In this episode, I sit down with Nico Harmony, a rising Manchester artist with music in her blood. Nico grew up surrounded by creativity — her mum, Stella Grundy, fronted Intastella and later wrote plays such as Rising Fall of a Northern Star, while her dad, Spencer Birtwistle, remains a respected drummer. With such a legacy behind her, Nico could have felt the pressure. Instead, she has carved her own path, balancing raw honesty with a powerful presence on stage.
We talk about her Manchester roots, growing up in Prestwich alongside stories of icons like Nico (who she was named after) and Mark E. Smith of The Fall. Nico reflects on how unusual it was that such a quiet area became home to so many legendary musicians, from underground parties in basements to encounters with local heroes.
Nico shares how she first picked up music — initially pushed into guitar lessons by her dad so she could accompany herself, even if she didn’t love the instrument at first. What she did love was singing, something she has done since childhood, from Disney songs to jazz standards like Summertime. Her voice has always been central, but her journey hasn’t been straightforward. She studied engineering at university, only to walk away to follow her passion for music. That choice took courage, especially after warnings from her mum about the difficulties of the industry.
The conversation turns personal as Nico opens up about resilience, trauma, and how her music helped her reclaim her power. Songs like Off the Rails were born out of hardship, but they carry a message of strength and freedom. As Nico says, music is never just about chords or lyrics — it’s about the emotion captured in the moment. That’s why her performances stand out: she sings with the weight of her lived experiences.
We also touch on the challenges for women in music. Nico speaks candidly about how female artists are often boxed in — expected to be either “sexy” or “nice,” but rarely celebrated for being strong and creative. Inspired by her mum’s example, she’s determined to push back against that, proving that women can lead and innovate in the scene.
Despite the tough realities of the modern music industry — from small gig fees to Spotify’s tiny payouts — Nico remains committed to building community. She talks about the network of musicians, DJs, and friends she’s connected with, and how collaboration has carried her through grief and personal struggles. Music, she reminds us, can turn loss into beauty.
Whether it’s supporting Badly Drawn Boy, working with producers and DJs, or jamming psychedelic sets with her band, Nico shows that Manchester music is still alive, evolving, and ready to move beyond the Oasis/Stone Roses shadow.
This is a conversation about roots, resilience, and the future of Manchester music — and Nico Harmony is right at the heart of it.
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