just one sometimes. So, to be able to connect and have these people on my journey in different ways was a blessing.
“I work with people I’m a fan of regardless of their status and how known they are.”
We’d be hard pressed to pick a favourite song.
But stand-out tracks include ‘Lem & Ginger’ – a deeper insight into the usual Abnormal Sleepz productions – as well as the more upbeat ‘Not Today Satan’ which is on a total different vibe.
But both highlight the peaks and troughs that make up the journey on this album.
Abnormal Sleepz blends his hip-hop and soul influences to create a refined sound of his own.
Sleepz admits this is actually the second version of the album, after scrapping the first. He’d been working on the first version for about a year before deciding to reinvent it into what it is now.
Whilst this might have added a couple of months to the production time, it proves Sleepz’ attentive and committed approach to producing the best possible work – and that you can’t argue with.
So, with the success of the Meditape trilogy, we’re keen to know what Sleepz is working on next. The answer: lots.
“I’m looking to provide a few more visuals, feature releases and productions. “I’d like to spend time pushing the tape and getting on as many stages as possible. The creative process never stops. So, of course, more music will be made for the next rodeo.”
Listen to Meditape III here and follow The Manc Audio for your Manchester music content.
Featured image: Abnormal Sleepz
Audio
Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year
Thomas Melia
Croatian cellist and former member of classical band 2CELLOS, Hauser, has announced a tour including an arena date in Manchester this year.
World-class musician Stjepan Hauser, known professionally as Hauser, is getting ready to pack his cello and cheeky smile as he embarks on ‘The Rebel Is Back’ tour.
Hauser has amassed a worldwide cult following of classical music lovers, by not only respecting the genre, but evolving it too by intertwining his cello skills into modern day pop hits.
The cellist has covered lots of current pop songs while part of musical duo 2CELLOS like ‘We Found Love’, ‘Despacito’, and ‘Viva La Vida’.
You can also expect to hear covers of some of music’s greatest compositions, including the timeless opera classic ‘Nessun Dorma’, and highly-adored ballet piece ‘Swan Lake’.
Recently, Hauser has teamed up with London Symphony Orchestra to reimagine Ennio Morricone’s ‘Le Vent, le cri’, taken from the 1981 French film Le Professionnel.
Hauser has performed in over 40 countries and played at some of the most prestigious venues across the world – including Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.
He’s also become a social media sensation, capturing people’s attention via his videos playing his cello in a variety of interesting locations like a swimming pool, at the desert, and even on the famous Brooklyn Bridge.
Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year / Credit: Stefan Brending (via Wikimedia Commons)
You’ll be able to identify a lot of the tracks played out when Hauser visits AO Arena, as his upcoming album titled Cinema, features a wide variety of soundtracks and film theme tunes.
The highly-anticipated LP from Hauser contains ‘What Was I Made For?’ from Barbie, ‘Mission: Impossible’, ‘A Time For Us’ from Romeo and Juliet, alongside lots more motion picture melodies.
The musician is quite familiar with Manchester city city centre too, Hauser studied at Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester before taking the classical world by storm.
Hauser is bringing ‘The Rebel Is Back’ tour to AO Arena in Manchester on 29 November, and you can find tickets HERE.
Featured Images – Publicity Picture via Simon Emmett
Audio
Manchester music legends lead Cheshire Fest 2025 lineup
Danny Jones
The increasingly popular Cheshire Fest returns for 2025 next month, and some much-loved Manchester music names are leading the lineup.
Hosted at the stunning Capesthorne Hall estate, just a short drive from the city centre and even closer by for some boroughs, the Macclesfield-based music festival is ready for another big summer blowout.
Cheshire Fest came back with a bang and a bit of a rebrand back in 2022, selecting a whole new venue that has gone down as an instant hit across the North West.
Set to welcome more punters than ever this year, the lineup promises indie icons, up-and-coming artists from around the region and beyond, as well as plenty of the usual dancefloor fillers.
Credit: Press shots (supplied)
So, ‘Which local talents native to Greater Manchester are on the Cheshire Fest 2025 lineup?’, we hear you ask – well, get ready for a bit of the old, the new and the future.
Not only will you be treated to performers from indie icons like Peter Hook & The Light, who will be sure to play plenty of Joy Division and New Order classics, but Bez from the Happy Mondays will be bringing the party atmosphere, along with veteran Oldham rock band, Inspiral Carpets.
There’ll be plenty more dance vibes too, as always with Cheshire Fest and their continued passionate partnership with Ministry of Sound (MoS).
As well as the legendary Tunde from pop-soul duo, you can also expect plenty of club energy from the likes of DJ Billie Clements, Chester’s very own K-Klass and many more.
Oh yeah, don’t forget the stylings of MoS Ibiza Anthems featuring Ellie Sax and Friends, who’ll be pumping out tracks by the likes of Faithless, Eric Prydz, Becky Hill, The Shapeshifters, Daft Punk, Robin S and Fisher, just to name a few.
Made up of multiple stages, including the all-new ‘Indie Live Lounge’, around 5,000 are set to attend this all-day festival, with VIP tickets already sold out.
Taking place on Saturday, 2 August, you’ll have all fuel you need until the end of the night; there’ll be a street food village featuring local vendors, an international lager bar, a silent disco and even a ‘Wellness Tent’ and relaxing Premium Lounge by Bollinger for when you need to cool off, it’s to everything.
Cheshire Fest is a strictly 18+ only event, but trust us, those who are of age will be dancing the night away with all the vim and vigour of their youth.
General admission tickets are available now and can be purchased from £40 per person before booking/admin fees.
Hannah Starkie -
31st August 2021 
