Inside the beautiful chaos of our New Noise show in Manchester

Last Thursday, we beat new United gaffer Rúben Amorim to it and arrived in Manchester for New Noise North, the latest in our regular New Noise gig series. Not heard of it? Living under a rock? Well, it’s a program bigging up the best emerging and local artists across the UK. As the name might suggest, this instalment is all about spotlighting proper, northern venues.

Since September last year, New Noise has hosted a slew of parties at Covent Garden’s Stereo, giving THE FACE readers a load of great nights out for free, with performances from the likes of Finn Foxell, BXKS, Talia Goddess, HiTech, Felix Lee and many, many moshpits.

Then, last month, we hit the road for the first time, teaming up with Berghaus in a takeover of the outdoor brand’s hometown, Newcastle. We set up camp at The Grove, an industrial venue in the city’s Byker district. The line-up featured a returning BXKS alongside Geordie locals like rapper The97Renn and (DJ) Imelda, who laid down a fierce footwork set ideal for the wee hours.

Fast-forward to one fateful Thursday, and we found ourselves in 0161, home of Vimto and Oasis, as well as some serious spots for a certified big one. With the nights drawing in and the weather getting nippy, it was high time we got a little hot and sweaty at Soup, a no-nonsense club on the corner of the Northern Quarter’s prime pint station, Stevenson Square.

For the last 14 years, Soup has been a melting pot for cool kids who get down to a little bit of everything – be it thumping techno or glitchy IDM. In this instance, it made the perfect fit.

Inside, we were quickly warmed up with a hefty set from Fixed Abode head honcho Rainy Miller, who dropped a helter skelter of ravey belters finished with a dusting-down of Tessela’s Hackney Parrot to test the soundsystem. Turns out, it was in excellent nick – the walls were shuddering.

Next, came British-Nigerian rapper Deela, storming onto the stage and teaching the crowd her signature refrain (“When I say Deela, you say bitch!”) before unleashing her wine, dine and 69 anthem, Get a Grip. ​“Take me out, then eat me out!” recited the crowd in unison. More randy bars over trappy beats followed, showcasing her punchy flow and letting everyone in the venue know that big things lie ahead. She ended in style, dancing to a reload of her own tune. We would do the same.

“A tough act to follow,” quipped Newham rapper Zino Vinci as he took to the stage, disclaiming that he was nursing a sore throat. He didn’t need to worry; he switched between heartfelt UK rap and retro grime, spitting over Youngstar’s classic Pulse X riddim’ before dropping his own unreleased banger Professor X. And, of course, a mandatory, contractual, legally enshrined ​“Oggy Oggy Oggy” chant as he bopped off stage.

We weren’t done yet. Steam Radio resident Nora capped off a mega night, eroding yet more brick with some techy goodness.

Spilling back out onto Stevenson Square, the New Noise gang trudged off, ears ringing, still buzzing. We could really do with some actual soup right now.

Missed out? Don’t panic. We’re heading back to Newcastle with Berghaus for another knees-up. Follow The FACE for updates.