"I've never lived anywhere where I loved Manchester like I love Manchester. The community spirit is incredible, especially in the music scene. Given the size of the scene and the number of people competing for the same spot, I'm continually amazed at how little rivalry there is. We all help each other. We are comrades, not competitors.”– Martha (Not bad for a girl)
An exciting and diverse city, Manchester is home to some of Britain's most influential artists. A story consisting of The Smiths, Oasis, The Happy Mondays, Joy Division; modern stars like Children of Zeus, IAMDDB, Aitch and Pip Millet; iconic locations like La Hacienda. The city has a rich and compelling history when it comes to music. It spans decades of eras and a wide range of genres, but when it comes to electronic dance music, it has a history like no other. Originally a mecca for house music, Manchester's contemporary dance music scene is now a multi-genre machine. From ravers flocking from all corners of the UK to visit Sankeys, now closed but always famous, to 80,000 revelers storming Heaton Park for Parklife and The Warehouse Project. What happens from dusk to dawn is second to none and no secret. The city's major players have been instrumental in cultivating a world-renowned underground music scene in the city, resulting in Manchester establishing itself alongside Bristol and London as the UK's culture and rave hotspot.
The history of the rave scene goes back a long way. Euphonique shares some key facts: “FactoryRecords, Dry Bar and Sankeys Soap are major contributors to Manchester's music history.”She says.Factory Records, run by Tony Wilson, was an influential independent label that signed legendary bands and operated The Haçienda, a legendary nightclub that became the center of the city's burgeoning rave and dance culture. The Dry Bar in the Northern Quarter served as a lively meeting place for artists and musicians and fueled Manchester's creative community. Sankeys Soap, a renowned nightclub founded in 1994, played an important role in the music scene. The city's underground dance floor, host to cutting-edge DJs and immersive events.'Like many rave scenes in the UK, Manchester's D&B scene began to thrive in the early '90s: communities cultivated, producers met, ravers enjoyed the night. It was an era like no other and record stores were prime outlets for scene leaders like North Base DJ and promoter Silver.“In 1992 there was a place called the Vinyl Exchange and Eastern Bloc that used to sell records. The Eastern Bloc would get all vinyl promotions from places like RAM Records and Good Lookin'.says silver“Vinyl Exchange got a box of promos every Thursday and people like me, Mark XTC, DJ Sappo and many others would come in and fight over promos. Marcus Intalex also always came by. It was almost like there was a little secret being kept between some local people.”
Along with all the major record stores, organizers like Wilf had also begun to develop in the events sector and secretly forge plans for world domination."I used to do a night called Science, Wilf did something at a place called The Jam."silver follows'Then we teamed up to create Metropolis. Prior to that, Marcus Intalex led the tour at Sankey Soaps, one of the biggest Jungle/D&B nights in Manchester in years. Everyone was there from Grooverider and Doc Scott to Storm and Flight. Kemistry even played there before he died. Then there were promoters like Spellbound who had a gig where a DJ played and the band jammed. Jenna G would be on the mic. That's where Tonn Piper started. He was a drum & bass pioneer.”
Fast forward to now. The city's D&B scene is thriving and the global D&B scene is in the midst of one of its greatest peaks. Kaz himself, from Manchester, is at the center of the new generation of DJs making waves"Honestly if I had never set foot in Manchester I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today, especially without a platform like Bloc2Bloc and without the support of boss Jack Banner and other Mancunian legends like Chimpo, Bou, Estrategia , Dub Phizix, North Base... the list goes on! Jack Banner invited me to the Bloc2Bloc live streaming platform which ended up opening many doors in my career for me and many other big names from Manchester.”Bloc2Bloc is a grassroots live streaming platform responsible for bringing a host of new artists we know and love to the map, including international D&B superstars straight from Manny, Bou. Through Jack Banner's unmatched passion for empowering young people and the next generation of artists, the platform has been instrumental in the growth of aspiring artists looking to break into the industry. 'Jack Banner and the Bloc2Bloc team are among the most important people in the city's musical development. Jack Banner is probably one of the guys in Manchester at the moment pushing the new school hard. He has so many artists there from Sl8r, Obscura, Jazzy Lioness and Indika to Kaz, Slay and even Bou who started at Bloc2Bloc.says Silver.
