This month, we had the pleasure of catching up with Ed and Jake from Onsite Records, based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Even before they opened their doors back in July, we could see the potential in what they were creating. We got chatting about ways we could collaborate during their opening months, which eventually led to us hosting our AW26 pop-up right here.
Ed and Jake have created a genuine community hub for people who share a love of music and coffee, filling a gap that was missing in Manchester.
Where did your individual passions for dance music first come from?
We’ve both always been into various styles of music from a young age but going out and both running parties at university is where it really began to become something more than a hobby.
What made you decide to take the leap and open Onsite
We were both working 9-5’s but knew we wanted to work in music, and we felt there was a real gap for a place like this in Manchester so thought its a bit of a now or never opportunity to give it a shot.
What’s the most memorable set you’ve ever experienced, either as a DJ or in the crowd?
Reptant (live) @ Waking Life sticks out, we were both there together for this one. I’m sure anyone else who was there would say the same thing
What made you want to blend a record shop, coffee bar and late-night event space rather than focusing solely on vinyl?
Had lots of inspiration from the various cities we’d visit and check out their listening bars and record shops, and made us think why is there not one of these in Manchester? Now there is!
We also both love coffee and have crippling record buying addictions so it came to mind fairly easily when thinking about the vision of the space.
A lot of the interior feels considered and bespoke, from the record units through to the tables. Where did the inspiration for the space come from?
Inspiration started from some European spaces, particularly ones in Lisbon and Barcelona. Although we aren’t interior design experts by any means, that vision was very quickly brought together by our incredibly talented friends Jake and Fin (Taking Shape).
How do you approach curating the records that make it into the store? Is it mainly based on your own taste, or are you always thinking about what your customers are looking for too?
A bit of both, we want to ensure we buy good records for people to have, even when it isn’t our taste. We try to listen to everything that comes in the door to make sure of this, and also end up with a few for ourselves of course!
Why did the Northern Quarter feel like the right home for Onsite?
Manchester felt it needed this kind of space, we thought about other areas of Manchester but felt North Quarter suited the vibe of the space perfectly, we also both live in Northern Quarter too so it was a bit of a no brainer.
Your Friday late-night sessions have quickly become another side of what Onsite is. How important was creating those kinds of nights to the original idea?
It was always part of the idea to host in-store sessions from the very beginning. We wanted to create a bit of personality around the space and make Onsite feel like more than just a shop. The sessions give us a chance to share the kind of music we’re into, and also the style that people may find when they come for a dig in the shop.
Ed Wears: Boulder Jacket Rich Plum & Everyday Trouser Grey
Jake Wears: Ramble Cap Persian Lime, Amble Jacket Onyx Grey & Everyday Trouser Black
