TuneSmiths: Giving Manx Musicians the Stage They Deserve

If you’ve ever been to a gig on the Isle of Man, you’ll know the live scene is alive and well, but for years, original artists have struggled to find their spotlight. That’s where TuneSmiths comes in.

Set up in 2024 by pals Matthew Burrows and Dylan Hanna, TuneSmiths is all about giving Manx musicians who write and perform their own material a proper platform to be heard.

In less than a year, the duo has hosted three sold-out shows, and another of them as a charity event, with 12 local acts, 3 performing a night.

Not bad for two lads with an idea and a passion for homegrown music.

‘The concept is simple,’ says Matthew. ‘It’s a space for original music, where people actually listen. There’s no shouting over the songs or chatting through sets, it’s about giving the artists the respect they deserve.’

That respect has helped foster something that had been missing for a while: community.

For many performers, the Manx gig scene has long been dominated by cover bands.

TuneSmiths, however, has changed that narrative, putting local songwriters, bands and bedroom producers centre stage.

Matthew explains: ‘We wanted to reignite that excitement for local music.

‘There are so many talented artists here, but not enough opportunities for them to share their own material.

‘Seeing people perform their original songs to a crowd that’s genuinely listening, that’s what it’s all about.’

The vibe at a TuneSmiths night is something special.

Each show feels more like an intimate gig in a mate’s living room than a rowdy bar.

That quiet attentiveness from the crowd means performers can test out new material, collaborate, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.

‘The feedback’s been amazing,’ says Matthew. ‘People are coming up to us saying they’ve written their first song in years or that they’ve met other musicians to work with. That’s exactly the kind of energy we wanted to create.’

And the story doesn’t stop there. After three packed-out shows, TuneSmiths returns tomorrow (Friday) for another night of original tunes, this time at Laxey Working Men’s Institute.

The line-up promises an evening of heartfelt, homegrown talent.

Rob Harding, performing his first solo gig, brings soulful storytelling, Suzy Manton waves atmospheric folk sounds, and Alice delivers nostalgia-soaked indie tunes to soundtrack the start of the weekend.

If you fancy hearing the best new sounds the island has to offer, grab your tickets while you still can ? Tickets available here.