From grassroots hotspots to internationally renowned parties, it's clear that there are some big players driving the scene."For me, there's one Manchester promoter that stands out from the rest and has been flying the flag of the underground music scene for over a decade and a half: Hit N Run/Rich Reason." The guy puts together some of the most ridiculous and diverse line-ups I've ever seen have ever seen.Says Kaz and Silver agrees.Hit & Run is one of the longest nights out in Manchester. Rich has brought so many artists from London to Manchester. From the likes of Ivy Lab to Digital and Goldie. You have to give it to Rich Reason and Wilf.
Yes, there it is again. Wilf. A total anomaly, an unforgettable character and a key figure in the British music industry."Wilf is the longest serving promoter in Manchester having founded Metropolis with me in 1999/1998."says Silver, Wilf's old friend and DJ partner at North Base. It's no secret that his parties (The Warehouse Project, Worried About Henry and Metropolis to name a few) are seminal not only for the Manchester music scene but for the UK dance music scene in general. Wilf also played a key role in the conception of innovative drug monitoring service The Loop, which ran its first on-site, event-based, harm reduction drug monitoring service at the Warehouse Project in Manchester in 2013. A bold but revolutionary move for Die Vereinsserie. WHP is one of the UK's most sought-after late-night club series, with ravers sweating like Winter Glasto on steroids selling tickets on laptops. People travel far and wide to visit the clubs, making the club series a phenomenon of British club culture and an important part of British rave history.
There are many influential figures in the Manchester D&B scene and they all share a common theme: kindness, hard work and authenticity. Take Bou, for example, an artist currently taking the global D&B scene by storm. 'One of the current leaders in the D&B scene is Bou. The guy is on fire. It has gone from Bloc2Bloc to world stages in such a short amount of time.”says Silver. Alongside Bou's rise to the top, he is known for his humility and kindness, and raising money for the Manchester Food Bank is just one example of Bou's need to support his local community. Nia Archives, who moved to Manchester aged 16 and says she fell in love with the city's rave scene, is another artist who has made the city's history books after winning a MOBO award, an NME Award, a DJ Mag Award, etc. 2022 BRIT Award nomination. The rising star is revered for his raw artistry and next-generation Junglist movement. She is also praised for using her voice and demeanor on stage to educate people about dance music's black origins. And then there are the respected old school players like Mark XTC. A name mentioned only in gratitude for mentoring and teaching the many artists we know and love today."Mark XTC and Jon DaSilva were my DJ teachers"cube euphonique'both legends of the old school manc music scene. Mark and the tutors at the university were very influential. People like Chimpo and Chunky attended the school and many years later (when he was actually a teacher there). Bou and Dutta took part and Mark taught them too - he was a big influence during our music studies at university.
The clubs are gritty and the raves rough, but Manchester's music scene is one of togetherness and community. One person who had a significant impact on the city is the late Marcus Inta.Lex, who sadly passed away in 2017.“Marcus left such a big impact on the city”says Silver.We all love and miss him. His legacy is carried on through the Marcus Intalex Foundation, established shortly after his death and run by his mother Pat and Nick Sinna. The charity does a lot for the city's youth, such as DJ workshops, production workshops and much more.”
Thanks to the UK's diversification efforts and the need to make room for marginalized communities, a surge of collectives broke out in cities across the country. A Manchester-born non-binary women's music collective, Not Bad For a Girl is a collective that has cultivated something very special in the city. Martha,One of the founders of the collective tells us more, 'Our core ethos is to balance the music industry and provide opportunities for historically underrepresented creatives. Our goal is to have as much fun as possible while making real, lasting social change. Our motto is "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities and Equal Spirit and Equal Mixture".
The collective is widely known for their unique pink ski mask:"a symbol of our refusal to cling to traditional gender stereotypes and a tool that allows us to take a place in the industry that people like us have never been able to"says Martha. There's no denying that exercise is great fun and incredibly necessary. However, Not Bad For A Girl is just one of many collectives now fighting for the good fight in town.Big love for Shifting Spheres, another similar collective to ours that has been around almost as long as us. The energy at their events is always next level and they work tirelessly to offer workshops for female, non-binary and trans DJs.”says Martha“If you look closely at the fabric of the Manchester music scene, women and non-binary people are a big part of the driving force. This is something very special.
