A new mini documentary will take a deep dive into the personal experiences and stories of Manchester’s musicians over the past 50 years – putting focus on one particular musical instrument.
Each musician taking part in the Manchester’s Guitar Project movie is being invited to play a track using the custom-made one-of-a-kind guitar as they share their stories – and there are already some huge names involved.
Peter Hook, Buzzcocks’ guitarist Steve Diggle, Badly Drawn Boy, Happy Mondays’ Rowetta, Slow Readers Club and The Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim have all played a tune with the strings whilst being interviewed.
Co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, Peter Hook, playing the custom-made guitar for the project. Image: Trust A Fox
The project’s manager, Dan Pinder, told Audio: “It’s been great working with some of the legends from the Manchester music scene – and we’ve been amazed by the support we have received to help put this project together.
“Many of these legends have been interviewed by Phil Brennan from our team and the stories that have been told give a great insight to their backgrounds and what has shaped them into the people they are today.
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“There will also be plenty of great music included and a very special cover of an iconic Manchester song to close the documentary.”
The guitar itself has been hand crafted by Martyn Heeks using six different types of wood and has taken more than 300 hours to put together. It was then donated to the project by Graham at the Manchester Scooter Centre – there’s even a silhouette of a scooter on the back of the guitar, too!
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Badly Drawn Boy being interviewed for the documentary. Image: Trust A Fox
Following the documentary’s release, the guitar will be given back to Manchester for museum display as a token of the music scene.
The whole project is in aid of n:gl, a not-for-profit community organisation based in Stockport which works with vulnerable teenagers and young adults who have fallen through the cracks in the system.
n;gl provide support, advice and mentorship to young people, and with facilities like a martial arts centre, recording studio, photography studio and a gym, they’re offering a fresh start for youngsters with the opportunity to develop new skills and discover a new hobby.
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The aim is to open up a n:gl centre in each of the ten Greater Manchester boroughs. This’ll mean the whole city can benefit from the great things the charity does.
People are also being invited to donate whatever they can through the n:gl’s donation page where proceeds go directly to charity.
Whilst there’s no release date for the documentary yet as it’s still a working progress, you’ll be able to catch snippets of it so far at the vinyl fair that they’ll be hosting. This’ll take place at Factory on July 18. Plus, you’ll be able to see the guitar up close and personal there too!
Head to Manchester’s Guitar Project’s Instagram to find out more.
Featured image by Trust A Fox.
Music
Fontaines D.C. announce massive gig at Manchester’s Aviva Studios as part of UK tour
Danny Jones
Irish post-punk pioneers Fontaines D.C. have just announced a brand new UK and Ireland tour ahead of their new album later this year and leading new arts and live entertainment venue, Aviva Studios, has been selected for their massive Manchester date.
The Dublin powerhouses have emerged as one of the most exciting acts on the planet for our money, combining everything from new wave, alternative and often grungey guitars, to more classic rock and even indie sounds, making them one of the most instantly recognisable sounds on the modern scene.
With all that being said, we cannot wait for their return to Manchester and what will no doubt be one of the biggest and best gigs Aviva Studios has seen yet.
Fontaines D.C. roll up to 0161 in Fall 2024 and they’ll have a brand new album under their belt to boot.
Become a Factory International Members to gain early access tickets on Wednesday 24 April, 10am.
Fontaines D.C. return to Manchester for the first time since 2022.
Home to Factory International, which kicked off an incredible debut calendar of cultural events last year, Aviva Studios is already proving to be an impressive addition to the Manc skyline, especially now it’s coaxing names like Fontaines D.C. to come and perform there over other gig spaces.
As for the band themselves, they dropped the lead single entitled ‘Starburster’ this week and it proved to be quite the sea change for often fast, frantic and no-nonsense five-piece. If you haven’t heard it yet, strap in and get ready to be over-exhaling out loud non-stop for the next hour – you’ll see what we mean.
With their fourth record Romance set to release on 23 August, we think it’s fair to say this new record – the first with new producer James Ford (Blur, Arctic Monkeys) – is off to a much more experimental start than their heavily acclaimed 2019 debut, Dogrel.
Set to take the stage in Aviva Studios’ Warehouse space on Friday, 29 November, Fontaines’ Manchester date is part of a new run of shows announced as part of their full European which kicks off in June.
Heading back from the continent in August and starting off the UK leg in Wolverhampton on 20 November, it’ll be a fast and furious nine-show run culminating with a homecoming concert in Dublin.
Tickets for all headline dates go on general sale at 10am next Friday, 26 April and for first access to presale, fans can pre-order the album by 3pm on 23 April.
Masked Manchester rapper Meekz bursts back with surprise gig in Piccadilly Gardens with JD
Charlie Watkinson
Local rap sensation Meekz is back, if you hadn’t noticed – he burst back onto the scene last week with a surprise gig with JD in Piccadilly Gardens.
The masked Manchester rapper is celebrating the release of his latest single Mini Me’s – and a handful of Mini Meekz posters appeared around town, pasted there by artist collective Pattern Up (then swiftly removed) last week.
Meekz continues to impress with his latest release, a track that’s quickly gaining popularity.
True to form, Meekz delivers not only sonically but visually, teaming up once again with KC Locke to create a stunning music video.
Their collaboration underscores the significance of music videos, reaffirming their lasting impact in the industry.
The video pays homage to their previous work, particularly ‘Like Me’, while also pushing boundaries with a post-apocalyptic CGI rendition of Manchester, reminiscent of scenes from GTA and Marvel movies.
This innovative approach demonstrates the remarkable synergy between Meekz and KC Locke, marking a new pinnacle in their collaborative efforts.
Following the premiere, Meekz treated fans to a memorable performance in Piccadilly Gardens, organised with JD, where he made a grand entrance by gifting miniature Air Max 95’s to his fans before taking the stage atop a large storage container.
Mini Meekz posters briefly popped up around Manchester last week. Credit: Supplied, patternup.pu
I had the opportunity to speak with Meekz after the premiere, where he shared insights into his upcoming tape, ‘Tru’, slated for release on 24 May.
Additionally, he hinted at exclusive news related to GTA/GTA 6, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his future endeavours.
It’s clear that Meekz continues to innovate and redefine the game with each new project, and we’re excited to see what he has in store next.
KC Locke said: “In the time that the mainstream media is writing articles about the decline of the music video industry, swords and eagles are here to make a stand and show not only are music videos here to stay but they are more important than ever.
“This is a testament to community, bound by a shared vision, we rise and rise again, together, for the culture.”
Hannah Starkie -
8th June 2021 
