In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Graham Massey—founder of 808 State and key figure in Manchester’s experimental and rave music scene. We cover the wild, brilliant chaos that led to the birth of 808 State, from his early days working in a cafe on Oldham Street to producing groundbreaking tracks in Spirit Studios.
This was my first interview done live in front of an audience at the Rainy Heart Project in Manchester .
Graham recounts the origins of 808 State in 1987, where a backdrop of vinyl-filled sandwich shops, experimental jams, and collaborations with future legends like A Guy Called Gerald helped shape what would become a defining sound of UK dance music. He discusses how the band evolved from a Manchester co-op, with members living cheaply and building their own houses, into a group that would eventually appear multiple times on Top of the Pops.
We delve into the influence of Eastern Bloc Records and its enigmatic co-founder Martin Price—equal parts evangelist, anarchist, and tastemaker. Graham shares tales of the gritty underground parties, the creation of Newbuild, and how names like MC Tunes, Denise Johnson, and even Noel Gallagher all feature in this interconnected web of Manchester creativity.
From sessions with the KLF and Björk, to sweaty recording nights at Spirit Studios with future icons, Graham paints a vivid picture of a musical ecosystem full of talent, risk-taking, and raw energy. He reflects on how acid house was woven together from layers of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and technology, and how Manchester itself—its people, streets, and culture—was the secret ingredient.
You’ll hear the backstories of pivotal records like Pacific State, Dance Yourself to Death, and the overlooked importance of early compilations, pirate radio, and bedroom studios. From recording at Out of the Blue and DJing at the Boardwalk, to running sessions for unsigned kids with cassettes, Graham shares insights with humour, passion, and incredible memory.
There are brilliant detours: how Gerald built a sound system in his attic in Rusholme; why John Peel loved visiting Graham’s sandwich bunker; and how a saxophone solo was recorded with a borrowed horn on a sweaty Saturday morning in Spirit.
This is more than just a look at 808 State—it’s a love letter to a time when Manchester’s musical underground was bursting with creativity, community, and contradictions. If you’ve ever wondered how a handful of oddballs and visionaries changed music history from basements, record shops, and bunkers, this interview is a must-watch.
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