The evidence is clear: Manchester is the crème de la crème of delirium."There's something in the water up here"said Splinter."It makes you want to work hard and travel the world, and a lot of people do, too. From the Treasury days to the WHP. Is unbelievable.'The city is full of joie de vivre from head to toe. It's the electric vibe when you arrive at WHP on a Friday night. It's the collective stillness that fills the city at 5am on a Saturday morning as ravers quietly retire to their hotels or, more likely, someone's kitchen. They are the students buzzing around town, the promoters, radio stations, labels, pubs, grassroots platforms and charities for youth and communities affected by inequality. It's inclusion and a willingness to help others. It's Sacha Lord and his lifelong commitment to saving British club culture. It is Trigga who introduces Manny to Top Boy. It's Marcus Intalex, Mark Raising the MCR banner and paving the way for the next generation of artists. Manchester has it all. Long may it remain one of the best rave spots in the UK.“We are all one big family”Cube Kaz."Everyone is supportive and working together, whether it's in music, business or just everyday life, there's no competition or jealousy, it's just love and wanting to see yourself shine and do well, it's beautiful!"
FAQs
Why are rave parties illegal? ›
This is due to the association of rave culture with illegal drugs such as MDMA (often referred to as a "club drug" or "party drug" along with MDA), amphetamine, LSD, GHB, ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis.
Are raves legal in UK? ›To carry on such activity without a licence is an offence. 1.3 Raves / UMEs can attract large numbers of people, who may have a disregard for the land and the owners' rights. Other associated problems can include damage, excess noise, litter and traffic congestion.
What do people do at raves? ›Is a rave a party where people twerk and dance with loud music? That's one definition, yes. Raves are generally considered to be large parties with lots of electronic music, lights, and dancing.
What happens in a rave party? ›Rave parties—or, more simply, raves—are dance parties that feature fast-paced, repetitive electronic music and accompanying light shows. Raves are the focus of rave culture, a youth-oriented subculture that blends music, art and social ideals (e.g., peace, love, unity, respect, tolerance, happiness).
Is rave party legal in USA? ›The term comes from the Jamaican word for party, rave. But true rave parties really didn't begin until the 1980s. A rave may be legal or not depending upon where (and how) the event is held. Partying all night is not illegal, but activities associated with raves may sometimes be.
Can you be sober at a rave? ›It doesn't matter what the reason for you being sober at a rave is; it just matters that you do what is most comfortable to you and to not let anyone tell you what to do. Personally, I enjoy being sober at raves because I feel much more comfortable and have a lot more fun.
What is the biggest illegal rave in the UK? ›The week-long Castlemorton festival, which ran between 22 and 29 May 1992, was the biggest illegal rave that's ever been held in the country. An estimated 20,000 to 40,000 people gathered at the site, armed with drugs, sleeping bags and powerful sound systems.
What is a British rave? ›In the late 1950s in London, England the term "rave" was used to describe the "wild bohemian parties" of the Soho beatnik set. The word "rave" was later used in the burgeoning mod youth culture of the early 1960s as the way to describe any wild party in general.
What is rave UK slang? ›(intr) British slang to enjoy oneself wildly or uninhibitedly. SEE MORE. noun. informal. enthusiastic or extravagant praise.
Why do rave people wear pacifiers? ›Many ravers chew on baby pacifiers or lollipops to offset the effects of involuntary teeth grind- ing caused by MDMA. Pacifiers are worn around the user's neck, often on plastic beaded necklaces. Many people bring various items to rave events to enhance the effects of MDMA.
What is a rave girl? ›
A rave girl is a girl that attends raves and music festivals. She is usually highly energetic, free spirited and full of life. Some people may identify rave girls by their rave clothing attire which may include kandi, booty shorts, pasties and fluffies, while others may associate them with their shuffling skills.
How to get a girl at a rave party? ›Approach a girl like you would a friend, by genuinely having a good time, moving, dancing & inviting her into that “vibe”. Don't be a staring creep, don't touch her at first, and keep your wild side under control. Your initial attitude should always be friendly, fun and should always make the girl feel safe.
What do police do at raves? ›Making drinking water readily available to ravers (sometimes requiring that it be provided for free) Hiring properly trained and screened private security staff, primarily to search ravers for illegal drugs and to monitor drug sales and use inside the venue.
How long does a rave last? ›Most underground raves last for one night, or around 10 hours. Since raves are seen in a better light nowadays, some open-air raves can last for 24 hours. That said, raves are quite different from festivals. Once you're at a rave, you don't stop dancing until the music stops.
What is rave dress code? ›Rave culture has its own unique style, which is often characterized by bright colors, neon lights, and patterns. While there is no one specific type of rave gear, some common items include tank tops, crop tops, hoodies, and sweatshirts. Rave gear is not only a style but it is also a way of life.
