TV Static single cover
There have been some harsh words said about Manchester and it`s musical heritage. I think it was Terry Christian that once wrote that there is no music scene in town, just cliques. In a tongue-in-cheek fashion Dave Haslam commented on the lack of women on local radio stations playlists by stating that no women lived in Manchester, hence its name starts with M A N. Entire articles and essays are being written about how damaging is the overpowering nostalgia in the North. In 1992 Birmingham based Corner Shop burned a poster of Morrissey to protest his racism and to drive the point home they did it on Manchester Street in London.
I am adding my two cents to the list above. If things I care deeply about malfunction badly, I feel obliged to speak up. So put your lagers and Reni hats down for a moment all ye Mancs and listen.
Women on the local music scene are marginalized and often seen as curiosities rather than artists who deserve to be championed and supported. Any male band popping up within 150 miles from Manchester is immediately booked, invited for radio interviews, checked out and supported. If they do something horrible – it will be explained, excused and they will be protected, nothing to see here. But try to be outspoken, inclusive, female in the same circles. Your experience will be different. Like you are living on another planet. Even more so if you come from a minority or ethnic group. When sensational The KTNA were chosen as artist of the month by Andy Burnham, socials were flooded with commentary that they were only chosen due to their background or (pardon the expression) skin colour, rather than merit and their innovative sound.
Existing as a woman on the music scene is seen as threatening and provocative. And often preventing artists themselves from reaching a wider audience.
The Red Stains by Abi Black
Take The Red Stains for example. The band has been on the scene since at least 2018, released two great singles (“Mannequin” and “Freezer Jesus”), toured half the country, been played on major stations (BBC Introducing, 6 Music), had some line up changes in the process – not only still remain unsigned, but also widely unknown by the music fans at home! If I had 20p every time I tell somebody from Manchester about the band and get “huh?” In response I`d be so rich I could buy Beetham Tower (aka The Radiator as I affectionately call it). You should try it sometime: name drop a female band in a conversation with your fellow Mancs and see the carp effect in full swing: open mouth, bulgy eyes and proper disbelief. Yes, we have women musicians in MAN-chester: Chemtrails, Ideal Husband, The Empty Page, Loose Articles. We really do. Btw, did you know that Lisa Stansfield was born here and so were the members of R`n`B trio Cleopatra. Who would have thought!
I like to think of The Red Stains as a real life version of The Fabulous Stains (do see the movie, it’s great and empowering), a punk band that will achieve stardom, despite all the odds, thanks to their ethos and determination. Over the years, the group carved themselves a niche, incredibly clever image and music that is both original and eloquent in its message. They offer commentary on kitsch in our lives, inefficient public services (like transportation systems), commercialization and even supermarkets. They loudly shout about inclusivity, queerness and are refreshingly progressive in a town where the old punk guard went so far right that Combat 18 t-shirts worn to local gigs do not shock them anymore.
On April 14th, The Red Stains released their newest single “TV Static” – a whirlwind of punk, electro and cold wave with choral chants like it’s Derby Day at Old Trafford. It may be just three minutes long but it’s packed with charisma, attitude and verve. It was recorded, produced and mastered by Oliver Shitillo at Big City Jacks studios in Bury.
Working Class and proud – photo by Abi Black
“Throphy girl, trophy wives – the essence is manmade” goes the lyrics and you can feel the bitterness and sadness woven into the vocals. To me “TV Static” is in a way a protest song, going against the male dominated society, where you can only exist if you are “approved” by norms and regulations that can`t be met and designed to keep you in place.
Natalie Emslie (vox), Sterling Kelly (bass), Grace Allport (guitar) and Robyn Elliott (drums) created not just a band with potential, but something much bigger than that. They are a force in themselves, they exist and are powerful outside of the expectations of anyone. Obviously, there are those who will pat them on the back for being progressive women on the scene without mentioning their political leanings, professional and cultural achievements (for example Sterling is art student whose works have been exhibited and also is a face of a Liverpool FC x Converse campaign, Natalie is a professional beautician, Grace is a doctor) in order to control narrative and confine the band to a box. But you can`t keep this band under your thumb, so don’t even try.
We need bands like The Red Stains not only in Manchester but in the whole North. It is very hard to feel part of the scene if it’s devoid of women and only serves as gatekeeper. I say more Stains, diversity, equality, and openness. Less Gammons and Brexiteers. And Nazis can F… Off. We are supposed to do things differently.
Who`s with me?
You can follow the band on social media:
https://theredstains.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/theredstains
https://www.instagram.com/theredstains
https://www.tiktok.com/@theredstains
https://theredstains.bandcamp.com
https://twitter.com/theredstains
https://www.youtube.com/@theredstains6133
https://soundcloud.com/theredstains
Malicia Dabrowicz, Salford`s new Big Mouth In residence.
Indieterria 
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