Having recently announced a brand new album — their first in six years — and a sellout UK tour to go along with it, The Manc was lucky enough to be offered some time with Shed Seven frontman and Greater Manchester-born musician, Rick Witter.
The alternative rock and Britpop group might have been formed in York, but with Witter hailing from just down the road in Stockport and Shed Seven playing a big role in the Madchester scene of the 1990s, the band have always had a special connection to our city.
With that in mind, we were delighted to sit down with a veteran of the industry who clearly still has a lot of love for this place and has dipped back into the Manc music pool for the new record, A Matter of Time.
Shed Seven’s new album and how it came about
Asking about the six-year hiatus between this upcoming album and the previous one, Instant Pleasures, Rick joked, “It’s taken us to get to fifty years old to reach the sixth album, but we’re lazy, so there you go.
They’ve even got the local lads coming along with later this year.
“The last one was 2017, which was the first new material in 16 years, so it kind of shows that we’re not being as lazy, I guess. We shaved 10 years off this time, so if everyone’s lucky, we might have one out in about two years.”
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Returning to the same place in Spain they made the last album — the studio of producer and musician Youth (real name Martin Glover) — Rick said, “We knew we were going to get good sounds and we also knew it was going to be quite hard work.
“If you go around telling people, ‘we’re gonna go to Spain for three weeks and record an album’ people think you’ve got the best life in the world but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s like boot camp and it’s proper full on; every move is questioned, every chord is questioned, but that’s healthy because it really makes you create.”
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The 50-year-old said he and the rest of the band walked after three weeks “feeling absolutely knackered, but also elated” in the belief that they’ve come back with something “brilliant” and, judging by the first two singles, it sounds like they have.
‘F:K:H’ and ‘Kissing California’
Expressing our love for the lead tracks off the new album, ‘F:K:H‘ and ‘Kissing California‘ — an uplifting pair of songs that seemed to have tapped into their most uplifting discography whilst delivering an unmistakable Shed Seven chorus — we found that the origins of one came from simply messing about before a show.
“It’s a bit of a tongue-in-cheek joke”, he said of ‘F:K:H’. “We were in soundcheck at some point last year and Paul [Banks, lead guitarist and the band’s other chief songwriter] just started playing this riff on the stage as we were soundchecking and I’m saying to him, what’s that?
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“I just started singing one of our old B-side verses over the top of it and it just fit really well. Obviously, we didn’t want to recreate an old idea but it just seemed to fit at that moment, so we took it into the dressing room after we’d soundchecked and thought, is there any room for this?”
“Lyrically, I took it lyrically somewhere else after that but the whole bones of the song started by having a little bit of a laugh and a bit of an inter-band tongue joke. Anyone who’s a fan of us and knows that particular song, it’s called ‘Around Your House‘, they’ll know the little nod.”
Knowing it wouldn’t get radio play because of the lyrics (‘Feeling Kinda High’), Rick said they just wanted to channel The Rolling Stones; a bit of pomp and swagger and it certainly seems to have been received well online.
They’ve also teamed up with prolific UK producer Jagz Kooner, who’s worked with the likes of Primal Scream, Oasis, Kasabian and more, to create a real Happy Mondays-esque remix which we’ve probably played more than the original now, to be honest. Speaking of collaborations, this is by no means the only one they’ve had fun with of late.
Cooking up collabs with some of Britain’s best
In fact, since we mentioned the Mondays, one of the most exciting feature artists on A Matter of Time is beloved Manc songstress, Rowetta, who has delivered her trademark gospel vocals on ‘In Ecstasy’, a recording in which Rick says she was “on top form as always”.
Rowetta hasn’t just jumped on the new Shed Seven album, she’s already filmed the music video.
But the special guests don’t stop there; fans will also get to hear Laura McClure of Reverend and The Makers on the folky-pop number, of ‘Tripping With You’ and Witter’s duet with the one and only Peter Doherty on the album’s dramatic closing track, ‘Throwaways’
Refusing to give away any secrets, he only harked back to that Britpop moment and how the 90s seems to be “back in”, adding that “we wanted to kind of jump on that as much as we can before it all disappears again.”
He did also admit that “it’s quite scary how long ago that was” and that doesn’t seem that long ago that Shed Seven themselves were part of it.
Nevertheless, he did say that there’s something about that period and even how they made their records back then that they were tapping back into again this time around, even down to the pace at which they completed it.
