Independent Venue Week is nearing it’s end, but we’re not done with the celebrations just yet!

We have one more offering for you: a conversation with a slice of Manchester’s best up-and-coming talent, the spellbinding Mali Hayes

Which Manchester venues have you performed in so far and how has this journey been for you?

“Band On The Wall has been a huge support for me over the years. I joined up with them to release a 7-inch B-side record a few years back which was a great opportunity. I’ve had many support slots there that have given me wonderful personal connections and just overall insane opportunities to open for amazing artists.

Also, Albert Hall. I had the chance to open for Tokio Myers here with my band. It was a very surreal experience as I hadn’t performed on a stage so big at the time!

And of course, YES. Again, the chance to support amazing artists and also sing with my own band and another I sing with, AGBEKO – putting on our own headline tour, just magical.”

 “Without sounding cliche, they build our careers. thrive on making connections with them that can help stretch us further. Without them I don’t think I would be where I am in my career now!”

Hayes is just one of many shining examples of what Manchester’s grassroots scene can and has been producing for decades. At Albert Hall, we’re proud to be part of such a special independent scene, and to be able to host each and every act that has graced our stage – from Manchester and beyond!

Independent venues deserve to be celebrated all-year-long, even out of the spotlight of this week. That’s why we’re proud to be continuing our partnership with Music Venue Trust – a charity of which works tirelessly to breathe life into grassroots scene up and down the country, securing the long-term future of several iconic venues. We proudly offer a donation on all ticket sales through our website and look forward to continuing our partnership.

You can follow Mali Hayes here and check out her most recent release below.

Fancy catching her in the flesh? Follow her self-curated Soul Assembly night here and grab tickets to her upcoming event with Skinny Living!