Whether you’re from Manchester or not you’re sure to have heard of the iconic club night that resides in the rainy city. Originally gracing its presence in Oxford, Hit&Run’s seven year journey has aided its progression to undoubtedly the best forward thinking bass night in Manchester, quite a claim but certainly one that cannot be denied.
The versatility of Hit&Run is something that cannot be measured. Not only does the night host a roster of international artists it also acts as a platform for emerging Manchester musicians to showcase their talent. There’s no boundary for genre either, you can expect to hear a plethora of sounds from minimal techno to deep medi.
The club night has had a bountiful amount of venues over the years including Fac 251 and NQ Live but more recently maxes capacities at Rusholme venue Antwerp Mansion and Mint Lounge, located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. It doesn’t stop there though; Hit&Run has recently proceeded to open its doors in Beat Bar Leeds and holds nights at quintessential venue, Fabric. European festivals have taken note too, with Outlook and Dimensions hosting the notorious Hit&Run and sister night D Tached boat parties.
What stands out most that differs in other club nights in Manchester is the family ethos that seems to be behind the brand and this is proven by the legion of pretty dedicated followers that have been attending the night for years. There’s no pretentiousness, no bad vibes and certainly no posers.
We spoke to the guy behind it all and general don Rich Reason:
It’s fair to say it’s going off in Manny at the minute. More and more club nights are vastly emerging, what’s your view on this?
Well the only certainty in life is change and all that! A city with as much clubbing and cultural history as Manchester should always have a broad and rich selection of nights; it’d be very boring if it didn’t. It keeps the punters interested, and the older promoters on their toes.
Hit&Run has always collaborated with loads of nights across the musical spectrum, as Manchester is small enough that all the promoters know each other despite often loving markedly different types of music, and long may it continue.
Any big news or plans for Hit&Run? I know you’ve got a new project at Antwerp Mansion called Levelz. Is there anything new we can hope to see?
More Fabrics. More stages. More nights. We have also started a new project which is a movement of a lot of this generations best artists called Levelz. Watch this space.
What is the most amusing/bizarre/ fact from your previous visit at Gottwood?
Jonny Dub and I rolled back somewhat inebriated and thought it’d be the best idea in the world to spend £60 on percussion at 6amin the morning from one of the stalls. Jonny Dub that managed to corral Jack Pedestrian and Chris Maribou State into a makeshift drumming troupe and berate them heavily when out of time. Not sure Jonny was too sure what time was at the time. Think he was going very Steve Reich.
Also, have to mention Hi-Viz! Those who were there will know! Classic Moment, shouts to MC Strategy for orchestrating it all…
Ha, yes we remember the hi-viz!! Which artists do you predict are going to be big next year?
Kaytranada – if too big already, Hiatus Kaiyote. Eagles for Hands. Falcons. Joe Ford. Celsius
What are your top five tunes at the moment?
Celsius – Incoming
Hucci + Gameface – All The Leaves Are Brown
Congo Natty – UK All Stars (Machine Drum Remix)
Break – Music is Better
Max Marshall – Don’t Trip (Eagles for Hands Remix)
If you were stranded in the woods which three items would you not be able to leave behind?
The girlfriend – not sure if I’d be offending her more by leaving her out than I am by calling her an item. Hammock. Sturdy pair of Galoshes.
What do you most enjoy about Gottwood?
The site itself is absolutely magical. And it has the atmosphere and ambience that is as rare as it is special – a true inheritor to the spirit of Glasto, Woodstock, Burning Man and the like. Viva Gottwood!
Words by: Becca Kennedy