All My Friends

As Manchester's gentrification onslaught continues the city loses another vital space for artists, bands DJs, and musicians. Can anything be done about this or is it too late? This was our last mix recorded at the studio. All wax no worries, big up the mill!

Humans' have always shared stories. They're a fundamental way in which we communicate. Whether it's regaling friends with an anecdote in the pub or using a story to convey a serious message our oratory has the power to move people, start movements and bring communities together. Simone Kirkup knows this better than anyone. That's why she started Long Story Short during the first coronavirus lockdown in 2020 (remember that!). Long Story Short is a community-focused event that has the aim of bringing people together to share their lived experiences through stories. She has come on the podcast to talk about the power of stories and shares why she thinks they still hold such a powerful place in our collective psyche. You can download the audio version of the podcast over on our website as well as find links to the book recommendation from the episode and a link to get tickets to the latest Long Story Short event. Link to AMF website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/podcast/long-story-short/

Being a parent is the time you're supposed to “Grow up” right, no more time for running club nights you've got proper adult shit to sort out. That's probably the opinion of a lot of the UK public. But AMF is going to be unpicking that mentality in this podcast with our guest Marco Giannini. We'll be chatting about juggling the demands of organising DJ riders and hotels with nappies, the school run and the bedtime routine. Marco runs the Manchester based club night Sticky Heat and is one half of the DJ duo Son of Bangers. He's a regular at The Carlton Club and The Refuge and has played alongside Lindstrom, Sprechen and Supernature Disco. As well as doing all that he's also a proud parent and he came on the podcast to share his experiences of juggling running a club night and completing the school run. He give us his tips for the best ways to burn the candle at both ends and also shares his thoughts on what clubbing will look like post-pandemic. Watch the video version of the podcast here: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/podcast/promoting-and-parenting/

Pride is a protest. A party with a purpose. But many people feel the initial goal and mission of Pride is getting lost in ever-increasing commercialisation. What was once a display of resistance is now being used by big brands to help sell their products. Is this something we should be worried about? And are queer communities in Manchester and around the world under threat from the commoditisation of gay culture? In this podcast, we spoke with Manchester DJ Jase Jeffery about the issues facing Pride and how we can all work together to keep queer spaces safe and open for those that need them most. You can find links for everything we mentioned in the show over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/podcast/commercialising-pride/

Food and music are the two inescapable joys of life. No matter what you do, they'll be there to comfort you, help you through bad times and give real life to the great times. In this podcast, we'll be talking with wax aficionado and chef extraordinaire Paul Dolton aka Dolly. We're going to be chatting about what makes food and music so great, what skills both chefs and DJs share, and the power both have to stir the emotions and take us back to happy times. The episode is also packed with some amazing cookery tips, books to buy, and record labels to check out. You can head over to the episodes page on our website to find all those links: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2021/08/17/food-and-music/ Happy mixing

What is a meme? Where did they come from? Can we define them? Should we even attempt too? We discuss all these questions on this episode of the AMF podcast with Instagram meme slinger VomCruise. VomCruise has built up a formidable reputation for putting out “no-fucks given” content that isn't for the faint hearted. The ArchBishop of Banterbury can do one, Vom's account is for people who like their humour bleak, Royals dead and Hasbullas by the bucket load. Blog founder Liam caught up with Vom to chat about how the account got started, why it's important to keep platforms like Instagram free of censorship and why memes have become so pervasive in the 21st century. They also cover important issues like: why all Royals need to fuck off, What Vom would do with ten million pounds (it involves a lot of cocaine); and who'd win in a fight, Captain Tom or Hasbulla. They also talk about the current things Vom is working on and he shares his thoughts for the future of memes and the world in general. FYI it's all pretty bleak, but also a laugh so tune in yeah! Links from the show It's your funeral pod https://shows.acast.com/its-your-funeral MemeTides https://www.instagram.com/memetides/?hl=en Swiss Lips https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/21/new-band-swiss-lips?CMP=twt_gu

For this month's mix, AMF founder Liam Oliver takes the reins and throws down an hour of Italo from the likes of Boots & Kats, Orange Tree Edits, Kendal, and Lauer. Get the whole tracklist on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/episode/liam-oliver-italo/

