In this interview, DJ and record shop legend Russ Marland talks about his pivotal role in bringing House music to Manchester and DJing at the iconic Hacienda. Starting at Spin Inn Records in 1986, Russ shares how he was influenced by Mike Shaft’s radio show, where he discovered the sound of Electro and House music. He reminisces about queuing up for records and eventually landing a job at Spin Inn, just as House music was beginning to take over the city.
Russ tells the story of how he and his colleague Kenny started their own record shop, Manchester Underground, selling records directly from artists like LFO and Nightmares on Wax, and even making a fortune from the sale of Kangol Hats popular with Hip Hop fans. Russ talks about selling records to major Hacienda DJs like Mike Pickering and Graham Park, who trusted his taste in music.
Russ also shares how he got his start DJing at the Hacienda in 1991, warming up for Mike Pickering, and eventually taking over the main slot after Mike left in 1993. He reflects on the early days of the Manchester House music scene, his experience with Ecstasy, and the impact of iconic tracks like Adonis’ “No Way Back” and Lil Louis’ “French Kiss”.
We delve into his memories of working in Manchester’s vibrant club scene, including the legendary Void nights at the Hacienda and the unique, serendipitous way that music and culture collided in that era. Russ also shares his heartbreak over the 1996 IRA bomb, which destroyed his record shop, leading to its eventual closure, and how it impacted the city’s music businesses.
Join us as Russ takes us on a journey through Manchester’s rich musical history, from the golden era of House music to the lasting legacy of the Hacienda
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