Young DJs in Manchester are breathing new life into the Northern Soul movement, blending classic tracks with contemporary sounds to create inclusive and vibrant events. Greta Kaur-Taylor, 21, and Isaac Lloyd, 23, are the dynamic duo behind Northern Grooves, a DJ collective that has found a home at Night and Day Café and frequently collaborates with the Deptford Northern Soul Club at YES.
Their mission is to make Northern Soul accessible to a broader audience, especially those who might not typically be drawn to the genre. By mixing old and new tunes, they aim to keep the movement relevant and “adapt for 2024.” Northern Soul, which peaked in the 1970s, was characterized by high-energy soul music from black American artists, and it drew young crowds to all-nighter events in places like Wigan and Blackpool.
Greta’s love for Northern Soul was sparked by her father, who played the music at home and encouraged her to watch the 2014 film “Northern Soul” by Elaine Constantine. She and Isaac met at Cafe Blah in Withington, and their shared passion for the genre led to the formation of Northern Grooves. “Nostalgia and wanting to be a part of something” is what keeps young people coming back to Northern Soul, Isaac explained.
Social media may have diluted many subcultures, but Northern Soul remains a unique experience. “It’s not just any event; it’s like a whole ritual of getting ready and being with your mates,” Isaac said. Greta and Isaac wanted to create a space where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background or experience with the genre. Greta, who often felt excluded in traditional Northern Soul spaces, emphasized the importance of inclusivity. “I wanted to create a space where no one has to worry about people staring at them or laughing at their dance moves,” she said.
Despite some resistance to their modern approach, Greta believes that blending old and new music is essential for keeping the culture alive. “This is how we adapt for 2024,” she said. The dancefloor at their events is filled with young people, shuffling and gliding in typical Northern Soul fashion.
Lewis Henderson, co-founder of the Deptford Northern Soul Club, praised the Manchester crowds as “phenomenal” and a significant reason for their continued efforts. “Northern Soul really isn’t that different from modern dance music,” he said, noting that it laid the foundation for contemporary dance culture. Rhys Partington, 24, echoed this sentiment, saying that Northern Soul is defined by an attitude and passion rather than a specific generation.
Chloe Lee Pembleton, 22, highlighted the genre’s spirit of independence and protest. “Northern Soul stands for being independent and fighting against societal norms,” she said. The community at Northern Soul events fosters this rebellious spirit, making it appealing to younger generations.
Half a century after music journalist Dave Godin coined the term “Northern Soul,” the subculture is still thriving. Originating from the mod scene in the late 1960s, Northern Soul was driven by a love for obscure American soul music. Clubs like Manchester’s Twisted Wheel and Wigan Casino were pivotal in championing the movement. Although these venues closed in the 70s and 80s, their legacy lives on through new club concepts and younger fans.
On a recent Saturday night, the Deptford Northern Soul Club hosted an event at Bunker Club in South East London. The venue, adorned with retro posters and photographs, attracted a lively crowd of students dancing to music from the 60s and 70s. The enduring appeal of Northern Soul lies in its ability to evoke deep emotions through its heartfelt lyrics and up-tempo beats.
The Northern Soul scene has always been about more than just music. It includes distinctive dance moves, fashion, and a sense of community. The athletic dance style, characterized by fast footwork, spins, and high kicks, remains a hallmark of the genre. Annual events like the World Northern Soul Dance Championship in Blackpool continue to celebrate this unique aspect of the culture.
Fashion also plays a crucial role in the Northern Soul scene. Men often wear high-waisted, baggy trousers, while women don patterned shirts and ankle-length skirts. Badges with the slogan “keep the faith” are a common accessory, symbolizing the movement’s enduring spirit.
Today, Northern Soul has a global reach, with communities in places like Toronto and Japan. Cheryl Gingras from Toronto discovered the genre in the early 2000s and now DJs under the name DJ Cher. She describes Northern Soul as a “religious experience” that connects people across the world through its powerful music and dance.
The Northern Soul community has evolved, but its core values remain the same. It continues to attract new generations of fans who are drawn to its emotional depth, energetic beats, and inclusive spirit. As DJ Norman Jay MBE said, “It’s fresh, it’s young, it’s vibrant, and it needs today’s kids to reestablish it again and take it into the future.”
In Manchester, young DJs like Greta and Isaac are doing just that, ensuring that Northern Soul remains a vital and dynamic part of the city’s cultural landscape.
