Recording studios / Manchester
Manchester is the city of Factory Records, Madchester and a strong grime and indie scene. Here are popular studios where independent artists in Manchester, England record, and how to make the most of your session.
Last checked October 2026. Studios change, so confirm rates and availability before you book.
Small and mid-sized rooms where local artists can realistically get booked. Check each venue for open-mic and support-slot nights. Last checked October 2026.
ALL FM 96.9
Community · FM 96.9
Trains and empowers diverse community members to have a voice, and supports artists with various shows.
OSTM Radio
Online · Online
24/7 Indie & Alternative Radio broadcasting from Manchester, explicitly plays real music from real independent artists, with a music submission process for artists.
North Manchester FM 106.6
Community · FM 106.6
Volunteer-led station providing a platform and a voice for the local community, including untrained presenters.
Legacy 90.1FM
Community · FM 90.1
Amplifies voices of African and Caribbean communities and plays music of Black origin, supporting local talent.
crop
Online · Online
A platform for the North West that champions community, encouraging experimentation and development from artists.
QUAY.radio
Online · Online
The only station playing exclusively Manchester music 24/7, across all eras and bands, filling a gap for local music.
Ask to hear songs they've recorded in your genre. Check whether the hourly rate includes an engineer, and whether mixing and mastering cost extra. A cheaper room with an engineer who knows your sound beats an expensive room with one who doesn't.
Practice the song until you can do it in a few takes. Bring your beat or stems, your lyrics and a reference track that sounds like what you want. Studio time goes fast when you're figuring things out in the booth.
Ask for a mastered final, a clean radio edit and an instrumental. Then run it through our free radio-ready check and pitch it with our guide to submitting music to radio stations.
Every Independent Radio FM member is accepted. Send one song a week and it airs on a Saturday show with a personal DJ review.
Our first show airs October 3, 2026.