Can you go to a rave alone? ›Conclusion. Whether you're raving with a group or solo dolo, you shouldn't worry about anything. I've found myself in both situations, and I always prefer raving alone. Just be yourself, go for the music, stay for the vibes.
Can anyone join on rave? ›Yes, you must have a paid subscription to the streaming service that you are watching from, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or HBO Max. You can sign in to that account in Rave to watch with friends!
Can introverts go to raves? ›Believe it or not, introverts don't mind crashing a good party or two. Attending them just requires more energy than what's demanded from our extroverted counterparts. But that alone is not enough to scare us off. We've gotten a bad rap from those who occupy the opposite end of the personality spectrum.
Why do people like raves so much? ›A sense of camaraderie. It is similar to a sports event, but everyone is on the same team, and there are no losers. The commonality between everyone at the event, singing, and dancing to the same song is a special feeling; almost indescribable at times because of the genuine connection felt among the crowd.
How do you survive a rave party? ›- BUY A FANNYPACK to store everything you need. ...
- Make sure that no matter what you do, you always DRESS PROPERLY. ...
- Bring a hydration pack, and grab as many water bottles as you can carry. ...
- USE THE RESTROOM. ...
- DESIGNATE A MEETUP SPOT before entering the festival. ...
- Timing is key.
What are the top drugs for raves? ›
While techno music and light shows are essential to raves, drugs such as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), ketamine, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol, and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), have become an integral component of the rave culture.
What is UK rave music called? ›The genres of electronic dance music (EDM) that have been prevailent in the United Kingdom since the late 1980s have been played at raves. These include House, Acid House, Trance, Techno, Breakbeat Hardcore, Drum and Bass, Happy Hardcore, Dubstep and Grime.
How do people find illegal raves? ›Follow your favorite artists on social media because they always post when they're touring or playing at events. You can also follow organizers of local nightclubs and local music venues in your area. Oftentimes the same labels that do local club nights also do underground raves.
What is the rave capital of the UK? ›Manchester has long been renowned for its rich musical history and nightlife, commonly regarded as a clubbing capital of the world and once home of the legendary Haçienda club.
What is dancing at raves called? ›Raving is an improvisational, internal dance, without an audience. Move your whole body, following the inspiration of the music. Each person on the dance floor is having his own personal experience with the music and the movement.
Why are raves illegal in UK? ›As they got more popular, concerns about anti-social behaviour and drug use followed, leading to heavy policing and new laws. In 1990 the UK passed the Entertainment (increased Penalties) Act, allowing fines of up to £20,000 for hosting illegal raves or parties.
What does railing a girl mean? ›Getting railed, quite literally, means having sex – or, if you prefer to take the cue from Urban Dictionary, it means the act of having wild, wild sex. We've moved past from calling it a bit of Carry On (Picture: Getty)
What is a jigger London slang? ›jigger, a narrow entry between houses, although the cant very likely preceded it; ult. gigger n. 1 ] 1. (UK Und.)
What is a Shrek rave? ›DJs playing Shrek hits & party bangers all night long to bring out your inner ogre! Shrek DJ Set, Crazy Shrek Performers, 'I'm A Believer' Singalongs, Shrek Visuals, Shrek Giveaways & Shrek Themed Drinks. Come dressed as your favourite Shrek Character. Best dressed prizes to be won! These events are strictly 18+
Why do people dress weird at raves? ›They Think It's Fun and Exciting
Raves are fantastic festivals that allow everyone to wear whatever they like. That is why everyone chooses to wear outfits that show their personality, are exciting, or just borderline crazy. But all of it is fun for them.
Why do ravers wear pashminas? ›
One is using it as a sleeping mask to catch some sleep after trying to stay up for that late-night set the day before or as a blindfold for a rousing game of pin a dread on the wook or smashing a pinata.
What age did you take away the pacifier? ›The earlier a child can shake their sucking habit, the better! This is why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends reducing pacifier use and thumb sucking by 18 months of age.
How do you not be awkward at a rave? ›- It's Okay to feel socially anxious: you're not the only one. ...
- Make your way toward the dancefloor (music) immediately. ...
- Mentally prepare to be social. ...
- Slow down on the substances. ...
- Live in the moment and soak it all in. ...
- Journal and reflect on your own experience.
If you're the leader, you can kick them by going to the participants panel, and hold down their photo and click 'kick'.
