Gina Breeze

Name, where are you from?
Gina Breeze, Manchester.

Talk us through your own musical journey…
My musical journey started as a resident DJ for SpeedQueen in Leeds. I knew I wanted to make my own music, but had no idea how. I started making mashups and edits, and got stuck into learning Logic and all its capabilities. I had my first proper release in 2015 with NYC based Get Up Recordings. By this time I was living in Manchester, playing for HomoElectric and really found my feet as an artist. Probably my most successful release to date was with Luke Solomon / Derrick Carter’s Classic Music Company.

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the words ‘Manchester’ and ‘Music’?
When I hear the word ‘Manchester’, I immediately associate this with music, the vibe. I have always loved this city, even before I came to live here 10 years ago. There’s an undeniable feeling in Manchester, the people are warm, there’s a real community and hard-working spirit, a togetherness and a passion for life! All this is centred around a love for music, art and pushing the creative boundaries.

Why do you think Manchester has produced and inspired so many amazing musicians?
I think Manchester as a city is the perfect place for musicians to get inspired and create amazing music. The history of the city and the music scene lives on, a mixture of big music venues and real backstreet gems like Hidden, The White Hotel. Such a diverse environment, it feeds the creativity!

Tell us about your favourite ever gig in Manchester?
I think my favourite ever gig in Manchester would have to be playing at the first HomoBloc in 2019. Mayfield Depot is such an impressive venue. I loved playing at The Concourse, that was one of my favourite stages because you’re kind of at eye level with the crowd. It almost feels like a club, but you’re still in a huge warehouse. The build-up to HomoBloc was unreal, genuine excitement. There was definitely something in the air that day. You had to be there. I played the warm-up set with Will Tramp, we set the scene for what went on to be a big rainbow LGBTQ+ mark in Manchester clubbing history. 10,000 colourful souls under one roof. Celebrating all that is queer, passionate and real in Manchester. Such a huge, diverse lineup. That event will be remembered forever. Can’t wait for the next one!

How important do you think the Northern Quarter is in terms of Manchester’s musical scene?
I feel the NQ is a melting pot of so many different styles and genres. NQ plays a big part in loads of different music scenes. It is packed with top-class record shops and some of the best music venues. I feel Stevenson Square is such a cool hangout, whether that’s at Eastern Bloc, Soup Kitchen. Such a great vibe in summer, record shopping and a few beers sat outside. You have so many different options, Matt & Phreds for your Jazz, Funk & Soul, Band on The Wall have some class lineups. You also have Jimmy’s for all your band/indie needs. I’ve seen a few up and coming bands downstairs there that were really good. Eastern Bloc put on some great parties before all this madness too.

Where’s the best place to discover new music in the NQ?
You have the obvious, Piccadilly Records, Eastern Bloc, Vinyl Exchange, picked up a few bargain basement jams in Clampdown Records too. You really are spoilt for choice in NQ. Aside from record shopping though, I think you have a chance of seeing some of the best DJs in NQ on the weekends. Cottonopolis have the best of the local scene on the regular. You also have Ducie Street Warehouse which is a super slick venue playing laid back vibes. This is just outside NQ but I have to mention the mighty Freight Island. Try and beat that place for atmosphere and top quality music. Mixture of DJ’s and live acts with a heavy local talent rotation.

instagram.com/ginabreeze