In this interview, I sit down with Mark Jones, a highly respected Manchester DJ recommended by Tiger, to dive deep into the history of High Energy, Northern Soul, and the early days of House music in the city.
Mark takes us back to the mid-1980s, when he first worked the bar at High Society before moving on to New York, New York – one of the city’s legendary nightlife spots. His journey through these venues reflects the evolution of Manchester’s club culture, from the hedonistic days of High Energy to the rise of House music in the late 80s.
He explains how High Energy emerged after the backlash against disco in the United States, morphing into a faster, camp, and more flamboyant style of dance music that found its way into UK clubs like Heroes and The Manhattan. Key DJs such as Ian Levine and Les Cokell helped establish the sound, filling clubs with iconic tracks from artists like Hazell Dean and Michael Brown (“So Many Men, So Little Time”).
Mark shares fascinating stories of his own sets, from playing upstairs at the Bronx to his long residency at Rockies. He recalls the all-nighters, the atmosphere in venues like Cruise 101, and the importance of record shops such as Spinn Inn, Vinyl Exchange, and Les Cokell’s own store at Clone Zone. These shops not only supplied the DJs but also served as cultural hubs where new sounds from Chicago, Belgium, Germany, and Italy were discovered.
We also trace the direct link between High Energy and House. While rooted in underground disco, High Energy’s relentless four-to-the-floor beats paved the way for the arrival of early house imports. Mark remembers DJs like Mike Pickering coming in to hear new records and the thrill of discovering European tracks like “Don’t Miss the Partyline” by Bizz Nizz, which became dancefloor staples.
The conversation also touches on Manchester’s earlier club legacy, from the Twisted Wheel to the Wigan Casino and the Blackpool Mecca, exploring how Northern Soul DJs like Ian Levine and Les Cokell made the transition into High Energy and beyond. Mark gives personal insight into these scenes, highlighting how each generation of DJs carried the torch forward.
Throughout the video, Mark’s passion for music is clear – from spending every penny on £8 import records to keeping his nights fresh by mixing genres and responding to the crowd. He paints a vivid picture of the highs, the challenges, and the culture that made Manchester such a unique place for nightlife.
Whether you’re a fan of Northern Soul, High Energy, or the roots of House music, this interview captures an essential part of Manchester’s story.
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