Manchester Artists You Should Be Listening To

February 12, 2023

Written by Callum Martinez.

From Techno to Rap, and everything in between, check out some of the best talent that we have found in the Manchester area.


Rainy Miller

Preston native and Fixed Abode label boss Rainy Miller is one of the most unique and versatile artists to come from the Manchester area in decades. His music is hard to define when attempting to categorize it through the lens of traditional genres. Although the roots of Hip-Hop & R&B can be heard in the tone of several of his tracks, it would be better to think of Rainy Miller’s art as a fluid mixture of styles and sounds which is the most interesting aspect of his music.

Taking inspiration from his surroundings and experiences in Preston, Rainy Miller uses a cacophony of tones, textures, styles, and sounds as he commentates on the nuances of Prestionian life.

Clemency

Mutualism co-founder Clemency is another artist who takes our understanding of tried and tested genres and flips it on its head. Her unique take on electronic dance music is at times – ironically – a merciless reconfiguration of the genre’s core aesthetic.  

The playful architecture of Clemency’s sound is the best part of her music, which adds noise and dub elements together with chugging, swung percussion, and ear catching sound design. Clemency’s unique approach to music production and DJing constantly challenges the idea of what club music can and should be.

Clemency · Testimony

Twelve Seven

01366 co-founder Leighton Grantham, aka Twelve Seven’s brutal, fast-paced, high energy brand of Techno is carrying the young DJ to some of the most reputable clubs in and outside of the country. Last year saw him perform at M7 in Barcelona, as well London’s beloved FOLD, and The White Hotel here in Manchester to name a few.

Tweleve Seven has already had few gigs this year and has another to be announced in the capital. If you’re a fan of energetic Techno raves, this artist is a must see.

Twelve Seven · UNFOLD XLI | Twelve Seven

Aiden Francis

Aiden Francis has seen an almost meteoric rise in the last few years. His infectious sound fusion of euro-trance, techno, and break beats create a concocting blend of four to the floor euphoria that’s impossible to not dance to.

Aiden has released on prominent labels such as Duality Trax, Gestalt, Houseum to name a few, as well a being featured on lineups with the likes of D.Tiffany and Eris Drew. It’s safe to that with becoming one of the biggest draws to come from the rainy city. Aidens Francis’ addictive style has helped him become one of the hottest draws coming out of Manchester and he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

Bolting Bits · Aiden Francis – Eternal Trance

Robin Knightz

Up and coming rising rapper and vocalist Robin Knightz has made waves over the last few years and is without a doubt one for the strongest representatives of the northern rap scene. Signed to Sony’s 5K Records, Knightz story is as impressive as her music. As a child Robin lost her hearing for a few years which ultimately affected her speech. After an operation on her hearing, she became infatuated with sound which has led her down this path.

Constantly determined to showcase her skill to the fullest as she effortlessly drifts between silky smooth R&B pop to lyrically complex rap with ease, Robin Knightz’ discography shows she is anything but a one-trick pony.


Follow the artists featured in list this here:

Rainy Miller

Clemency

Twelve Seven

Aiden Francis

Robin Knightz