Manchester’s musical credentials require no introduction. So I won’t do one.

Manchester’s history for providing a media platform for the musical great and good requires no introduction (alright, just a quick one – let’s bow down to Granada’s And So It Goes, hosted by our lord and saviour, one Anthony H Wilson – because…Tony Wilson).

And so there it went and here we are.

If you’re a Manc, a mancophile, an honorary manc or are indifferent and just love good music, this one’s for you.

StreamGM presents Manchester: Unplugged, a new documentary series uncovering the stories behind the city’s songs.

Each 10-minute episode follows the journey of one song born in the region, from the spark of an idea to the process of writing, recording, release and impact.

Filmed in a cinematic style across iconic and grassroots local venues, rehearsal rooms, pubs and creative spaces, this exciting show blends stripped-back performances with intimate, first-hand reflections from the artists.

With a focus on both the city’s rising stars and its more established names, Manchester: Unplugged captures the energy of the city’s diverse and ever evolving scene, while staying rooted in its heritage.

Available to stream Thursday 4 September at 7pm, the first episode features indie band, The Covasettes, and new song, Such A Dream. Seven years since their debut gig to 50 people at (the now closed) Zombie Shack, New Wakefield Street, we hear from lead singer, Chris Buxton, as he reflects on where they’ve been and where they’ve arrived – namely a sell-out gig at New Century Hall, Noma.

With filming locations for this first episode at both here and The Bay Horse, Northern Quarter, we’re taken on a figurative and literal journey though Manchester, the working dynamic between band members, and a breakdown of Such A Dream, musically and lyrically, with an acoustic performance showcasing both.

And from someone whose history of mishearing lyrics is frankly long and ludicrous, the dancing, rhythmic graphics that accompany some of the most noted of the lyrics is appreciated on both an aesthetic and informative level.

Of standing under the spotlight that is the first to be focused on in the debut episode of a brand new series, The Covasettes’ Buxton says…

“Being the first band to feature on Manchester:Unplugged was a huge honour. 

Performing Such a Dream in an intimate acoustic setting at the stunning New Century Hall was really special. The series is a wonderful opportunity for artists to showcase their music and provides a glimpse into the creative process of songwriting. 

If you’re into discovering the real heartbeat of Manchester’s music scene, this is a series you won’t want to miss.”

This pampered princess had the privilege of a sneak preview and loved it.

As a documentary short, the pace is perfectly pitched, with a balanced blend of the autobiographical as we’re given a first hand history of the band; the geographical in the city’s locations which have played host to both creative process and performance, and the musical as we look through a window into the craft of composition and lyricism.

The result is a multi-layered, rich insight into a song, its creators, their experience and their inspiration that brought them to this moment – a beautiful acoustic performance.

Developed from an original idea and concept by Producer, Laura Graham, Laura says…

Manchester: Unplugged is about more than music,  it’s about memory, place, and the moment and reason why a song was brought to life.

Each episode is a personal narrative by the songwriter. At its core, it’s about meaning and connection: between artist and audience, song and place, past and present.”

With the second episode, streaming 25 September, set to feature iconic house pioneers K-Klass, and the story behind seminal 1991 track Rhythm is a Mystery, filmed at The Freemount (formerly Dry Bar – legendary Factory Records venue , Manchester: Unplugged looks set to cross genres and decades as it takes the coveted baton and contributes a brand new chapter to the infinite almanac that is Greater Manchester and its music.

The first episode of Manchester: Unplugged is available to stream from 7pm tonight, Thursday 4 September.

With further episodes released in October, subscribe to StreamGM’s Youtube.

More details can be found at StreamGM: Dedicated to Manchester’s Music, Nightlife & Culture.

The single Such a Dream, from The Covasettes, features on their debut album Honeymoon Forever (LAB Records, April 2026).