We’re celebrating No Such Thing Records’ residency with an Emerging Showcase takeover on November 22!
The Met were delighted to welcome Manchester’s independent record label No Such Thing Records as artist residents these last couple of months.
Here at The Met, we understand that the creative process is as much about exploration and self-discovery as it is about skill and technique. We acknowledge that artist residencies offer a unique opportunity for artists to step away from the demands of everyday life and immerse themselves in an environment where creativity can flourish.
As artists themselves, label co-founders Danni and Ruby understand how imperative access to a safe and welcoming creative space is for artists.
“We are Dirty Freud and Ruby Tingle, co-founders and managers of No Such Thing Records! As artists ourselves who’ve never quite fit the mould, we know it’s not easy to get ahead in music when you don’t fit into a box. That’s why we decided to launch a label where artists from under represented groups had room to shine. We pride ourselves on harnessing and spotlighting creativity in the North of the UK and are committed to championing diversity across the region. We’re not just another record label, we are driven by collaboration and a passion for fusing visual arts with music, giving Northern artists more opportunity, freedom and chance to grow a community. We’re here to empower our artists and give them back creative control.”
From September, each of the four artists on No Such Thing Records roster spent a week calling The Met home, where they were free to write, rehearse, collaborate, reflect, and record. Here’s some of the things they got up to.
Ruby Tingle spent her week writing new material and visuals, visiting and taking influence from artwork and pieces at Bury Art Gallery.
Ruby spent a day with our very own Lee and Al from Two Crows Arts Studio, creating brand new stage installation pieces for her live set. Collaboration further flourished as Ruby joined Two Crows as their ‘Pen! Paper! Pose!’ costume drawing session artist.
A day was spent in the “magical, cleansing and very cold water!” at Burrs Country Park with photographer Kinrar, shooting press photos for Ruby’s brand new single ‘Here To Nest’, which will release Nov 20.
In his week with us, Dirty Freud finished co-composing the new opera Link In My Bio (debuting in Luxembourg 7/8 Dec) and rehearsed his live set ready for the huge stage of Womex Opening Ceremony at Bridgewater Hall. Crucially, Danni spent the rest of his time with us finishing the mix of his debut album which is due for release in 2025.
Culture Awards’ Manchester Young Creative of The Year winner BITEZ made the most of the space and time her residency gave her –
“It was amazing to have some time writing with no distractions. Had a chance to record some music with Dan [Recording Studio Manager] and our creative chemistry was amazing. I also adored his process. Sophie [Programme Manager, The Met] has been super helpful and this time at The Met helped me break out of a creative slump. I also wrote three songs, very grateful to No Such Thing and The Met.”
BITEZ’ visuals for their latest single ‘Put Me In A Trance’ were recorded right here at The Met, by The Met’s very own A/V team.
All other artists (including Lavender Rodriguez) were similarly supported with a full day of A/V technical support, recording and filming visuals to create content to use at their disposal. Keep your eyes peeled..!
Further supported by Help Musicians, IORA was able to bring her whole team in to share space and collaborate. [The time was spent] “making something new, playing around with ideas and having some fun creating music with @jendrums @lavonthebass @hannahashcroft @phillyrhythm”.
We’re incredibly excited to be wrapping up this first-of-its-kind project here at The Met with what we all love most – a live show! No Such Thing Records will take-over our monthly Emerging Showcase event on Friday 22 November, where each artist will be performing new material, created and developed right here during their residencies.
You can support this project and its artists by picking up a ticket and coming down to see the show: https://themet.org.uk/event/emerging-no-such-thing-records/
Special thanks to Brighter Sound for very kindly lending us much needed backline throughout the project.
This project was funded and managed by The Met, and we would love to continue providing residency opportunities for more Bury and Greater Manchester based talent. If you are interested in hearing about how can you help us support such projects, please contact sophie.cade@themet.org.uk.
