Manchester: Unplugged
A cinematic documentary series exploring the stories behind songs born in Manchester
Manchester: Unplugged is a cinematic music documentary series created and produced by Laura Graham, celebrating the songwriters, stories and creative spirit that continue to shape Manchester’s music scene.
The idea behind the series is simple: One Song. One Story. All Manchester.
Each short film follows an artist or band as they deep dive into a single track… from the spark of inspiration and the realities of writing and recording, to the moment the music finally reaches the world. Blending candid conversation with intimate live performance, the films offer a rare glimpse into the creative process and the personal stories that sit behind the songs.
Filmed in music venues and creative spaces across Greater Manchester, the series captures artists from different genres and generations. Episodes to date feature indie favourites The Covasettes, house music pioneers K-Klass, rapper and producer FREEQUENCY3, and rising singer-songwriter Salo.
Since launching, the series has reached almost 100,000 viewers on YouTube, with two films already surpassing 11,000 views each, demonstrating a strong appetite for authentic storytelling around Manchester’s songwriting talent.
The project has also attracted praise from across the music industry. BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins described the series as a powerful reflection of the city’s evolving sound:
“What I love about Manchester is that the music scene’s always evolving, it never stays in one lane and Manchester: Unplugged reflects that brilliantly.
“Every episode feels different. You’ve got artists from all corners of the scene, past and present, telling their stories, with the opportunity to properly dig into one of their songs.
“Unplugged looks gorgeous and feels intimate and honest. It’s a proper snapshot of the city right now… And the live performances? They’re something else.”
Chris Hawkins, BBC Radio 6 Music
Music and culture writer Honorary Manc also praised the series’ cinematic storytelling and its ability to capture the cultural context behind the music, describing the films as:
“a beautiful, sweeping cinematic style… where each film blends intimate storytelling with a reimagined performance, exploring the sparks, setbacks and moments that turn an idea into a song.”
Clips from the films have reached tens of thousands of additional viewers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts, helping introduce new audiences to both the artists and the stories behind their music.
More than a live session format, Manchester: Unplugged is Laura’s love letter to a city defined by music, and to the artists who keep its sound alive.