Since the early 80s Manchester has been a reference for the electronic underground, be it through legendary clubs like Hacienda or artists that have reshaped the bass scene throughout the whole UK and beyond. There are also some well kept secrets there, form local residencies to warehouse parties. It is where you can meet Lee Daley, one of Content Manchester (city’s leading underground nights) co-founding members.
With a sound rooted in deep, groove-led house and raw, Detroit-influenced techno, Lee has shared the booth with some of the scene’s most respected figures including Derrick Carter, Carl Craig, and Josh Wink.
Beyond the club, Lee curates a fast-growing social media platform dedicated to the best in underground house and techno—from ’90s staples to the freshest contemporary releases—building a community of like-minded heads worldwide. Access The Groove is an amazing time capsule whent it comes to quality house & techno and a proof of Lee’s record selector skills. This is one of the reasons we invited Lee Daley to reveal his Vinyl Alter Ego with a quick record selection. Dive into it below!
A second hand dig I’m most proud of:
I recently picked up a copy of “Sun, Sun, Sun” A Louie Vega production on Strictly Rhythm I have been after for a long time!
The record I’d love to see it repressed
I dropped a JT Donaldson bootleg recently on my page that I think came out on a limited press under the label “Gallery” in the early 00’s. Everyone loved it but copies are limited so it would be great to see this back out for more to enjoy! I’m all about sharing music!!
The label I’d buy all their releases without even listening to them:
I mean Casual in the 90’s has to be one of the most consistent releasers of quality house and Techno music!
The record artwork that blows my mind every time I look at it
The Classic Recordings release by “DJ Ali” titled “You don’t know” always makes me laugh!
The record that triggers childhood memories:
I used to Listen to Danny Ramplings “Love, Groove Dance party” in the 90’s and his selections through to the early 00’s put me onto many garage house classics. If I had to pick a classic to take me back to that era it would be Atmosphere “Dancing in outer space”
The record shop I would spend my whole savings in
When growing up I spent all my money in Many manchester shops including Vinyl Exchange, Piccadilly records, Eastern bloc, more recently I have been doing a lot of online shopping with Discogs and sometimes new tracks on Juno.
One record from my early DJ career that I still play today.
A Guy Called Gerald “Vodoo Ray”
The record that never leaves my DJ bag:
Lawnchair Generals “U dirty EP”
Last record I checked its price on discogs:
The JT Donaldson bootleg I mentioned above!
One record that sounded way ahead of its time when it was released.
Anything by Ron Trent and Chez Damier in the early 90’s had a real different vibe.
Last record I bought for my home listening pleasure:
Glenn Underground “Fallen Rain” I love everything he does.
The record closest to my heart from my entire collection:
Rhianna “Word Love” Jays extended mix has a special place in the collection although I do need a new copy as played so much, Also Focus “Having you fun” RIP Mr Phil Asher x
The record that perfectly captures the Detroit vibe:
I mean so many especially some of the new releases from Upstairs Asylum records. A classic has to be High Tech Jazz though, obvious choice but a classic is a classic!
The non dancefloor record that proved to be perfect for clubs, also!
St Germain “So Flute”
A now defunct record label from which you luckily own a few records:
Ultra Knites only put out a few on Vinyl and they were all solid!
One record that’s so good, you even bought a copy to keep it in mint condition:
I have 2 copies of Abe Duques “What happened”