“Songs of Salford is a powerful example of what can happen when a city’s creative community, its institutions and its people come together.”
– Tim France, Director, Performance, Music, English & Dance at the University of Salford
‘Dirty Old Town’ has had its time as Salford’s song; it’s time to write the city’s new anthem!
To mark 100 years of the city, we present a new body of music that reflects life in the city in 2026, inviting music producer and songwriter, Charlie Deakin-Davies, to undertake a city residency. Deakin-Davies, who has worked with acts such as Raye, Kate Nash, Gary Barlow, James Bay and Fred Again…, is already underway with getting under the skin of the city of today, exploring its people’s history, to bring together a range of collaborators to create new songs that celebrate the character of Salford.
Six artists are collaborating on this project — a group of creatives with a range of different perspectives and experiences of the city, from artists born & raised here, to those who have come to study and work. These include pioneer of UK underground hip-hop, Strategy; classically-trained vocalist and pianist, Salo; and spoken work artist, The Thirsty Poet, AKA Matt Concannon. Alongside rapper Che3kz, who works with young people at Salford’s Youth Zone; Zimbabwean-born songwriter & poet, Meduulla, who studied at Salford City College; and singer-songwriter Sam Seth, a University of Salford alumni.
We want to hear about your Salford!
As a part of this project, we would like to hear from the people of Salford.
Please send us a voice recording of your stories of the city! This can be anything from childhood memories, to funny happenings, to family history or even just your experience or opinion. The recordings may inform our songwriting process or even be featured as samples/interludes within the final piece.
We are welcoming submissions until 20th June.
Read more and send in your voice recording here.
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