Following the whopping success of the United We Stream GM throughout the pandemic, the team behind it are launching a new streaming platform next week, dedicated to showcasing Manchester’s very own talent to the masses.
Since launching in April last year, United We Stream (UWS) became part of so many people’s lives. It provides us with some much-needed respite and entertainment when times were dark, all whilst raising money for people in need.
After clocking up more than 20 million streams worldwide, nobody can deny the impact of the platform and the legacy it’s created for itself.
But new for 2021, is a fresh approach to streaming from the UWS team: StreamGM.
The platform is designed to move away from the fundraising element of UWS and towards producing original shows and performances, specially curated to shine a spotlight on Manchester’s creatives.
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They’ll broadcast the shows from their new state-of-the-art Media City studio – which will be the new broadcasting hub for StreamGM. And with the same founding team as UWS, we can be sure that StreamGM will follow in its mighty footsteps.
UWS fundraiser in 2020
We chatted to Laura Graham, head of comms for both StreamGM and UWS, who told us what to expect from the new platform.
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“StreamGM will be showcasing the vibrant music, culture, arts and live events scene in Greater Manchester, as we slowly move into re-opening and recovery in the UK.
“There are loads of people, who through various circumstances won’t be able to go to all the events they’d like to and have really enjoyed being able to access brilliant live-streamed content from home.
“We learned so much from the last year, it was an absolute beast of a project and StreamGM is basically the best bits from the UWS legacy.”
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On the importance of a platform like StreamGM, Laura says it’s the ideal way to reach wider audiences that an artist wouldn’t have had the opportunity to reach before. The global reach of the platform means people from every corner of the world can tune into and watch an artist all the way in Manchester. This is massive for our city’s talent.
“There’s so much talent in Greater Manchester, whether that’s music or dance or theatre or art. And we reckon that anything that can amplify that is a good thing,” Laura says. “Ten or twenty years ago things were so different. We had more local press outlets, more national press with regional reporters and the whole scout, label, promoter and producer system was different.
“In some ways, the industry is better than it was before, artists speak directly to their audiences, can put their own work out there and it doesn’t have to be polished or given the stamp of approval.”
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The new platform will launch through the Digital City Festival on April 12. This is the perfect place to showcase what the platform is all about. The festival aims bring together the people who are shaping the future of the digital world in the city – StreamGM being one of them.
To celebrate the launch, StreamGM have put together a whole programme of entertainment to accompany the two-week festival.
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From live music and DJ sets to spoken word poets and panel discussions with industry top dogs, there’ll be a real taster of Manchester’s vibrant and varied culture. You can read our overview of the schedule here.
But the one responsible for kicking the festival off and launching the platform next Monday is DJ Woody.
We nipped down to catch the end of Woody’s rehearsal session at the studio and he filled us in on the intriguing concept behind his opening set.
Originally a Burnley lad, Woody made a name for himself after winning multiple DJ competitions around the world. Soon enough, he was on stage much bigger than the Northern Quarter bars he’d started out playing.
With a full-time job working at Granada, Woody had a big career decision to make.
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“I got forced into a situation where I didn’t have many holidays left at Granada and I got offered all this touring work and it was one of those – early twenties, not too many commitments, just go for it. Twenty years later and I’m still doing it.”
A self-proclaimed “old-school” type of DJ, Woody is famous for his iconic scratching style. He prides himself on his the signature techniques that he’s crafted throughout his career. “At the time I was doing competitions, the culture was always become an original – you stand out by doing something original.
“I always thought my peers were practising more than me because I was working in that little office at Granada. So, I used to sketch ideas down on paper and look at it a bit more scientifically.
“So, when I did go to the competitions, my [sets] were a little bit more out of the box perhaps than some other people that were from for example London. The scene has always been very London-centric. So, when you’re slightly out of it you can take a different perspective on things.”
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Woody plans to bring his old-school mixing techniques into the digital world for his StreamGM set, by incorporating a full series of visuals on the LED screens behind him.