Becoming a music journalist isn’t for the faint-hearted. And running your own online magazine is 100 times the effort. Starting your own magazine is a rewarding way to get into dance culture, especially if DJing isn’t your bag. But there’s a myriad of things that could go wrong when starting your own online magazine. That’s even if you can get the thing started in the first place. Web design, writing, graphics, newsletters… The list goes on. These are all things you need to think about if you want to run a successful online magazine. Our guest on this show is Mike Tomlinson, the founder and head of Zone Focus. An online magazine that aims to shine a light on underground music in the North West and beyond. Mike shares the Zone Focus journey, offers some tips for others looking to start their own magazine, and he shares the reasons why he’s adding a record label into the mix. Are you thinking about building an online brand but don’t know where to start? This show is for you. Maybe you’d like to get into music journalism and want to hear some stories from someone who’s seen it all, check out the podcast. Or, maybe you’d just like some insights into the club scene in the North West. We got you covered.

Hot off the back of his first release on Mixing Mates Tyvion Valentine speaks to AMF about his production process and he gives us 70-minute mix of break, house, and techno. Catch our interview with Tyvion over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/episode/tyvion-valentine/

There was a time when the album was king. HMV was flying high and everyone bought CDs. As a medium for presenting music, the album offered something very unique. Not exactly a mix and definitely not an EP. A collection of tracks, meticulously arranged by an artist or band that told a specific story. The rise of the internet has changed buying habits and how people consume music. Streaming and digital downloads are pulling buyers towards subscriptions and singles. No one got time to listen to an album anymore, right? Has the album had its day? Is it profitable, or even necessary for artists to spend a year in the studio banging on out? That’s what we'll be covering in this AMF podcast. Check out Guys podcast over on Buzzsprout: https://thisisnothappening.buzzsprout.com

Why start a record label? How do you even get one off the ground? Is your day filled with sexy A&R meetings, scouting out live gigs, and shaking hands with big wigs in boardrooms? Or is it frantically searching for artists to sign, shelling your latest releases on bandcamp, and marketing until your eyes bleed. Well, it's all of the above and at the same time more often than not. Chris Massey, label owner at Sprechen lifts the lid on the life of a label owner. He talked to us about founding the label, striving for diversity in his releases, and working at the cutting edge of some of Manchester’s biggest brands. He shares some lovely stories from playing at Kiss Me Again, Beat Herder Festival, and The Refuge and speaks about his own musical journey starting in Bolton and ending in with this podcast!. Chris also dishes out advice for anymore looking to start their own label. If lockdown has left you with a surplus of resources you want to pile into a new project and label management takes your fancy check this show out.

Radio is so last century, right? Well, for a lot of people digital radio is still their main way to find and consume new music. There’s a plethora of stations across the UK and around the world. All working tirelessly to program forward thinking shows and bring new music and sounds to listeners everywhere. These stations also provide amazing platforms for new and emerging artists and DJs. When Capital FM just won’t cut it for the commute you can always rely on a team of local people in a basement or attic somewhere sharing their music with you simply for the pleasure of doing it. But how do you start your own station? Is it easy? Do you need a studio? Is there even any point? In this podcast blog founder Liam spoke with Charlie Fleig, co-founder of Ripe Radio. Manchester’s newest digital station. They spoke about the highs and lows of running a station and how digital radio is re-shaping the underground music scene in Manchester and beyond. Check out Ripe here: https://riperadio.co.uk

Collecting records is an art. It takes a specific set of skills to accumulate the most inconvenient and expensive medium for listening to music. What makes records so great? How should you approach collecting them? Should you even bother? (Yes) How can you spot a bargain in a record store and what’s the best strategy to use when spending an afternoon in a wax palace. Get some insider tips and stories this show courtesy of Pat Ryder. Piccadilly Records dance buyer and record label owner. Liam and Pat talk about the Manchester club scene, surviving Covid, and what makes a great record collection. If you’ve just picked up a record player and you’re at a loss where to begin your collection this podcast can help. Check out more from AMF here: allmyfriendsmcr.com/

This week’s mix is coming from AMF friend Andy Selvage. A riotous journey through garage, breaks, bass it’s perfect 2am or post-night out ear fodder. Get locked in. Listen to the full show over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/episode/andy-selvage/

