Croakheads North: an Interview with Alfs

Q: What does the scene mean to you personally?

I’m not originally from the North, I moved to Manchester from London in early 2020, just before lockdown, and ended up staying because I fell in love with the city and the scene. There’s a real sense of movement here. It feels properly alive. There’s so much talent coming through and people genuinely back each other.

What I really love here is the openness. Manchester feels ahead of a lot of cities in terms of inclusivity, even though there’s always more work to do. The scene here feels like it belongs to the people in it.

Q: Which Northern grassroots venue shaped you the most, and why?

For me, it's Off the Square in Manchester. I’m biased because I launched my album there! But it's a great venue for so many reasons, right in the city centre, hosts such a mix of grassroots nights, happy to work with new promoters. Everything you want. Plus I love that they host bands earlier on and DJ-led events later. It’s not just us DnB / 140 heads who need open venues and places to come together! 

Q: What’s the biggest challenge facing grassroots venues in your area right now?

The same pressures everyone’s facing. Cost of living goes up, free cash goes down, and nightlife is always one of the first things to suffer. Independent venues especially are being squeezed from all angles. 

In Manchester we also deal with bigger promoters enforcing non-compete contracts, and the usual industry politics. Grassroots music has always had to fight for space though. That’s nothing new. The difference here is people care. They’ll actually show up and fight to keep nights alive, and that's something I'm mad proud to be part of.

Q: What gives you hope for the future of Northern nightlife?

The people. Always the people. Manchester ain't a city that rolls over! If a new night starts round here, people give it a chance. There’s real hunger here from up and coming artists and promoters too, and a belief in building something of your own. As long as that energy exists, the scene will keep growing.