What is the Manchester Music Mooch app?
Manchester Music Mooch is a new, free app for mobile devices which takes users on a musical-heritage trail around Manchester City Centre. The app explores locations spanning from Oxford Road to the Northern Quarter, The Village and beyond, focusing on what makes Manchester the music city it is.
Manchester Music Mooch also includes a simple-to-use Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) called Mooch Loops, which allows the user to create and share their own music track using music loops which are unlocked as you visit each location. Don't worry if you've not made music before - this is intuitive, fun and creative.
Keep checking-in for updates - we will be releasing new content soon, and this website will also be updated regularly with exclusive content, including interactive AR.
Is the app free to use?
The app is funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund and is totally free to use. There are no in-app purchase or any hidden costs whatsoever. All of its features are completely free to use!
Will I need to sign up to use the app? Will you harvest my data?
No! There is no need to sign up for the app so we will not have access to any personal data whatsoever.
What do I need to use the app?
All you need is a smartphone and the internet. The app will work fine with 4G and 5G. Some areas of the city centre offer free wifi.
We recommend charging your battery and using your headphones.
How long does the trail take to complete? Can I do it in sections or does it need to be completed in one go?
To complete the whole trail of 20 cross-city centre locations you will need most of a day, including breaks. However, the trail isn’t a ‘route’ with a start and a finish - you can drop in and out as it suits you.
How many heritage sites/stops are included?
Currently the trail focuses on 20 locations within 4 city centre districts: the Oxford Rd Corridor, The Village, the Northern Quarter, and Tony Wilson Place.
We are working on adding more locations soon, so keep checking for updates.
What's the walking distance and difficulty level?
The trail has been developed with ease and safety in mind. All the locations are accessible by pavement, but can also be reached easily by bike and public transport. On average each cluster should take around 45 minutes.
We do not recommend using a car as parts of the trail are restricted traffic areas and you may incur a fine.
What kind of historical periods and stories does the trail cover?
Manchester Music Mooch explores Manchester’s grassroots music culture, which has created some of the best known music and venues globally over the past 60+ years. The oldest location within the app is Band on the Wall which started as a music venue in 1803, although the majority of the locations are more recent, focusing on the 1970s to the present day.
What is Mooch Loops?
Mooch Loops is an integrated studio within the Manchester Music Mooch app. Mooch Loops allows you to collect pre-recorded music loops to easily create your own piece of music, as you progress along the trail.
When you first start the trail, you will have two pre-installed loops, ready for you to play around with and practice your studio technique.
On the trail at each location a new loop unlocks within your studio library. A full library is 22 loops, although you don't need many to start making great music on your phone. You can even share your track with your friends.
Every loop is created by a Manchester artist from the city's music community. Some loops are created from local historic recordings. Tap the ⓘ button next to the loop to see who created it.
Please be aware that your final mix-down will not be saved in the studio. When you leave the app, Mooch Loops studio re-sets. It's likely you will never be able to make the exact same track more than once.
Don't worry if you're not technical, have never made music before, or don't think you're creative. We're pretty sure Mooch Loops plays to everyone's creativity and technical skill, and within only a couple of minutes you'll be adept at creating your own piece of Manchester music.
Is the trail suitable for families with children?
Yes, definitely! The trail is full of engaging Augmented Reality (AR) experiences and historic context which people of all ages will enjoy. There is also a built-in, simple-to-use music studio for users to create and share their own piece of Manchester music.
Are there any similar music trails in Manchester?
Yes. The city of Salford has its own music trail app called ECHO Salford. It’s similar to the Manchester Music Mooch, and is in fact made by the same team. ECHO Salford takes users on a trail which includes The Lowry, The Salford Lads Club and Maxwell Hall. Check it out!
Which devices and operating systems does the app support?
The app will run on iOS and Android, and use about 300MB of space.
Do I need an internet connection to use the app?
Yes you will need internet connection. There are areas of free public wifi within the city centre, although 4G and 5G will provide enough bandwidth to run the experience. Make sure you have the data.
Does the app drain the battery quickly?
As with any travel app which needs to be open, the MMM will use more battery power than apps which you can close down regularly. If you intend to do the majority of the trail in one go, we recommend fully charging your battery and taking a power-bank with you.
Can I use the app offline?
Because the app uses your location to open the site-specific AR experiences, offline use will produce a very limited experience.
How do I download and get started?
Go to App Store/Google Play and search Manchester Music Mooch.
Is the trail wheelchair/mobility aid accessible?
Yes, all locations can be accessed by wheelchair.
Are there public toilets and rest stops along the trail?
There are plenty of cafes along the trail, some of which will have toilets. Please check your map apps for details on public toilets.
What should I do if the weather turns bad?
It’s Manchester… let’s face it, you probably already expect it to rain. Bring a waterproof and be prepared to take shelter if it lashes it down.
Are there nearby parking options or public transport links?
All locations are near to public transport routes, with most being near city centre Metrolink tram stops. Check your map app for car parking locations.
Is the trail safe to do alone or in the evening?
We have planned the trail to use safe areas at all times of the day. However, like any major city, Manchester has crime so we always recommend you be aware of the area you are in and the immediate space around you. Look out for thieves and keep your personal belongings and especially your phone close to you.
What types of content does the app include?
The app contains AR presenters who appear on your screen and introduce the area to you. There are also animated, interactive experiences for you to play with as well as photographs and information about the locations.
The app includes an integrated and simple to use music studio, which allows you to create your own piece of Manchester music.
Are there different trail options or difficulty levels?
There are 20 city centre locations within the app. All are easily accessible by pavement or public transport. You do not need to follow a specific route or visit the locations in any particular order. The integrated map will help you plan your route.
Does the app work with headphones/earbuds?
Yes, and in fact we recommend you use your headphones whilst using the app. Manchester can be a noisy place.
What happens if I get lost or can't find a heritage site?
The app contains a familiar-looking map to help you navigate and the locations sit within popular and well-known areas of the city centre.
However, if you do find yourself lost we recommend nipping into a nearby shop, cafe or business and asking a staff member to help.
Who can I contact if I encounter technical problems?
For any technical issues and bug reports please contact hello@manchestermusicmooch.com
What makes this trail unique compared to other Manchester tours?
We love Manchester and we love all of the city’s other trails, but we are the only digital trail which focuses on one of Manchester’s greatest passions and famous exports - music.
Were local historians or heritage experts involved in creating the content?
Yes, the app has been developed with people who are passionate and knowledgeable about Manchester’s musical heritage, including the team behind the excellent ECHO Salford app and the Manchester Digital Music Archive.
WE ♡ MANCHESTER
