Sounds From A Vibrant North West Music Scene Today

Christie Hutchinson | 18th March 2016

12801250_10153942048699663_2296180249234535166_n copyWhat? Taste Masters 5 Album Part Launch

When? 18th March 2016

Where? Factory 251, Manchester

How much? £5-£10, buy tickets via Skiddle 

“Taste Masters 5” is a new compilation album due out on 21 March from “The Laboratory Project” music org, a project put together by former Ministry of Sound Operations Director Tony Rigg.

Rigg says; “Whilst the key institutions of the British music industry may be based largely in London it doesn’t mean that London has the monopoly when it comes to British music talent. The North West of England has an immense musical legacy, and having just spent the last few months putting this compilation together, it is absolutely clear that it has a great future ahead.”

Taste Masters 5 features 19 tracks from 19 different bands, artists and ensembles based in Manchester and the surrounding areas. It offers an eclectic mix of music across a broad spectrum of genres and styles, from indie rock to ambient electronica and many things in between. Hence this album a good place to discover things that are happening in the North West Music scene right now, and maybe even encounter some of its future stars for the first time.

The album features talented new faces, contemporary artists on the rise, and some of the region’s time served, respected practitioners, bringing together old guard with the new.

One of the bands on the album enjoying a sharp rise in popularity is LevelZ. LevelZ is what happens when fourteen of the North West’s most talented and accomplished MCs, DJs, producers and promoters come together.  Manager Rich Reason describes them as “Wu-Tang meets the Happy Mondays” and without a doubt this musical powerhouse is destined for great things.

Also featured on the album is Massonix, a Graham Massey alias. Massey has been pushing the boundaries of music for decades. Since arriving at the forefront of popular music with 808 State in the 80s, he has amassed an important body of work along with many musical associations that include Bjork, Bowie, Eno, Goldfrapp, SMD, YMO, Quincy Jones, etc.

Taste Masters 5 also features Aziz Ibrahim’s latest project Fret Sector.  Aziz is one of the UKs most respected guitarists having collaborated with many a celebrated artist including music icon Ian Brown on his solo projects, as well as playing with the Stone Roses.

The album also sees 90s cult band, rap rock pioneers ‘Dust Junkys’ return to the studio for the first time in 18 years, as well as a new recording of a vintage track from first generation punk band Salford Jets.

Newer faces receiving positive attention include Elizabeth Vince, who vocally invites comparison with Kate Bush. Also featured are Death to the Strange, who have been garnering recognition from music fans as well as acknowledgement from the likes of music legend Peter Hook who they recently played a show with.

Rigg commented; “Recent years have been challenging for the recording industry. Many of the bigger institutions have adopted a cautious approach, favouring artists and strategies that present lower risk. This means a lot of new interesting acts can remain wrongly un-championed and unsupported. Taste Masters isn’t about money, it’s about great art. It does feature engaging music but it also challenges the conventions of mainstream pop.”

The compilation will be available via download and to stream on all good digital music stores on Monday 21st March 2016.

The release of the album will be marked with an official pre-launch party on Friday 18 March at the iconic Factory251 venue in Manchester, which was formerly the Factory Records HQ. It will include performances from six of the album’s featured artists.

With a plethora of familiar faces and the host of promising newcomers from the North West, Taste Masters 5 offers an interesting and diverse journey of musical discovery for real music fans.

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