For our 58th episode, Jon Bevan has stepped up to the platters that matter and has put together an eclectic all wax mix of under the shelf gems. Catch our interview with Jon here: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/episode/jon-bevan/

As the century marches on we're no closer to a unilateral global action plan for tackling climate change. With a lack of leadership from governments, it falls to local groups to enact the changes required to reverse the damage we're doing to the planet. One Manchester-based group campaigning for change in the city is Climate Emergency Manchester (CEM). AMF founder Liam Oliver spoke with CEM member Chloe Jeffries about their climate initiatives, campaigning, and victories. They discussed petitioning the Manchester council for a 7th scrutiny committee for climate change and Chloe shared some practical advice on how we can all lead greener lives. ----------------------------- ***Links from the show*** CEM Website: https://climateemergencymanchester.net/ 7th Scrutiny Committee petition: https://climateemergencymanchester.net/petition-2/

Prepare for some fun as Mixing Mates resident Pangölin takes us through her record collection. A mix full of feel-good synths, chugging basslines and broody builds. It straddles Italo to techno and will leave you with a smile on your face. Catch our interview over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/episode/pangolin/

Underground dance music will always survive. But during the pandemic, it faces a new challenge. How can club culture survive and thrive in the "New Normal"? ***Links from the Show*** BRB Compilation: https://saveourscenemcr.bandcamp.com/album/brb-be-right-back-sounds-from-the-rainy-city Eastern Bloc’s Website: https://www.easternblocrecords.com/ Aaron J - Sure Thing: https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/aaronj Galaxian: https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/galaxian ------------------ The pandemic marches on, and the longer it does the longer it’ll be until we’re able to dance again. The UK government’s approach to supporting the events industry has been non-existent. Like so many times in history, the dance community has had to look to itself for support. With grass-roots movements springing up across Manchester and the country they’ll be a scene left when this is all over, but what we inherit could be vastly different to what we have now. Socially distant raves, dance bubbles, live-streaming. All filling a gap and providing an alternative to clubbing. But could they be the new norm? In this show AMF host, Liam Oliver, spoke with Eastern Bloc DJ, Producer and store manager, Means&3rd about what the future for Manchester’s music could look like post-covid. The show also does a deep dive in the Means&3rd’s DJ career and we talk about how independent record stores have been weathering the storm. P.S stand by for some serious White Hotel fan-girling and potshots at Rishi Sunack

Originally aired on Kick Radio this month's mix has been put together by Bokonon. He's come on the blog to chat about music and his events company Sharivari. Read our interview with Bokonon here: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/episode/bokonon/

Links from the show TNC Website: https://www.treesnotcars.com/ TNC Go Fund Me: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/trees-not-cars-mcr Respond to the council's plans here: http://www.piccadillylabour.org.uk/2020/08/05/central-retail-park-have-your-say/ Leave a comment or feedback for the Trees Not Cars plans here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fz1zlg0n75llsEFEhLFvRoHJ0TP6eoum/view Check out more from AMF here: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/ ---------- Manchester is bereft of green space. The city center is awash with grey. Who can hold back this endless tide of development? Constant development is pushing out small parks. They are left at the mercy of machines and high rise flats. Nowhere is this crisis more clearly defined than the old Toys R Us retail park at the end of Greater Ancoats street. The council rejected plans to turn the space into a park, instead, they opted for a 440 capacity car park! (Right next to a primary school we should add) This enraged local residents who quickly formed the organisation Trees Not Cars. They’ve spent the past year campaigning to stop the planned car park. Founding member Julia Kovaliova is coming on the podcast to share the Trees Not Cars journey, their vision for the development, and where their campaign is heading next. Green space is creative space, and for a city tied so closely to its music, heritage, and the arts, the proposed car park plans must be challenged.

