The label has initiated two special projects...
Think global, act local. While independent label Heist Or Hit, rooted in Manchester, has ambitious goals, it remains closely connected to the communities that originally supported it. As a significant incubator for emerging talent, the label has successfully propelled young artists to national recognition.
It's time to give back. Heist Or Hit has recently established a new charity partnership with the Manchester-based organization Music Evermore, focused on enhancing access to music education for youth throughout the Manchester region.
Alongside their latest community initiative, Heist Or Hit also backs the Friends of Her’s charity foundation; a fund created in memory of Stephen Fitzpatrick and Audun Laading, managed by their families and friends. Located in Liverpool, this foundation aims to provide assistance to individuals impacted by homelessness in the city center, an issue close to the hearts of both Ste and Audun.
In a piece for CLASH, the Heist Or Hit team examines these projects and the values that drive them.
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Manchester has long been a vibrant center of creativity and innovation. Since the raw working-class expression of The Fall, the city's music scene has flourished in diverse and groundbreaking genres. The music produced here has been showcased globally, symbolizing the UK’s cultural value. However, despite the acclaim, this ‘commodity’ often lacks support or nurturing from government entities at any level. The music scene finds itself fighting for survival amidst cultural gentrification. Despite the city’s rich musical legacy, historic venues face noise restriction notices, rehearsal spaces are converted into fast fashion retail locations, support fees stagnate at £50, and grassroots initiatives are overshadowed by large corporate-sponsored arenas. Even as music consistently proves to be a critical export generating billions in revenue, the infrastructure that nurtured its growth seems under threat. We often find ourselves asking why individuals move to London… As a label, we at Heist or Hit take immense pride in being independent, as well as in the talent that persists within our city. This vibrant and audacious talent is compelled to navigate through very narrow openings in a landscape marred by cultural exploitation and dull algorithmic dominance. That’s why we consider it crucial to advance community support through collaborations with charitable organizations like Music Evermore and the Friends of Her’s fund. These partnerships not only highlight our dedication to supporting musicians but also address broader issues within the talent pipeline, such as the critical role of small venues and practice spaces, expressive freedom, and music's healing potential. We hope that by spotlighting these efforts, we resonate deeply with our community—both geographically and musically.
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Music Evermore, a charity based in Manchester, is dedicated to making music education accessible to all children and young people, irrespective of their backgrounds. The organization provides free and subsidized music lessons, workshops, individualized instrument instruction, school music programs, and holiday clubs. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, giving every child the chance to explore and develop their musical skills. Their work is vital and necessary, and importantly, it shouldn't be their responsibility. If music were valued in the educational curriculum and the arts were recognized as an export worth investing in, funding would be directed toward education, grassroots development, and career pathways. As it stands, it falls upon the commitment of volunteers to offer the children in our communities the basic opportunity to make noise, a space for creativity, and a means of self-expression. As a label comprised of former artists (The Answering Machine), we understand the significance of access—access to instruments, access to lessons, access to spaces that enable young people to create and express themselves. Increasingly, such access is becoming gated behind financial constraints, only available to those who can afford to pursue artistic endeavors. But expression should not be a privileged opportunity. The charity’s work not only benefits the Manchester community but also nurtures the future artists. We are deeply passionate about the efforts of the Music Venue Trust, and music education plays a crucial role in that grassroots development.
We have been able to assist Music Evermore in expanding its educational initiatives, which have been implemented at Peel Hall and Claremont Primary Schools. The students have been engaging with complex rhythms, writing lyrics, experimenting with percussion, preparing for performance showcases, and deepening their understanding of music theory. They also participate in a Rock Band program, where the kids play contemporary songs together, enhancing their collective performance. The recent introduction of electric instruments and full drum kits has posed challenges, but reports indicate that the children have eagerly embraced these changes! The Nurture Groups continue to thrive, freely jamming on ukuleles, glockenspiels, and bells, with each child taking turns to showcase their talents and build confidence. By investing in the musical journeys of these young individuals, we aspire to cultivate the next generation of talent and enhance Manchester's cultural vibrancy.
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