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Using specially selected videos, pictures and graphics sent in by videographers, photographers and artists, the visuals will tell the story of Manchester’s culture and music.
“I wanted to include Manchester music that everyone does know and highlight a lot of the contemporary music scene and show a few modern-day classics – as well as celebrate Manchester visually,” he explains. “I think it really works for a streaming platform, more so than a club environment to an extent.”
When the full thing is brought together, the elements will encompass a unique and never seen before audio-visual celebration of the city, where old meets new in every sense of the word. And we can expect to see some very familiar faces and tracks in the mix.
Woody is no stranger to the StreamGM team after wowing the world with his set at the Hacienda House Party on UWS on New Year’s Eve – a set he says was his biggest ever audience. He’s certain he’ll be back for another show with the them very soon.
DJ Woody playing The Hacienda NYE House Party
In lockdown one (and two and three for that matter), livestreams not only kept artists and musicians in work, but were also a lifeline for the majority of us.
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So, now it’s looking more and more likely that life will resume in many ways by June, you might wonder if such a platform is still necessary. But the team believe they’ve got a firm place within post-pandemic because of the way we have come to engage with music and art over the past year.
So as well as putting on their own showcases and events, they’ll be working with venues and artists to stream live events direct from the venue.
Laura says there’ll still be people unable to attend gigs and events after June – especially where travelling overseas is involved – and StreamGM will provide a means to enjoy the shows they can’t make.
“You’ll get gigs or theatre performances or shows where you can buy a physical or virtual ticket and that people who can’t get to shows on the night will enjoy them at home or at a later stage,” she says. “We are working in partnership with the United We Stream association based in Berlin, to develop ethical streaming strategies and curate global live streamed events.
“A year in, where no one really knows for sure how the culture and creative industries are going to be like in six months, we want to keep going. StreamGM is a small team, we all love with working with each other and also the amazing artists, promoters and businesses we’ve had the honour of working with over the past 12 months. So, we’re going to keep going and see where it takes us.”
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Catch the launch of StreamGM with DJ Woody’s set starting 11:30am on April 12 and check out their full Digital City Festival schedule here.
For more information on StreamGM visit their website.
Music
Smirnoff teams up with Co-op Live for new Summer Series
Danny Jones
Smirnoff, the world’s number-one vodka brand not to mention a leading force in wider music culture, has officially partnered with Co-op Live to mark the opening of the new state-of-the-art venue and its debut calendar.
The partnership will see the new ‘Co-op Live Summer Series presented by Smirnoff‘ run until 13 September 2024. As part of the collaboration, the vodka brand will surprise and delight guests visiting the venue with great-tasting drinks and the ultimate night out, with VIP packages and more.
Co-op Live has curated a stacked lineup of popular bands, singers and entertainers, including some of the biggest names in music, who are set to perform at Europe’s largest indoor entertainment venue.
Starting the Summer Series off with a bang presented by Smirnoff celebrations, the brand is offering friends a chance to win tickets to see their favourite stars perform live, hosted by celebrities including TV favourite Callum Jones, as well as social media and makeup virtuoso Mitchell Halliday.
Alongside their hosts, winners will enjoy access to the exclusive Decibel Club and enjoy the concert from a private suite hosted by Smirnoff, fully immersing themselves in the ultimate venue experience. Competition details (18+ only) can be found on Smirnoff’s Instagram page.
Attendees at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live arena will have the opportunity to choose from a range of Smirnoff favourites, including Smirnoff Raspberry Crush, Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit Twist, Smirnoff No.21 and more.
These drinks will be available to guests over 18 at bars and grab-and-go stations throughout the venue, including the Smirnoff Founders Bar. Guests can also try the newest addition to the range, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, at the bar located on the concourse – fingers crossed there’ll be plenty of sun too.
There is a unique must-try experience for all gig attendees: a 360-photo booth on Level 3, where guests can use fun props to snap the best and most high-end selfies they’ve ever taken, and have a chance to get their tickets upgraded that evening.
