Here we have another list of highlights from our ‘New Manchester Music’ playlist.
Amongst our favourite releases this week is a huge arena-filler from an emerging Manchester band, a track from Mike Dignam’s one-release-a-week project, and the perfect summer road trip anthem.
To listen to them all plus loads more new stuff – including last week’s top picks – head to our Spotify playlist here.
Rosellas – Before the Storm
Rosellas are back with a new track, ‘Before The Storm’.
Since being selected to support Shaun Ryder’s Black Grape at their London show a while back, Rosellas have gone from strength to strength. And with a string of plays from XS Manchester and support from Clint Boon on their last release, the lads have become well respected by the city’s scene.
Now, Rosellas return with another one to catch our attention. With the help of award-winning producer Oliver Shillito, ‘Before The Storm’ has turned out to be a hugely uplifting and atmospheric stadium-ready track.
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Naturally, the band take inspiration from the 90s Manchester bands they walk in the footsteps of. And since they cite The Stone Roses and The Verve as particular influences, you can definitely hear that familiar ferocity in ‘Before the Storm’.
Mike Dignam – Killer
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSKaSr1gOg4/
Soul-pop singer Mike Dignam has been very busy.
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In January of this year, the Manchester-based artist set out on a year-long mission to release a new song every Friday of 2021. And so far, he’s been smashing it, with a full music video to accompany each song, too.
Solid effort, Mike.
Now, he’s well past the halfway mark with this week’s track ‘Killer’, a collab with fellow northerner Liam Craig marking number 32 of 52.
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Singer-songwriter Liam spent some time away writing music for Emile Sande and Naughtyboy, and even touring with Little Mix. But now, he’s back doing his own thing and joins Mike with vocals over this neo-soul beat.
Patrick Saint James – Begging
Patrick’s music is known for its open and frank tone.
Manchester-based singer-songwriter Patrick Saint James was born with a hearing defect. Amazingly, he hears mainly through vibrations and has been using this to write songs ever since he was 15-years-old.
Typically, Patrick’s music falls within the pop genre with influences lying with the likes of Years & Years. He regularly draws on topics of destructive relationships and loves to tell personal stories from his own experiences, adding to his genuine and relatable character.
His new track ‘Begging’ is no different. It’s an up-close-and-personal account of the challenges he faces with bipolar disorder and explores themes of being accepted for who he is.
Recently Patrick signed to Lovers Music ahead of his debut EP which is to follow later this year. So, we can expect to hear more from the Irish-born singer very soon.
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The Covasettes – Before the Storm
The ‘Sun Struck’ artwork was designed by @carltai.
Indie-rock outfit The Covasettes have had an incredible couple of years. And with two sold-out shows this weekend alone, the boys are clearly doing something right.
The newest one from the four-piece, ‘Sun Struck’, gives off a lovely summer vibe, ideal for your road trip playlist.
Their previous tracks have received plays from BBC Radio and XS Manchester, and we imagine this one will follow suit, too.
StreamGM and The Manc have teamed up to show some some serious love and support to the region’s renowned theatres, nightclubs, and live-music venues with the launch of SeeGM – a digital campaign to shine a bright spotlight on many of the amazing events, club nights, gigs and shows in our region.
Huge artists announce intimate charity gigs for BRITs Week 26 for War Child
Daisy Jackson
A huge line-up of intimate charity shows from some of the world’s hottest artists has been announced, ahead of the BRIT Awards coming to Manchester.
BRITs Week 26 for War Child will see major artists playing their most intimate shows, taking over grassroots venues across the UK.
These exclusive shows are in aid of War Child, to help fund aid, education, and specialist mental health support for the rights of children whose lives have been affected by war.
Posters have been popping up all around Manchester announcing the upcoming shows, and now the full line-up has been released.
The BRITs Week 26 for War Child will see artists including Fatboy Slim, Myles Smith, and Josh Baker performing at intimate venues in cities such as Manchester, Nottingham, and Newcastle.
Also joining the gig series this year are Lambrini Girls, Jacob Alon, kwn, Rossi., Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE.
The gig series, delivered by DHL, will be the biggest yet and offers fans a chance to see one-off performances from some of the most exciting names in music in smaller, iconic venues, with all proceeds going towards War Child’s vital work.
Previous War Child gigs locally have included Manc music icons The 1975 performing at the 550-capacity Gorilla.
BRITs Week will take place around The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard, taking place on Saturday 28 February at the Co-op Live – the first time in the awards’ 50-year-history that it’s left the capital city behind.
The very special opening night show on 12 February will see Grammy Award-winning Fatboy Slim performing at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle.
And up here in Manchester, War Child has teamed up with The Warehouse Project to put on two nights at YES – one with Mixmag’s Year Defining DJ Josh Baker, and the other with DJ Mag’s One to Watch Rossi.
Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Clare Sanders-Wright, Head of Live Music at War Child, said: “BRITs Week is back for its 13th year, and once again the lineup is nothing short of extraordinary. The atmosphere at these shows is always electric, with fans getting the rare opportunity to experience their favourite artists up close in some of the UK’s most beloved intimate venues.
“Right now, one in five children globally are living with the devastating impact of war. That’s more than 520 million children worldwide, facing violence no child should ever have to endure.
“I want to extend a huge thank you to the artists and their teams for giving their time, passion and talent to make these shows possible. Their support helps War Child continue our vital work to protect, educate and stand up for children caught in conflict, and to champion our message that No Child Should Be Part of War. Ever.”
The full lineup for BRITs Week 26 for War Child is below
12 February – Fatboy Slim – Boiler Shop, Newcastle
16 February – Lambrini Girls – The Garage, London
24 February – Myles Smith – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
25 February – Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE – Emerald Theatre, London
25 February – kwn – Patterns, Brighton
25 February – Josh Baker – YES, Manchester
26 February – Rossi. – YES, Manchester
27 February – Jacob Alon – Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh
Fans can sign up to the War Child pre-sale HERE, which closes at 3pm Wednesday 14 Jan. Pre-sale begins 10am on Thursday 15 January.
General sale then begins at 10am on Friday 16 January HERE.
There are also £10 prize draws to win tickets to all shows open HERE.
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
Hannah Starkie -
6th August 2021 
