Behind the Madchester music scene with Lisa Devoy
Lisa Devoy reveals what the future holds for the iconic Manchester label, Madchester, and shares what it’s really like to work with music legends.
As the social media star of madchester.com and radio host at Madchester Radio, Lisa Devoy lives and breathes one of our most iconic influential music eras.
Previously hosting Madchester gigs at Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Trafford, she reveals plans for a new city centre venue and tells us what it’s like to rub shoulders with iconic Manchester stars. We did all the official Stone Rose’s pre-shows & after-parties on their 2017 tour.
We sat down with Lisa to find out what’s going on behind the scenes.
For those who don’t know, can you explain what Madchester is?
“Madchester is a music and culture scene from the late 1980s. Tony Wilson, Joy Division, Stone Roses and The Smiths hugely popularised this generation. Because of their music and clobber (style), people came from outside of Manchester to be part of the Manchester music scene, whether as an observer, party-goer or a collaborator and when the Hacienda opened its doors, things really took off.
“Even though it started decades ago back in the ’70s, the movement is still alive and kicking today, even more so and there’s still a massive call for it. We’re all still in it and love it today.”
How did you come to be part of it?
“I’ve always been a fan of the music era and I set up a Facebook page where I shared my passion with other fans. The guys behind Madchester.com saw my work and asked me to be involved.
“We then started hosting Madchester events at Bowlers in Trafford, but will soon be expanding to the City Centre.
“We’ve not announced where it will be yet, but we’ll need a big venue with multiple stages.”
Who inspires you the most?
“In times of despair, I’ve listened to the Stone Roses. They’ve been a major influence on the Madchester scene and I listened to them a lot growing up.”
Are there any upcoming stars on the scene?
“The Madchester music scene will always have the same sound. There will be different notes and sounds, but they’re all still influenced by the original era.
“The Lilacs, Clear Green, and Dirty Laces are definitely bands to watch out for in the future.”
What’s it like being a woman in a male-dominated industry?
“The whole scene is male-dominated; from band members to male DJ’s – even my bosses, Anthony and Chris Donelly, are both males. While we all have strong personalities we massively respect each other and have become good friends.”
Who’s your idol?
“If you’d have told me two years ago I’d sit in Peter Hook’s dressing room like he was someone I’ve known all my life, I would have laughed – but it actually happened.
“Rowetta is a star, she’s funny and just so real. She’s worked in the male-dominated industry for most of her life but still managed to prove her point. She’s a grafter and never forgets where she came from. She’s brilliant. “Bez is just so cool, too.”
I’m a massive star wars fan. Carrie Fisher, in particular, I read a quote of hers which read ‘Everything is negotiable, whether the negotiations are easy are not are another thing’ She took risks & pushed boundaries, which is what I do a lot.