Operated by holding group Diaego, the aim of Smirnoff’s Co-op Live Summer Series is to reflect the vodka brand’s ongoing commitment to making music more accessible to everyone.
Smirnoff recently rolled out its ‘WE DO US’ campaign, activated through a series of initiatives that aim to reignite social connections and lower barriers to socialising.
Tyler Monk, Smirnoff Brand Manager at Diageo Great Britain, said: “Smirnoff is on a mission to make music more accessible and create unforgettable experiences that bring people together through live music. We’re proud to partner with Co-op Live and be part of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, offering great-tasting Smirnoff drinks, music, and unique experiences to a wider audience.”
Check the website for the full schedule of events at Co-op Live HERE.
Featured Images — Smirnoff (supplied)/The Manc Group
Music
Tramlines Festival 2024 – tickets, stage times, drinks prices and everything you need to know
Emily Johnson
Tramlines Festival returns to Hillsborough Park for another year and we here at Audio North cannot wait to walk back out onto that field.
Between Friday, 26 July and Sunday, 28 July 2024, festival-goers will have the opportunity to watch some of the UK’s best musical talent and discover new acts on the smaller stages in the musical city of Sheffield.
The line-up is stacked this year, with Paolo Nutini, Jamie T and Snow Patrol taking the headline slots over the weekend, alongside huge acts such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Bombay Bicycle Club, Miles Kane, The Human League, Bombay Bicycle Club and Tom Grennan.
Over 100 acts are expected to perform at Tramlines 2024 across five stages, with an array of genres from indie rock, pop, punk, hip hop, comedy and more. There’s definitely something for everyone.
Credit: Tramlines (supplied)
Tramlines lineup 2024
Friday 26 July
Kicking off the weekend and setting the bar high, Paolo Nutini is set to headline the main stage on Friday 26 July. With huge hits like ‘New Shoes’, ‘Candy’ and all-time favourite ‘Last Request’, the soulful Scot knows how to get a crowd going.
Bombay Bicycle Club will also perform in the evening, the perfect band to play as the sunsets over Hillsborough Park. With over six albums to pick from, we’re guaranteed some bangers.
The full line-up for Friday includes Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Miles Kane, Coach Party, The View, The Charlatans, SOFT PLAY, The Mysterines, Dylan John Thomas, Mitch Santiago, Lucy Beaumont, Hannah Rowe and Matilda Shakes.
The Sarah Nulty stage schedule is as follows:
Paolo Nutini: 8.15pm-10.15pm
Bombay Bicycle Club: 6.15pm-7.15pm
Sophie Ellis-Bextor: 4.45pm-5.30pm
Miles Kane: 3.50pm-4.15pm
Coach Party: 2.30pm-3pm
The View (Special Guests): 1.15pm-2pm
Bedroom High Club: 12.15pm-12.45pm
Credit: Supplied
Saturday 27 July
The excitement continues over the weekend with indie legend Jamie T taking the headline slot Saturday night, with the crowd belting out British classics of ‘Sheila’, ‘Zombie’, and ‘Sticks n Stones’. We’re proper buzzing for it. The crowd will be warmed up with Tom Grennan and Scottish indie rock band, The Snuts.
The Sarah Nulty stage schedule is as follows:
Jamie T: 8.45pm-10.15pm
Tom Grennan: 6.45pm-7.45pm
The Snuts: 5pm-5.45pm
Sprints: 3.45pm-4.15pm
Nieve Ella: 2.45pm-3.15pm
Everly Pregnant Brothers: 1.15pm-2.15pm
The Leadmill Studio Orchestra: 12.15pm-12.45pm
Credit: Supplied
Sunday 28 July
Snow Patrol will close the festival Sunday night, with tear-jerking tunes like ‘Chasing Cars’ and ‘Open Your Eyes’. But before the Irish trio take the stage and switch up the genre, The Human League will perform before Example will get the crowd partying with his massive hits like ‘Kickstarts’ and ‘Changed the Way You Kiss Me’.
