There’s a workshop happening where you make tunes using 1980s toys like Pac-Man and Skalextric
- Written by Georgina Pellant
- Last updated 5 years ago
- City of Manchester, Events, Music
The Manchester music studios that recorded hits from The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays is hosting a music workshop where you can make tunes using toys from the 1980s.
Working with everyday ’80s memorabilia like Pac-Man 2 handheld consoles, Skalextric, Grandstand Scramble and Tomy Alien Chase, guests can capture, create and manipulate each item’s unique sounds to make their own music.
Music-makers will be able to come together to create something a little bit different – using an electro-acoustic sound-making Koma Elektronik Field Kit, contact microphones, pick-up coils, wires and random homemade instruments to curate abstract sounds and sequences.
Those looking to go super abstract can also opt to play around with radio waves and mobile phones, too.
The sound capture workshop will be held at Fred Aldous in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on Saturday 18th April and is the first of series events planned to mark Spirit Studio’s 40th birthday this year.
First founded in 1980 in Ardwick, it lays claim to the title of first audio engineering and music production school in the UK. It houses ten
Some well-known tracks recorded, mixed or produced there over the years include The Stone Roses’ Sally Cinnamon, 808 State‘s Ninety and Carmel’s More, More, More.
“Having helped household names including The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, Spirit Studios has helped to produce some of the best of British music and is very much a part of Manchester’s heritage,” says Adrian Greensides, CEO of Spirit Studios.
“Leading where others have followed, Spirit Studios continues to identify today’s up and coming bands and artists.
“Our 40th anniversary year is an exciting one as we are encouraging people from across the city to get creative and make their own sounds, starting things off with the Sound Capture Workshop.”
The event takes place Saturday 18th April from 12pm-3pm at Fred Aldous on Lever Street, and tickets cost £20 per person.
- This article was last updated 5 years ago.
- It was first published on 11 March 2020 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]
Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here.
Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!
Got a story worth sharing?
What’s the story? We are all ears when it comes to positive news and inspiring stories. You can send story ideas to [email protected]
An email you’ll love. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news stories delivered direct to your inbox.
Comedian spearheads campaign for a statue of beloved comic Caroline Aherne
From Altrincham to the Somme: WW1 officer’s poignant sketches to go on display as part of Remembrance Exhibition
Work begins on ‘pioneering’ housing village for the homeless
Escape to the Aegean this Winter with chef Zisis Giannouras at Fenix
How a passionate arts team is documenting Manchester’s history of LGBTQ+ protest