What is a rave daddy? ›Urban Dictionary defines a Rave Dad as: A male raver who's first nature is to protect their group or those who join. Making sure everyone is safe and accounted for no matter how hard they are going. Similar to a Rave Mom or Mother. Though unlike a Rave Daddy, Rave Dads don't expect rewards for their help or care.
What is a rave mom? ›A rave mom is someone who takes care of all her little rave babies (aka her squad). She makes sure everyone is having fun, has a place to sleep, gets their water intake, isn't tripping too hard, or getting too intoxicated. This is the definition Urban Dictionary provides us.
What does it mean to rage at a rave? ›Definition: Violent, uncontrollable anger. Rave Definition: To dance and party as hard as you can all night long.
Do you wear pants to a rave? ›Wear jeans.
Stick with this option if planning to hang out at a rave for several days without bringing a bunch of extra clothes. Jeans are also the classic option for events like these. If you decide to go this route, remember to wear a pair that are wide-legged and loose-fitting so you can still move around easily.
A New Dating App For Ravers Is Here! The new dating app is aimed specifically at the raving community. You may have swiped left on Tinder, reeled someone in on Plenty Of Fish or found anything but harmony on Eharmony, but have you ever found your very own rave bae?
What age should you go to a rave? ›Most raves have a minimum age requirement of 18, and some may require attendees to be 21 or older. It is important to check the event guidelines and policies before attending, and parents should ensure that their children are attending age-appropriate events.
Should you run if cops bust a party? ›
Many people will be tempted to flee a party being busted by police, but if you are caught, penalties for any illegal activity will be worse, because you will have evaded police custody. You are never required to speak to police without a lawyer present, but running from the police will only make things worse.
Is rave same as clubbing? ›Clubbing usually implies hitting different clubs in a night. Raving is most understood as staying in the same place because of a specific line-up. This may not strictly be the case, but it is my experience that one will most likely hit different cool clubs in a night rather than different raves.
Do you dance at raves? ›Raves are dance parties, so most people hang out with their friends and dance. Just be aware that some people also drink or do drugs at raves, so be cautious and be ready to deal with people who might be intoxicated or acting a bit more uninhibited than they normally would.
What do bracelets at raves mean? ›Kandi bracelets are based on “friendship bracelets” (the tiny pieces of string that your best friend made you at summer camp back in 2005 that somehow is still attached to your body). Actually, though, hippies did it first back in the '60s. It was a way to remember someone and to keep them with you at all times.
What do people do after a rave? ›Exercising and stretching your muscles is key to toning your body and soothing sore muscles. Massage will also help relax over-stressed muscles and tissues. Eating well and hydrating will bring essential nutrients to your body and restore it's natural balance.
What does rolling mean at raves? ›What does "rolling" mean at a rave? “Rolling” means to be high on Ecstasy (aka MDMA, Molly, and what not). I first heard this term around early 1994 and it became the prevalent (in my experience in the western US) around 1996.
What is the problem with rave parties? ›This guide for police training discusses the problems associated with rave parties, including drug use, drug overdoses, drug trafficking, theft, violence, noise, traffic control, and driving under the influence of drugs.
What is rave law? ›The Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act of 2003 is a United States federal law enacted as a rider within the PROTECT Act on April 30, 2003. A substantially similar Act was proposed during the previous Congress as the Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act (RAVE Act).
Can 15 year olds go to raves? ›The age requirement for attending a rave varies depending on the location and the event. In general, raves are not recommended for children and young teens as they can be loud and crowded, and may involve drug use. Most raves have a minimum age requirement of 18, and some may require attendees to be 21 or older.
Do people fight at raves? ›No one really fights at raves.
How many fights have you heard of or seen at raves? Exactly. The people at raves are usually extremely friendly and helpful. Granted, you may say it's the drugs, but still, ravers tend to be pretty peaceful.
What is a squat rave? ›
A squat party is a party that takes place either in a disused building (broken into and secured for the party) or in an already existing squat.
Does rave culture still exist? ›Rave culture still exists, although it has been heavily influenced by commercialization and social liberation.
Is there a dress code at raves? ›A large part of rave culture is based on fashion. There is normally no strict dress code for raves, but this often depends on the people organizing the event or the venue. Your outfit should be a reflection of you, your personality and your style.
Is the rave Act still in effect? ›The RAVE Act eventually failed to pass after two of its sponsors dropped their support, but Biden tacked a largely similar bill, renamed the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act, onto the Amber Alert child abduction bill.