Now Wave 2014 Spotify playlist

Image: Chet Faker

For decades, Manchester has continually been acquainted with it's thriving music scene, from the Hacienda glory days when acid house was rife to it's battalion of brit pop bands that London never had (and secretly envied), musically there has always been something going on in Manchester.

Reverting to the present day, few cities in the UK rival it's burgeoning electronic music scene, where ravers from every crevice of the country and beyond flock to each weekend to get in on the action. However, for a handful of years now, Now Wave have firmly embedded themselves on the music map as one of the leading figureheads in the country, in promoting independent live music.

Their goal, which they have undoubtedly conquered to a significant degree, is to provide a platform for up and coming cutting edge acts from a plethora of genres that push boundaries in a forward thinking mindset. Not only that, but they come to showcase for firmly established artist that fit the same mould, Alt-J, Jungle and a recent SBTRKT gig (review here) come to mind.

Coming off the back of a monumental summer for the brand, setting up shop at the likes of Beacons and Parklife festival, Now Wave return to their spiritual home in Manchester's cultured Northern Quarter, to Deaf Institute where it all started with a stellar programme of acts to see us through the autumnal and winter months, although in recent years they've expanded beyond that to notorious Manchester haunts The Ritz, Albert Hall and many others. 

If you're not yet familiar with Now Wave however, or you're chomping at the bit to get in on the action,  we've bottled up the whole ethos they carry in a Spotify playlist, showcasing artists due to play in the coming months and artists who've already provided notable highlights in 2014.

There's the likes of  'Possessed' from the incredible live Leeds' punk band Eagulls who play Sound Control on Saturday 1st November, soul sensations Jungle arriving at The Ritz Friday 24th October singing 'Time' and Chet Faker landing at The Ritz on Friday 21st November performing his ground breaking smash 'Talk Is Cheap'.

To find out more info, join the Now Wave group.

Fancy a pre gig meal? Check out our Manchester Restaurants section.