Going back to their roots and riding the creative wave
The difference this time round, according to Rick, is that somewhat like their second album, A Maximum High — which saw them skip the dreaded ‘sophomore syndrome’ — their upcoming record came together quite quickly once the idea was hatched.
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“All of the songs on that album were quite upbeat, you know, ‘Getting Better’, ‘Going for Gold’, and this is the first album since then that we’ve kind of followed suit. We literally started writing this album in March 2022 and finished writing in December.
“Me and Paul obviously found ourselves in some kind of purple patch which was really exciting because nearly everything we were trying seemed to just fall into place. It was quite weird and a bit unheard of really, we kind of knew we were onto something good.
“Frustratingly, we had to stop writing to go and record it earlier this year; I think I actually would’ve preferred to have carried on because we were on such a good run. But, fingers crossed, when we do start writing new stuff, we can kind of pick up where we left off.
“We don’t ever sit down and discuss writing anything: we just do it. It’s just always a very natural thing. Me and Paul started writing songs together when we were 13 and we’ve always worked the same way.
Influences and Manc music memories
The clearly re-inspired Stopfordian also touched upon how the record is also infused with a lot of the same bands the boys were listening to back then, be it Simple Minds, U2 or even Duran Duran. He insists they’re only “subtle little things and it wasn’t on purpose”, but that perhaps its just come from getting older and looking back more.
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Part of that reflection is also realising that they “don’t feel like [they] have to prove anything to anybody”, noting that they have had theirs ups and downs like any group of artists but are now secure in the belief of one thing: “We’re a good band and we deserve to be doing what we’re doing.”
Witter also went on to insist that since they came up during a time in which so many great bands around here, especially, they’ve always known whether something is “good enough to show it to other people” or needs to be “put to one side until it’s fixed”. He said the same of the venues and Manc crowds too.
“We just love coming to that neck of the woods, to be honest. It’s always just a massive winner. Obviously, I’m from the area myself, so it’s always nice for me personally, but there’s just certain places that you go to play and you know that it’s just going to be a winner.”
We’ve had the pleasure of seeing Shed Seven live in Manchester more than a few times.
On the subject of what he thinks sets this city’s crowds apart from others, he went on to say, “I think it’s passion and pride. Manchester is just synonymous with great music because so many good bands have come from that area and I think the people know what’s cool and what isn’t — and they’d certainly tell you as well, which is quality.
“To be honest, we could play anywhere in the North on a drizzly Monday night and it doesn’t really matter that it’s drizzly on a Monday night because everyone inside that room is just having the best time. We wordinarily play the Academy but we’re doing Albert Hall this time and even though we’ve never actually played there, it looks amazing and we can just can’t wait.
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“It’s just an amazing place to come to and even in my downtime, obviously, I’ve still got family in Greater Manchester, so whenever I do get the chance to pop back across I always feel almost like I’m a bit back at home.”
The ‘Shoctober’ singles tour and A Matter of Time release day
If you’ve been a fan of the band long enough, you’ll know they usually tour later in the year in the storied Shed Seven ritual known as ‘Shedcember‘, with the first two tracks of the album already out, the lads have decided to pivot for a change and push everything up — including the album release date.
Initially due to drop a little later, A Matter of Time will now be releasing on 5 January 2024 and with their UK run of show already sold out, Rick says they’ll be treating it as somewhat of a “singles tour”.
Joking that this year’s event will have to be dubbed “Shoctober”, he said part of the reason behind the schedule shift is also because next year will mark be the bands 30th anniversary since the burst on to the scene with their debut album, Change Giver.
“To start the year and the very first week of our 30th anniversary year with a brand new album is great in itself but it also means that we’re going to be very busy in 2024. We’re going to be doing an awful lot of stuff, so if you’re a fan of Shed Seven, buckle up — and if you’re not, I’d go and hide somewhere.”
Oldham mansion that starred in an iconic pop music video is up for sale
Thomas Melia
A Greater Manchester mansion that’s featured in one of the most famous music videos of the past decade is now up for sale.
Situated in the picturesque village of Uppermill, Oldham, Ashcroft House is currently listed at £2,350,000 accepting offers in the region of this figure.
The property has six bedrooms, six baths and five reception rooms – this mansion is a party host’s dream.
