Located in the heart of Manchester – home to a host of the music world’s most influential movements – The Warehouse Project is the golden egg event for all good electronic artists.
The brainchild of good time fanatics Kirsty Smith, Sacha Lord Marchionne and Sam Kandel, the Warehouse Project was founded to pump some life into the clubland-scapes of Manchester. Blowing up massively within the five years since the project’s opening event, WHP prides itself on creating and bringing togther networks of people from all walks of life. Evolving from one-off events to regular residencies held at the city’s most reputable venues, the project has headlined the likes of M.I.A, Jamie XX, Aphex Twin and Delphic.
Aiming big, the event organisers and resident DJs aspire to expand the urban rave to new territories and bring in larger crowds. Primarily focused on promoting what they do to those who don’t yet know, the trio remain Manchunian-centric, not interested in relocating to the country’s capital, as so many other successful eventers have gone on to do. Organising communal space for everyone to get down and experience a whole range of new music, the project creates a platform for fresh talent and like-minded people. The Warehouse Project is the party, enterprise and experience that takes night-life to a whole new level.
i-D Online joined the party, chatting to Kirsty, Sacha and Sam to find out why Manchester is where it’s at, right now.
What made you remain in Manchester as opposed to relocating to London like many of the other bigger venues? We are all Mancunians, proud of it, and have amazing relationships with the authorities here and know the ground well. The Warehouse Project team is a network of people, from the street team to the production team, it’s really a sum of its parts. Manchester is our home.
What complications and obstructions to development have you come up against whilst developing the project? It’s no easy task putting on what is effectively a rave in a city centre that’s for sure! We’ve learned a lot along the way, but now we’ve gained the trust of those around us it’s become easier. Each new venture, each new year and each new venue is like starting from scratch really but that’s the exciting bit. The key for us is that the WHP crowd really want it, and show with their feet, while we have that behind us we’ll always find a way to open those doors!
What have been some of the most memorable nights you have previously hosted? Many! Aphex Twin 2007 with gurners was a stand out, as was M.I.A this year… Our Ape nights are amazing and the Minus events are always a massive highlight.
Who are your resident DJ’s and why did you choose these musicians specifically?
Krysko – part of the team from years back where we all met at Sankeys, knows WHP so well.
Andro – slightly more experimental, natural fit to the more underground WHP nights.
Greg Lord – great all round DJ, we can put him on with any headliners and he is generally the LAST to leave every night!
What plans for expansion do you have? We are always moving forward, but you can’t just put on a WHP anywhere, there are so many elements that have to be just right… if something comes along and fits all of those points then who knows.
What Manchester based bands and artists do you think will be making it big this year?
Wu Lyf – mega! Everything everything.. fab.
What are the top 5 nights in Manchester you would recommend?
Now Wave – fresh promoters.
Juicy – Joshua Brooks
Ape – at the Apollo out of WHP season.
Naïve Melody – tiny venue, mental atmosphere.
Drop the Mustard – do some great events.
The Warehouse Project return for just four parties over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend with sets from 2manydjs, Skream, Laurent Garnier and Steve Angello plus many more
Listen to resident DJ Andro’s exclusive playlist here
Click here to see more from our i-DJ series.