Episode 55 has been lovingly put together by Manchester DJ and radio regular Mike O'Mara. We caught up with Mike to chat about his musical influences, clubbing post-COVID and we discussed what it takes to run a great night. Catch our interview with Mike over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/08/26/mike-omara/

Bleeps, boops, and acid. The big three delivered excellently by d.clemente in AMF 54th episode. Catch out interview with d. clemente here: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/08/22/d-clemente/

Episode 53 has been put together by DJ & producer Adrian Schneider on behalf of Breadmaker Records. Adrian specialises in light and melodic techno which is geared towards getting a dancefloor moving. His mix is an hour of pumping, melodic, house, and techno that is perfect for a big room club.  We also caught up with label owner Mortiz Herrmann to talk about the Breadmaker journey and the logistic of running a record label. Catch the interview over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/07/31/breadmaker/

Episode 52 is coming at you from Leeds based DJ duo Black Market Stereo. It 60 minutes of mid-tempo madness touching funk, soul, hip hop, and chugging disco. Catch our interview with Alex & Rufus over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/06/26/black-market-stereo/

Episode 51 has been put together by Cheshire based DJ & Producer Lempo. Lempo’s released on labels such as strictly rhythm, SupaEarth Records as well as his own label Applique music. Has worked with the likes of Artful Dodger, Marshall Jefferson & Nancy Sinatra and produced remixes for Snoop Dogg, General Levy, and Dawn Penn. I think it goes without saying we’re really excited to have him on the blog. Catch our interview with Lempo over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/05/30/lempo/

As All My Friends reaches its 50th episode milestone blog founder Liam Oliver takes the reins to throw down an hour of club-ready house weapons. Catch the tracklist over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/05/08/half-century-amf/

This week's mix was put together by long time AMF collaborator and all round good geezer Tom2Trax. Tom’s come back on the blog to chat about what he’s been up too since we last spoke. He’s also put together a killer 50 minutes of hip-hop, rap, house, and leftfield oddities. It's a mix definitely made for listening and is the perfect accompaniment to any weekend lazing around the house. Catch our interview with him over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/04/25/tom2trax-spring/

Episode 48 is coming at you from Manchester-based clubbing institution Kiss Me Again. Anton, Matthew & David founded Kiss Me Again three years ago. They started life throwing monthly parties in the basement of Soup Kitchen and have more recently been on Boiler room TV, played at Homobloc and have become a fixture of Manchester’s alternative pride events. Catch AMF's interview with Kiss Me Again on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/04/03/kiss-me-again/

Episode 47 is a mix of breaks, synths, and techno from Manchester and Bristol-based DJ Bradley West. Catch our interview with him here: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/03/20/bradley-west/

Episode 46 has come courtesy of Brazillian born, Berlin-based DJ and label owner Bucci. Carlos Bucci is the co-founder of Konsep records and has worked on several club nights and creative projects in both Brazil and Berlin. Catch our interview with him over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/03/07/bucci/

Episode 45 is a live NYE recording from Indigo Jung which he recorded during his set for Cosmic in Chorlton. Check our interview with him over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/02/21/all-my-friends-ep45-indigo-jung/

Warped resident and techno enthusiast Concierge MCR is leading the charge for episode 44 with a pulsating 50 minutes of techno. Catch our interview with Concierge over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/02/07/concierge-mcr/

Ahead of Sticky Heat's first party at Gorilla with; Lindstrom, Night Giants & Chris Massey. Club night founder Marco Giannini sat down with AMF to record this mix and chat about his inaugural event.  Catch the interview and grab a ticket here: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/01/24/sticky-heat/

Our first mix of the New Year is coming from blog founder Liam Oliver. If you'd like to hear Liam's predictions for 2020 head over to the website to check them out: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2020/01/11/liam-oliver-winter/

Reiss Johnson from Rotation MCR is at the helm for this fortnights mix. Recorded live at one of his Rotation MCR record fairs (more on them in the interview below) it's a thumping two hours of disco lovingly put together on strictly vinyl at Manchester venue Behind Closed Doors. Check out our interview with Reiss over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/11/15/rotation-mcr/

Episode 40 is coming from Reform Radio regular Alex McKenzie. He hosts the Night Athlete show monthly and chatted with AMF about his musical inspirations and the Manchester club scene. Link to our interview here: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/11/03/alex-mckenzie-night-athlete/

Ahead of their party this Friday (18th Oct) at Off The Square. PJ Ford from Bonsai Mcr has put togehter an hour of deep house tunes to get you in the mood. Check our interview with the collective here: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/10/16/bonsai-mcr/

Episode 38 is a layer cake of Sultry synths and italo tipped numbers thanks to Manchester-based DJ and producer Elliott lion. Read AMF's interview with Elliott below over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/10/05/elliott-lion/