Ashcroft House has four storeys with the lower ground floor currently set up as a gym space and the ground floor boasting an eye-catching grand entrance hall.
This isn’t everything the lower ground floor has to offer. There are a number of breakout rooms such as a wine store, cinema room and your own personal steam room.
When going up another flight of stairs, the first floor’s main selling point besides the very large balcony is the matched walk in wardrobes paired with each of the six sleeping quarters, yes please!
The girls styling themselves in one of the many walk in wardrobes at Ashcroft House.The bold statement front door in the Oldham mansion.Credit: Youtube (@littlemix)
Finally, if that wasn’t enough to draw you in, there is another flight of stairs leading to the second floor which is currently acting as the house’s ever-impressive storage area.
With the rolling hills of Saddleworth nearby and a local pub a ten minute walk away, how could life possibly get any better?
Oh wait it does! In 2016 one of the UK’s best selling girl groups of all time shot a music video for their worldwide hit right here in these very four walls.
X Factor prodigies and three time BRIT award winning girl group Little Mix perched up with their film crew to spend 21 hours recording the video for their groundbreaking single ‘Hair’.
The video itself has amassed nearly 500 million views on social media platform Youtube since being released eight years ago.
The grand staircase that greets you as you enter this Greater Manchester property.The Little Mix girls having a bite to eat in Ashcroft House.Credit: Youtube (@littlemix)
The previous owner of the house even revealed that once the music video shoot wrapped up, the girls stayed with the family to share a slice of pizza or two.
If you’re interested in owning a piece of pop culture history or just as nosey as we are you can take a virtual tour of this mansion in Oldham here.
Where to go before and after a gig in the musical city of Manchester
Danny Jones
Manchester is a music city through and through, especially when it comes to the live scene, but one question we hear time and time again is ‘Where should I go before and/or after a gig?’
In fairness, if you’re from the area or have lived here long enough then you’ll have your answer or certainly a few tried and tested go-to places but, for anyone still new to Manchester, there’s some serious concerted effort that goes into planning these things. Get it?
Seriously though, you’ll be pleased to know that not only do we boast some of the best acts to have ever come out of the UK and some of the best venues to watch live music in the country, but we also have some of the best spots to enjoy yourself before and after seeing your favourite artists.
You’ll never need to wonder where to go before or after a gig in Manchester again.
10 of the best pre and post-gig bars and venues in Manchester
A top-tier choice either before or after any Manchester gig. (Credit: The Manc Group)
1. Big Hands
First up on our list is a long-standing favourite among students and gig-goers alike: Big Hands, a.k.a. one of the coolest little boozers you’ll find anywhere in the city centre. It also happens to be right near all the Manchester Academy venues, which is handy.
With decent prices catering to those gigging on a budget along the busy university strip of Oxford Road, a lovely dimly-lit aesthetic complete with gig posters galore; a rooftop garden terrace adorned with twinkly lights and plenty of plants, it’s a pure vibe in here.
They also hold live music and DJ set nights of their own, as well as currently serving up great Italian street food from Rizzo’s – formerly T’arricrii) – like pizza by the slice and their famous arancini, it’s quite simply one of our happy places.
In a number two is a twofer of sorts because we love them both as much as each other really, but if you’re looking for some solid scran and pre-gig fuel on the cheap, then Bunny Jackson’s is the answer.
Comfortably the best dive bar on the planet, the playlist in here is literally undefeated if you like rock, pop-punk, emo and some good old-fashioned Americana. They also regularly host afterparties following live shows and even the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975 and more have sampled the goods.
The only thing it has over its sister site Junior Jackson’s or the new country-style karaoke bar (both in Northern Quarter) is the 25p wings. In fact, we’ve got the perfect plan: Bunny’s before the gig, karaoke after and Junior’s well into the small hours.
In at number three is another Manc music institution and arguably one of the most important venues of the past two decades or so that has given so many big names their start. It also happens to be a great place for before and after a gig in Manchester.
Should you be starting your pre-concert ritual super early, you can grab breakfast, brunch or pizza all the way up until 2pm, as well as some pretty darn good coffee too, but the reason to head here is to soak up the history and culture literally dripping from the walls – oh, and boogie until 2am, of course.
With artwork and Stanley Chow prints to be studied, as well as that warm red, orange and yellow paint scheme, we always feel welcome walking in here. It may have had a tough time keeping the doors open over the past couple of years, but live music lovers have kept it alive and will continue to do so.
