A guest post from friend of AMF, Arif True. The article share details of Arif upcoming night, Senses, happening on the 22nd of June at Islington Mill.
As summer unfurls its bright canopy over Manchester, the indie electronic scene is not just
simmering—it’s positively alight. At the heart of this vibrant escalation is Bleep, an open
mic electronic night that has become a fulcrum of musical innovation. This weekend,
Bleep is set to ascend to new heights by appearing at SENSES hosted in the city’s
cherished community-run art studio space, ISLINGTON MILL, known for its fierce
independence and creative spirit.
Bleep will be side by side with FLUFF, who will be hosting Mirage Bar in Islington Mill. Manchester’s beloved queer DIY electronic event, weaving together a tapestry of sounds
and souls. This alliance heralds a summer of pulsating beats and inclusive vibes,
reinforcing Manchester’s reputation as a cradle for cutting-edge musical innovation.
Fluff, a standout queer electronic music night held at Fuel Café in Manchester, has quickly
become a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community. Led by experimental artists Norrisette and
Industries, Fluff provides a unique platform for queer electronic artists to showcase their
talents. The event’s distinctive, inclusive vibe has garnered significant attention, leading to
sponsorship from Factory Sounds and the establishment of a Fluff stage at the Sounds of
the City Festival 2023, further cementing its role in enriching Manchester’s cultural
landscape.
SENSES will not only feature Bleep but also an array of incredible visual artists from
Afflecks with a ‘Sensory’ touch. SENSES, a project by Indigo Jung and Studio Ende, is a
dive into the psychology of sound and visual.
“Alongside the community aspect of SENSES bringing independent electronic artists
from many disciplines together, our idea was to create a space that is comfortable and
inviting for everyone that sits between a club night and an art exhibition. What it all boils
down to is – you attend club nights for an experience whether it’s a social aspect or
sensory experience with sound and movement – similarly, you have this feeling on a
smaller scale in an art gallery with a more comfortable atmosphere. Senses aims to be a
place where you can enjoy the wonders of independent local creative practice to its
fullest extent.” – Indigo Jung.
As the summer solstice approaches, bringing with it the longest day of the year,
Manchester’s indie electronic scene is set for a significant showcase at Islington Mill. This
event, SENSES, builds on the foundations laid by initiatives like Bleep, which was first
highlighted as a beacon of innovation in Manchester’s electronic music landscape. Now,
in collaboration with Fluff, SENSES aims to push the boundaries further by integrating
visual arts and exploring the psychological impact of sound and communal spaces.
This evolution from purely musical gatherings to multidisciplinary events reflects the
broader cultural growth within the city. It underscores how Manchester, known for its rich
musical heritage, continues to nurture its grassroots movements even as they evolve into
more complex forms. SENSES, taking place during the peak of summer, not only
celebrates the city’s artistic diversity but also revisits the core themes of community and
renewal that have been pivotal in Manchester’s post-pandemic cultural resurgence.
By tying in the transformative energy of the summer solstice with the dynamic interplay of
light, sound, and community, SENSES represents a full circle moment for Manchester’s
indie electronic scene. It is an embodiment of the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering
creative spaces where artists can collaborate and innovate. As such, it provides a
compelling narrative about how Manchester retains its edge as a hub for cutting-edge
musical and artistic expression.
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