01Profile
A Sammy Shonn Photo
Sammy Shonn
Venue Owner — Manchester
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Sammy Shonn, Manchester.
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the words ‘Manchester’ and ‘Music’?
Both words just go together. I just think of all the great bands that have come from Manny.
What part has Manchester played in your own musical journey?
Two memories stand out for me and that had an impact on my love for music and Manchester being a part of that. I remember seeing the video to 'Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before' by The Smiths when I was about 10 (1993) First scene they’re cycling on the road. It’s an iconic junction just before where Manchester City Arena is and where the Snooker Club is. It's completely changed now but I remember what it used to look like. As soon as I saw it I was like I know that junction. I remember being in the car with my mum going past that junction to go to town every weekend. And it hit me. This band is from Manchester and I know this area. It made me feel connected. Strangely it’s always stuck with me. Second time was being 13 at a Barmitzvah party and hearing Oasis for the first time in 1995. Again it was this connection that this amazing band is from my city.
Why do you think Manchester has produced and inspired so many amazing musicians?
Manchester has this thing that you can't explain. It’s a bubble and community. Plus it rains all the time so lyricists and musicians just spend all their time creating. If we had a beach and it was sunny all the time we wouldn’t have what we have.
Tell us about your favourite ever gig in Manchester?
It’s not a gig but was still a Manchester institution for music. Going to Sankeys for the first time. I Will never forget that feeling.
How important do you think the Northern Quarter is in terms of Manchester’s musical scene?
So important. I started working in NQ in 2005. It's been the heart of creativity and community even before then. NQ is special. All the old warehouses, New York-style fire escapes, it's got a New York feel, completely different to any part of town. We’re lucky to have it. It breeds creativity.
Where’s the best place to discover new music in the NQ?
Band On The Wall. Don’t need to say anything else.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'I Got 5 On It' by Luniz.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'For An Angel' by Paul van Dyke.
One record you would keep forever?
'Glue' by Bicep.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Stone, glass, concrete and gravel / All we've got to keep us together."
From 'The Man's Machine' by Jamie T.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Passion' by The Flirts.
A song you wished you had written?
'Live Forever' by Oasis.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Tell It To My Heart' by Taylor Dayne.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Dancing On My Own' by Robyn.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Set You Free' by N-Trance.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Lucky' by Cameo Blush.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Sammy Shonn, Manchester.
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the words ‘Manchester’ and ‘Music’?
Both words just go together. I just think of all the great bands that have come from Manny.
What part has Manchester played in your own musical journey?
Two memories stand out for me and that had an impact on my love for music and Manchester being a part of that. I remember seeing the video to 'Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before' by The Smiths when I was about 10 (1993) First scene they’re cycling on the road. It’s an iconic junction just before where Manchester City Arena is and where the Snooker Club is. It's completely changed now but I remember what it used to look like. As soon as I saw it I was like I know that junction. I remember being in the car with my mum going past that junction to go to town every weekend. And it hit me. This band is from Manchester and I know this area. It made me feel connected. Strangely it’s always stuck with me. Second time was being 13 at a Barmitzvah party and hearing Oasis for the first time in 1995. Again it was this connection that this amazing band is from my city.
Why do you think Manchester has produced and inspired so many amazing musicians?
Manchester has this thing that you can't explain. It’s a bubble and community. Plus it rains all the time so lyricists and musicians just spend all their time creating. If we had a beach and it was sunny all the time we wouldn’t have what we have.
Tell us about your favourite ever gig in Manchester?
It’s not a gig but was still a Manchester institution for music. Going to Sankeys for the first time. I Will never forget that feeling.
How important do you think the Northern Quarter is in terms of Manchester’s musical scene?
So important. I started working in NQ in 2005. It's been the heart of creativity and community even before then. NQ is special. All the old warehouses, New York-style fire escapes, it's got a New York feel, completely different to any part of town. We’re lucky to have it. It breeds creativity.
Where’s the best place to discover new music in the NQ?
Band On The Wall. Don’t need to say anything else.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'I Got 5 On It' by Luniz.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'For An Angel' by Paul van Dyke.
One record you would keep forever?
'Glue' by Bicep.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Stone, glass, concrete and gravel / All we've got to keep us together."
From 'The Man's Machine' by Jamie T.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Passion' by The Flirts.
A song you wished you had written?
'Live Forever' by Oasis.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Tell It To My Heart' by Taylor Dayne.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Dancing On My Own' by Robyn.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Set You Free' by N-Trance.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Lucky' by Cameo Blush.