If live music, record shops, dive bars and rave dungeons (not as scary as that sounds!) are your thing, getting yourself to Liverpool for a city break might be the smartest thing you do this year. We caught up with two of the cities most exciting young artists to find out what makes the local music scene quite so special.

Yank Scally is a born and bred Liverpudlian whose electronic music channels a kind of slick nostalgia that couldn’t feel more current. Despite creating tracks solo at home in a self-built studio, he feels very much part of Liverpool’s emerging music community. “It’s dead cheesy to say so” he confesses, “but yeah I do.”

Essex born and self-described witch Beija Flo came to Liverpool later in life, moving up 5 years ago to attend LIPA. After falling in love with the city she made it her permanent home, signing to local label Eggy Records. “Liverpool has so much character and so much culture, I love how proud people are to be from here and how welcoming they’ve been.” Read on for their extensive tips on how to make the most from a trip to the city. And then steal them and pass them off as your own ;)

LIVE MUSIC

Forget corporate sponsored concert halls, intimate live music venues still rule here. A firm favourite for Yank Scally is Sound on Duke Street, which was a dive bar back when he made it his local. Sound recently renovated the basement and continue to put on unmissable parties and gigs for the best of Liverpool’s emerging talent. “It’s nice to see it doing so well,” says Dylan of the recent facelift, “me and my friends drank there religiously for years.” His advice on what to see couldn’t be more zen, “just turn up and whatever’s on will be good.” He also recommends “little rave dungeon” 24 Kitchen Street, which hosts some of his favourite artists and DJs including SOPHIE, who he saw there recently. Finally, if you’re in the market for something totally unique, The Bombed Out Church is a music and events venue set inside the ruins of a cathedral built in 1811.

THE MUSIC COMMUNITY

While the venues are one thing, finding out who’s playing what and where might seem tough for an out-of-towner exploring for the first time. Beija has the solution, describing independent music publication Bido Lito as her “pink best friend” (check their website and you’ll see what she means). Take advantage of free, quality local music journalism plus listings, ones-to-watch and events around the city. And where might you pick up a copy? Read on, friends.

SHOPPING FOR RECORDS (AND MORE)

Go to grab a copy of Bido Lito, stay for the impeccable music curation. Dylan loves 3B Records for a selection of dance and electronic music, and then heading over to trawl the vinyl at Probe Records, which he describes as “the granddaddy of record shops”. We’re sold. Beija recommends 81 Renshaw for both record shopping as well as a great venue for live music or hanging out. She also suggests getting stuck in at Red Brick Vintage, a vintage shop stuffed with gems worn by the fans of music scenes long since forgotten. Block out a few hours for this and get ready to dig. You won’t be disappointed.

EAT & DRINK

Beija recommends heading to Bold Street for “lots of lovely independent restaurants”, in particular, The Egg Cafe which she recommends for soothing, nourishing meals that are perfect for nursing a hangover. Looking for something a lot less worthy? Down The Hatch off Duke Street is seriously naughty vegan junk food even Elvis would be proud of. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, she recommends Berry and Rye, a hidden bar in an old jazz club. “There’s no sign and it’s painted black, all the menus are inside old hardback books, it’s gorgeous”. She also recommends heading to up-and-coming area the Baltic Triangle for a great selection of venues, pop up food stalls and generally good vibes. Phew. With so much culture, music and food to pick from, we bet you’ll be planning your second trip before the first one’s even finished.

Writer : Bertie Brandes
Photographer : Chris Bethell