Community Radio Melodic Distraction's guide to Liverpool
Community Radio Melodic Distraction's guide to Liverpool
"People often mistake Liverpool as being part of the UK. It ain’t. Liverpool moves to its own rhythm; one guided by a love of music, football and looking out for each other. We can’t imagine Melodic Distraction starting up in any other city - the warmth of the people who live here and their passion for music and a good natter makes for a city brimming with top shelf radio presenters." - Melodic Distraction
Liverpool’s Melodic Distraction, are an independent radio station that has been broadcasting the sounds of the city since 2017, with their past residents including the likes of Crazy P and ASOK. In recent years, despite Liverpool’s national recognition as a cultural hotbed, there has been growing concern that gentrification and developers could decimate the city’s flourishing culture hub in the Baltic Triangle district.
The community radio station recently found themselves forced to leave their premises in the Baltic Triangle at short notice. With the impact of Covid-19 now threatening even more of the city’s creative landmarks, Melodic Distraction are determined to help to protect Liverpool’s vibrant music scene by raising funds to build a new community-focused music space.
In collaboration with Dr. Martens Presents - a multidisciplinary initiative supporting emerging creative talent - Melodic Distraction launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to help the community hub secure a new permanent home. If you would like to help support, tap here.
In this Guide
Festival Gardens
“Don’t watch the Trip Advisor reviews, Festival Gardens is still a spot in the summertime. Tucked away off the main trail of Otterspool Promenade, the gardens have gone a bit unloved in the last few years. The trees and plants may be reclaiming the land in parts but it all adds to the slightly mysterious vibe of the place.”
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Hilbre Island
“It may not be in Liverpool but most in this part of the world visit at least once a year. Hilbre Island is only accessible by foot when the tide’s out and takes around an hour to reach by walking across the sand. There’s always some cool wildlife to run into when you’re out there and you can even spot the seals bobbing their heads up from the sea in the summer months.”
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FACT
“Art, film, technology and culture all come together at FACT. It’s an interactive gallery, cinema, cafe and learning space all rolled into one. They support loads of great local artists in the city and there’s always something to get involved with.”
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Dig Vinyl
“Our favourite spot for preloved records in Liverpool. Dig Vinyl is a lovingly curated treasure trove of second hand slabs of wax. Belter rock, new wave and reggae sections, backed up by a load of dancefloor cuts and super friendly staff behind the counter on every visit.”
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Jacaranda: Phase One
“It’s a bar, a coffee spot, a gig venue, a winter garden and a boss record store. Phase One is the latest venue from the folks behind the historic Liverpool club, The Jacaranda. We’re here for three months, thanks to the support of Dr. Martens and the good folks at Phase One, as we fundraise for our brand-new studio space. We’re looking to raise £35,000 to build our new, permanent home out of two shipping containers at The Tapestry in Liverpool’s Fabric District. The pandemic may have slowed things down but there is no doubt that the team at Phase One have big plans for the future!”
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Meraki
“A small and vibrant club and garden down on the North Docks of Liverpool. Nestled away among derelict warehouses, getting there is a challenge upon a first visit but the reward is worth the cab ride. A hugely passionate crew runs the place and the club is a real labour of love. Who else can say they’ve hosted Moodymann in a 175 capacity venue, eh!?”
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24 Kitchen Street
“A small, intimate club with a great soundsystem and booking policy. What more do you need to know? A go-to for students, locals and older heads alike. Any given week can host everything from jazz bands to house, techno and jungle DJs. 24KS have been fighting their own battle against gentrification for some time now - and we can’t think of any regular folks on the ground who aren’t 100% behind their right to stay!”
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Kaz Gardens / Stockroom
“The best outdoor bar in town during Liverpool’s long winter months. Handmade bric-a-brac furniture, mulled drinks and a tiny but punchy little event space, The Kazimier Gardens and adjoining ‘Stockroom’ gig venue are locally beloved.”
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Palm House
“The jewel in the crown of Liverpool’s Sefton Park, the Palm House is a Victorian era greenhouse filled with tropical plants from around the world. It regularly hosts weddings, corporate events and functions but from time-to-time you can see a wicked gig in there the likes of Norman Jay, Slick Rick and even a Boiler Room takeover.”
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NOMAD
“The newest spot on our list, Nomad is a lockdown baby. Opening after the first UK lockdown lifted; its coffee and light bites have proven super popular with the residents of the ever-busy Smithdown Road. Head down all week for coffee, or book a table for a good Sunday lunch (often in the form of a homemade lasagna!)”
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