Jerk It are back on the blog. They've put this special mix together for us ahead of their first release on their newly christened record label. Find out all about their first release JERKIT001 in our interview with founder Callum: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/09/22/all-my-friends-ep37-jerk-it-the-label-launch-mix/

Episode 36 is coming straight at you from Canada courtesy of Vancouver based DJ, Frig FM radio host, and garden party aficionado Roman Kandle. We caught up with Roman to talk about Vancouver's music scene, garden parties and radio shows. Catch the interview over on the website: https://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/09/08/roman-kandle/

This week’s show is channeling some seriously summery sounds thanks to Surco mainstay Scott Forrest. Read our interview with Surco over on the website:

Episode 34 comes from daytime disco Quartet Supernature Disco. Members B.B, Richie, James & Rob have went b2b2b2b and put together a two hour mix. They’ve each taken a 30 minute slot but its up to you to figure out who’s playing when! Check our interview and get answers to the above over on the website: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/08/10/supernature/

This week’s show is an exploration into electronica from Not bad for a Girl member Kiana. Read our interview with Not Bad For A Girl over on the website: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/07/28/not-bad-for-a-girl/

Episode 32 is a collection of blissed out house beats from the Manchester collective Phonix. You can read our interview with Phonix founders Kings and Johnny over on the website: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/07/13/phonix/

Episode 31 is a foray into some pumping summer sounds from blog founder Liam Oliver. Find out more over on the website: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/06/29/all-my-friends-ep31-liam-oliver-summer/

Episode 30 is the conclusion of our two-part mix series with music and arts collective VAM. Dematchou recorded this performance live in the All My Friends studio using his modular synth. Catch our interview with Dematchou over on the website: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/05/31/all-my-friends-ep30-dematchou-vam-pt-2/

VAM collective founder and DJ Izzy Bolt has put together 90 minutes of Techno, Jungle, Drum and Bass and ambient sounds for episode 29 in the first of a two part mix series from the VAM team. VAM is an arts and music collective based in Manchester and you can find out more about them in our interview with Izzy over on the website: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/05/10/all-my-friends-ep29-izzy-bolts-vam-pt-1/

Episode 28 was put together by Sprechen records founder and Manchester club regular Chris Massey. Chris has spent the past fours years building Sprechen records into the label it is today and he has used this two hour mix to tell the Sprechen story through its releases and influences. You can catch our interview with Chris over on the website: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/04/29/all-my-friends-ep28-massey-sprechen/

Rave ready house and techno from Mixing Mates founder WeeDot, find a warehouse and throw this on! You can find our interview with WeeDot over on the website: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/04/07/all-my-friends-ep27-weedot/ Tracklist: Krankbrother - Disappear Here - [Krankbrother] Editions Haighton - Perfect Potion - [EH003] B.Traits - North Shore - [In.Toto] Jeigo - Pearl Leaf - [Valby Rotary] Unknown Artist - Clouds - [Chikyu-u Records] Moderat - Damage Done (JF Edit) - [Monkeytown Records] Booka Shade - Body Language (Interpretation) - [Get Physical Music] PBR Streetgang -12:32 (Fort Romeau Remix) - [Futureboogie Recordings] Tom Cat - Black Jack (Avalon Emerson Cybernedits Edit) - [Cybernedits] Company B - Fascinated (Jordan Nocturne Edit) - [Nocturne Edits] Klic - Disco Music (Tuff City Kids Acid Mix) - [Home Tapping is Killing Music] Chicane -Saltwater - [Xtravaganza Recordings] Aurora - Queendom (B.Traits Remix) - [Glassnote]

Womxn/nb collective All Hands On Deck are on the platters that matter this episode. Sophie, Rosa, Anna & Ash went b2b2b2b on this mix bringing in sounds from across the musical spectrum. Head over to website to catch their interview: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/03/22/all-my-friends-ep26-all-hands-on-deck/

Ahead of their first birthday at The Bagel Shop, Modern Logic residents Josh & Alex have thrown down a delicious mix of music to get you in the mood for dancing no matter the occasion. Catch our interview with the team over on the website: http://allmyfriendsmcr.com/2019/03/09/all-my-friends-ep25-modern-logic/