Welcome back to the latest edition of our ever growing City Guide series, where our favorite artists take us on a tour of the cities and places they call home. This time, we are joined by rising trio Mason Collective, as they take us through one of electronic music's oldest and most cherished scenes: Manchester. Home to the infamous Hacienda night club, Madchester has as rich of a history as Chicago or Detroit. 

Words by Mason Collective

Where can you find the best clubs / late night venues in town?

It’s a difficult time for venues in Manchester at the moment, there have been a few closures but there are still a lot of sick venues and spots around. Joshua Brooks is one, intimate basement venue with a serious void sound system.

Brunches are a weekend staple, which spots stand out to you? 

There’s a lot of choice for food spots in the Northern Quarter. Our favorite is probably Solita.

Best dirty late-night street food option?

Have to say Al-Madina on the curry mile (Wilmslow Road). It even made the title of one of our tracks on Roush, "Pre-Almads." Archie’s is always a good call as well.

Where can we shop for records and music memorabilia in Manchester? 

Piccadilly Records is one of the best places to grab a new release. It’s probably the most well-known record shop in Manchester. Eastern Bloc is a good shout also, they regularly host in-store sets from local talent to heavyweights like Seth Troxler.

Something everyone should do when visiting Manchester, but probably hasn’t?

If you’re around during the season (Sep-Dec) then it’s always worth checking out The Warehouse Project. They always deliver with lineups, production etc. The Store St venue is closed now but I’m sure they’ll have something crazy planned for the next season.

A track that reminds you of your childhood in the city?

A lot of the late 90s / early noughties dance and garage used to get played on pirate radio in Manchester when we were kids, and a lot of those old classics remind us of that. One that stands out is Roy Davis Jr. "Gabriel."

What are other great exports that come from Manchester?

There’s always been a strong creative scene in Manchester but over the past few years it’s really gone up a level, not just in music but art, fashion etc. Our boys at Gramm are really doing their thing at the moment. We have another collab pending this summer so watch out for that.

Mason Collective's new Born in B Town EP is out on Desolat Records. Check it out below, and be sure to grab your own copy.