The weird magic of Manchester music venues: Night People

By Emily Oldfield

Live bands typically three nights a week, a range of grassroots musicians, bringer of London clubnights to the North (many for the first time) and home to many more – welcome to Night People. Based on Princess Street since October 2017, this down-to-earth under-floor venue is determined to celebrate music culture old and new.

They’ve certainly struck a balance – and a strong one at that. This city centre sanctuary manages to be the home of The Twisted Wheel legendary Northern Soul experience, whilst still putting on more current bands than most other venues of its size in Manchester.

 Rather than peddling nostalgia, Night People is pushing out newness all the time – regularly providing space for grassroots groups to play as well as networking sessions -for example, it is the base for the city-wide SONDER Festival and has also hosted The Manchester Creative Collective.

Night People is an eclectic and accepting space located underfloor with atmospheric dark interiors, psych-inspired décor and a real emphasis on the quality of the sound and experience.

Ruby Tingle

According to founder of Night People, Chris Slater:

“Night People is the title of a piece by John Cooper Clarke, which we chose very quickly at last minute when it came on the radio and we needed a name. We were originally going to call it The Twisted Wheel Club as we have the famous Northern Soul, RnB club here, but it got tricky using that name when the program we have is so varied. After all, we are a venue in the classic sense, in that it's a space for any genre or musical tribe to feel at home in.”

It’s certainly a welcoming place, but the process of becoming venue hasn't always been easy, as Chris reflects:

“Everything has been a challenge really, we opened too quickly and we were well under prepared, so every gig is rewarding as a result. We are a real little independent, with no backing or investors, just keeping going week to week is great. Also, the staff here are the best in Manchester.”

As well recommending ‘anything Grant Orino is involved in’ at the venue, Chris also has a hatred of smoke machines – so expect quality clubnights and gigs without the gimmicks. He adds:

“As a venue, Night People has got a great sound and the bar is cheap. I think people are very surprised at the quality of the show we put on.”

 Night People also has Manchester clubnights in residence – particularly Grant Orino’s ‘Zeitgeist’ – which is far from just drinks and dancing. Each monthly ‘Zeitgeist’ is set up around an unusual or cult theme, with the likes of ‘The Lost Boys’ and ‘Suede Night’ amongst the options. These are the type of events where attendees can enjoy not just music, but film screenings, stalls and entertainment, helping to provide a festival-feel all of their own.

The upcoming ‘Crow’ edition of Zeitgeist is a special to look out for in particular, running on the 18 August, 10.30pm-4am. This will include a screening of 1994 supernatural cult film The Crow – which famously stars Brandon Lee in his final tragic film appearance. It tells the story of a resurrected rock musician who seeks to avenge his own death, and the Zeitgeist night will show true dedication to the film by playing all the songs from the soundtrack. There also will be tarot card readings, clothes and merch stalls as well as alternative music playing throughout the evening.

LIINES

According to the man behind it, Grant Orino:

“The Lost Boys night where we showed the film and then followed it with a club night featuring the soundtrack was a huge success. It only took a few seconds to come up with a follow-up night centred on the cult classic, The Crow. Like the Lost Boys, it’s a great film with a sassy soundtrack and is themed around the Undead. I'd like to do a night based on The Craft next.”

As well as the newness, there is a tasteful celebration of Northern past too – Night People is also the modern home of the iconic ‘Twisted Wheel Club’ events.  This is the continuation of the original Northern RnB Club which gained the reputation as the birthplace of the Northern Soul movement.

Twisted Wheel has a regular Sunday Session on the 2^nd and last Sunday of the month, playing all the usual 60s soul, RnB and Mod, with regulars Pete Roberts, John Green, and Albert ‘Jock’ Heron as well as guests. There are also special Twisted Wheel events throughout the year, including Saturday ‘all-nighters’ which typically run four times a year, as well as ‘Live at The Wheel’ concerts.

And it’s not just music which has a home here, but also unique cultural events – including Twin Peaks Tuesdays (with cherry pie and coffee served during the screenings), karaoke-meets-creepiness in the form of ‘Scary-Oke’, and a range of awesome afterparties and Pride-related celebrations.

Dirty Freud

The Pysch Weekender is also coming to the venue for the 15-16 September, highlighting how flexible the space is – plus The Wheel Room at Night People is also available for private hire.

The combination of new and cult music, present talent as well as former favourites, highlights the unique approach of Night People as a venue. Something to be celebrated and still unique.

Night People, 105 Princess St, Manchester M1 6DD

Photo credit to Sharon McInerney and Shay Rowan, with thanks