4. New Century
What’s better than a bar right near the venue you’re going to? How about one big bar within an even bigger food hall that’s already inside the same building as the concert?
New Century Hall only opened back in 2022 but it’s fast become not only one of our favourite live music spaces in the entire city – with that spring floor, top-notch sound system and stunning psychedelic illuminated disco ceiling – but it’s also the perfect place to go beforehand too.
With so many independent vendors inside serving up everything from pizza, parmos; Japanese, Vietnamese and plenty of other cuisines on offer, not to mention a great beer, wine and cocktail selection, this stylish 60s-inspired room is right below the venue itself and we love it from top to bottom.
5. Stage and Radio
Similar to fellow Northern Quarter fave Night and Day, Stage and Radio on the other side of the district feels like the equivalent for fans of electronic, dance music and DJ in general.
It acts as a bar in the afternoon and early evening, perfect for pre-drinks especially come happy hour, but by nighttime it hosts a wide range of its own shows, welcoming up-and-coming artists.
The star of the show, however, is the club room in the basement which serves up some seriously good late-night shows, so whether you’re just heading downstairs after a chiller on the ground floor or looking to rave into well into the next day, you won’t go far wrong with this gaff.
From EDM and clubbing to the old-school rock and roll haunt that is The Salisbury, which is arguably one of the very places that comes to mind when we think of where we like to go before and/or after the game, a gig and pretty much any other event to be honest. We’re big fans.
Full of rockers of all ages all either queuing up for the bar or the jukebox, Little Ireland’s little gem of a boozer is much more than just a pub, it’s one of the most well-trodden haunts on Oxford Rd to be found nearby and for very good reason: it’s mint.
Whether you like heavier stuff or just want a good boozer to get ready for a night of tunes, it’s well worth a go. They also have a somewhat secret outdoor area out back that not everyone stumbles across and their in-house New York pizza, Dough161 (fantastic name), isn’t just decent – it’s genuinely up there.
7. Grand Central
In a very similar vein to The Salisbury, next door or rather right in front of one rock pub is another recently renovated bar popular among students, those who enjoy the alternative scene and loved by a fair few of us here at The Manc.
No, we’re not asking you to imagine NYC or turn back to before Manchester Central was even called the GMEX, Grand Central is the name of the longstanding bar that promises a few things: cheap drinks, great music and now plenty of live performances too.
The name is fitting too given the central location for anyone travelling in the city, hence why it’s often heaving. We’ve also got a soft spot for another neighbour known for its Northern Soul nights, so if either or both of the last two suggestions are too busy you can always try Thirsty Scholar.
If you cross the road and make your way to Charles Street, just a few short minutes away you’ll find a multi-purpose venue that YES, with food, drink, music and more sprawling across four storeys.
You can do it all here. There are gigs in the Pink Room on the first floor, official artist afterparties and club nights down in the basement; bloody good butties from Micky’s and booze as well as dancing, pizza and tonnes more on the ground floor, plus a beautiful rooftop terrace. Something for everyone.
Students regularly pack this place out too but don’t worry, the various deals are available to everyone and you’ll find it busy with people pretty much all day and night – including our very own Will.
9. Rebellion
This is another one that we’d probably put in the post-gig column but Rebellion just opposite Deansgate Locks is arguably one of the most underrated music-related venues in Manchester.
It’s another city centre venue that (not so) quietly hosts some of the rowdiest nights you’ll come across; you’ll sometimes hear the noise booming from the walls on a walk home from a night out and we’ll admit it’s drawn us in on more than one occasion.
We always remember bumping into local alt-rock and indie icons Everything Everything in here and losing our minds, so it gets bonus points for that interaction alone.
And finally, it’s possibly the very first shout we make on where to go most certainly AFTER a proper rock show, Satan’s Hollow is a haven for metalheads emos, goths – whatever arbitrary label you want to throw our way.
All we know is that if you like heavy music, we’re not telling you to go here, we’re considering it a Manc rockers rite of passage if you’ve still got the energy to headbang post-gig.
Tucked away behind Gay Village and strictly cash-only entry, what goes on behind these tall, demonic-looking gates stays behind them and we promise it’s better to leave it to your imagination and just enjoy the carnage once you’re in there.
Danny Jones -
19th September 2023 