The Sarah Nulty stage schedule is as follows:
Snow Patrol: 7.45pm-9.15pm
The Human League: 5.45pm-6.45pm
Example: 4pm-4.45pm
Flowerovlove: 2.45pm-3.15pm
Maximo Park (Special Guests): 1.30pm-2.15pm
Phillipa Zawe: 12.30pm-1pm
Credit: Supplied
Tickets
There are still some tickets are still available on the Tramlines website. The gates open at 12pm each day, with the last entry being at 19:30.
Resale tickets for the full weekend are set at £140; Friday will cost £65, Saturday £45 and Sunday £55 and there are lots of affordable prices for kids too.
You can see the full list of prices and grab yours HERE.
Tramlines Festival map and how to get there
Arriving by train
For people travelling into the city from elsewhere, Sheffield is easily accessible from all across the country, with regular trains running around the region and one central station. From there, the festival site is accessible via taxi, bus or tram, and only takes approximately 15 mins.
The tramlines to, well, Tramlines…
As the name would suggest, the festival is pretty much built for public transport and Sheffield’s great tram links mean it’s really easy to get there. Supertram has all the info you need for your weekend travel and can find all the info and ticket prices by downloading the TSY Mobile app.
You can catch these from the following key locations:
Yellow Route
Middlewood Park & Ride
The Cathedral
Meadowhall Park & Ride
Use Hillsborough Park stop and head for the Middlewood Rd Entrance.
Blue Route
Malin Bridge Park & Ride
The Cathedral
Sheffield Railway Station / Hallam University
Halfway Park & Ride
Use Hillsborough stop and head for the Middlewood Rd Entrance.
Supertram services will run every six minutes from the city centre to Hillsborough Park, which is then just a short two-minute walk to the festival.
As for when you’re leaving, it’s worth noting that the Hillsborough Park and Hillsborough Corner stops will be closed after the show, so you will have access to the Leppings Lane stop from within the park after the headliners have finished. You can view the full list of stops or plan your journey HERE.
There are two entrances: Penistone Rd, S6 2AN OR Middlewood Rd, S6 4HA
By bus
Just like the rail, Sheffield also has great bus links in Sheffield that can help you get to and from Tramlines. There is a dedicated Hillsborough Park bus stop but do keep in mind that there will likely be some disruptions/delays when leaving the festival. You can plan your journey via Travel South Yorkshire.
By car
Given that Tramlines is a Metropolitan festival and built for public transport, organisers strongly recommend not driving to the event given the amount of congestion and in an effort to reduce the environmental impact over the weekend; however, you can find out more about parking etc. HERE.
As a pedestrian
In all honesty, once you’re in Sheffield, one of the easiest ways to get to Tramlines is simply on foot after hopping on a tram or a bus, but should you also want to cycle to the festival, there is a bike rack at the Penistone Road entrance (S6 2AN).
Food and drink – vendors and prices
With all that partying you will definitely build up an appetite. Luckily, Tramlines has tons of food vendors for you to choose from, including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
With over 40,000 festival goers to feed, there are plenty of options to keep you full, from Proove Pizza, ‘As Tha Got Beef and Get Wurst just to name a few.
As for drink prices this year, a pint at Tramlines will cost you anywhere from £6-£7 depending on what beer you go for, whereas cans of cider start from £6.25; wine starts from £10 for English sparkling white wine, with rose and pinot grigio costing £16 for a half or £32 for a full bottle.
Sprit and mixers deals start from £7.25 with the option to double up for £2.50 and you can push all the way up to £9.25 for an official Red Bull cocktail. Meanwhile, your shots are a fiver (barring jager bombs set at £6.50), soft drinks start from £2.90 and water is £2.70.
And with that, this should be just about all you need to know ahead of Tramlines 2024 – all that’s left to do is go and enjoy yourselves, and The Sheff crew will see you there!
Oh, and make sure to keep your eyes over on the brand-new Audio North for all the best coming out of this year’s festival. It’ll look a little something like this…