A music fan’s guide to Manchester with NTS’s Finn, ahead of Johnnie Walker‘s Keep Walking Live event series

Finn McCorry‘s formative party days were spent at the University of Hull, both going out locally – he was a member of the DJ society, the president of which was I. JORDAN at the time – and in Manchester.

Since then, the Derbyshire-born DJ’s path has been shaped as much by making lasting connections within the city as by his finely-honed taste. After helping to establish NTS Radio’s Manchester studio in his early twenties, he’s remained a much-loved resident ever since, most notably with his monthly Sunday Club broadcasts, which offer a clear window into his deep knowledge of garage, house and beyond. Outside the studio, he splits his time between the legendary record store Boomkat, and programming and promoting his own club nights.

This month, McCorry will take part in the NTS x Johnnie Walker event Keep Walking Live: Manchester – a three-day takeover taking place from 13–15 March, celebrating pioneering music movements across the city. He’s set to play on Friday 13 at Northern Quarter staple SOUP as part of a line-up that includes Manchester’s own Anz alongside emerging talents KD22LR and Tyronwithnoe.

What sounds are you gravitating towards most at the moment? Is there anything you’re rediscovering or finding yourself drawn back to?

I’ve built a pretty big chunk of my life around US and UK garage, but I’ve found myself listening to quite a lot of old Dance Mania and Chicago ghetto house records recently, too.

Which Manchester-based artists are you currently listening to?

I really enjoyed a Kwaito mix by Kusasa recently, which went out on CROP Radio last year. Keen to see her DJ live soon. And Rat Heart’s (Don’t) Say My Name was probably the best track released in the UK last year.

What does the energy feel like in the city right now?

I think the energy of the city is changing quite quickly at the moment. But I think there are still a lot of people in Manchester who really get their head into things, and who maybe don’t care much about anything outside of the work they’re doing. Crucially, there’s still a network of shops, venues, clubs, and people who can get behind that.

Which new music space excites you most?

I’m quite keen to hear the sound system at the new small upstairs space they’re opening at Renae. Small capacity, city centre – nice.

Who runs the best club night in Manchester?

It’s funny you should ask – I have the best club night in Manchester. Sunday Club, my summer garage day party at The White Hotel.

Can you recommend an underrated venue?

Peer Hat is always good fun on a night out, but you can have a really top time in the bar or the basement.

Where’s the best place for watching rising bands?

There are so many grassroots venues in Manchester for catching good buzzy bands, you really are not short of choice. Take your pick from the Northern Quarter, in my opinion.

What legacy venue should people visit at least once?

Band On The Wall is a good venue for live music. The sound is amazing. I’ve seen some really good stuff there recently. Brìghde Chaimbeul in September was a highlight.

 

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Do you have a favourite record shop?

Kingbee Records in Chorlton is my favourite record shop for a mooch about, but Boomkat is still the best for new music.

Where do you go to watch a film?

I really like a spot called Cultplex in Cheetham Hill. It’s an underground, DIY cinema programmed by nerds just like me, I assume. I went to see The Exorcist there last Halloween. There’s really not much better.

To get food?

Everyone should experience a nihari from Kabana in the Northern Quarter, or the one in Cheetham Hill on a Sunday. I’m also a big fan of Que Huong Viet at the moment.

And post-night out food?

Chilli’s still offers the single best takeaway meal in the city right now – get the peri peri wings meal, which includes six wings in peri sauce, chips, salad and garlic sauce. It’s important that you try this if you get the opportunity.

What’s your favourite bit of Manchester music lore?

Thin Lizzy’s The Boys Are Back In Town was written about a pub and hotel in Whalley Range/Chorlton, which was run by Phil Lynott’s mum. Blessed to live so close to the birthplace of a song like that.

And finally, if we had just 24 hours in Manchester, where would you send us?

Breakfast at Koffee Pot, lunch at This & That, dinner at Que Huong Viet, then eight-ten hours at The White Hotel.