Scruff of the Neck Launches in Germany – Starting in Berlin
Building bridges between Berlin and Manchester through grassroots live music
UK-based music company Scruff of the Neck is proud to announce its official expansion into Germany, launching in Berlin with a grassroots live music series that aims to discover and champion the best emerging talent in the city.
Founded in Manchester in 2009, Scruff of the Neck has become a driving force in the UK’s independent music scene under the ethos: "Best Bands Found First." Now, after years of passionate work with European artists, the team is turning its attention to Berlin, kicking things off in the same way it all began: with authentic, community-driven live shows.
Scruff of the Neck has long held a deep appreciation for European music, particularly artists who adopt an anglophile spirit—writing and performing in English, drawing from British sonic influences. But for founder Mark Lippmann, it’s the fusion of these UK roots with the richness and individuality of European sound and lyricism that makes it truly special.
“There’s no doubt British music has had a wide-reaching influence, and we’re proud to be part of that tradition, but what really inspires me is how artists across Europe take those influences and create something completely their own. That blend of cultural sounds and perspectives can be quite beautiful. We’re not here to compete, we’re here to contribute, to collaborate with local talent, and to build something meaningful from the ground up. This is about creating a genuine bridge between Berlin and Manchester, Germany and the UK.”
Scruff of the Neck has already worked with many leading German acts, promoting UK shows and festival appearances for the likes of Giant Rooks, KYTES, Shelter Boy, Brockhoff, and Amistat. The label also signed Shelter Boy (Leipzig) to Scruff of the Neck Records, releasing two albums that pushed the artist’s reach even further.
Berlin was the obvious choice to start this new chapter, not just because of its iconic venues, nightlife, and cultural significance, but because of its openness, diversity, and creative energy. Scruff of the Neck’s local presence will be launched locally by Jake McGloin, a Berlin resident of over five years who originally hails from Manchester. Talking about the first show on Friday 06th June 2025:
“I’m really excited to help bring Scruff of the Neck’s first Berlin night to life. They’ve played a huge role in the Manchester music scene, so it feels fitting to welcome them into Berlin, my home for the past few years. Urban Spree in RAW-Gelände, with its creative energy and raw character, is the perfect place to kick things off. We’ve put together a line-up that reflects Berlin’s diversity: the high-energy hooks of Shybits, the dreamy, edgy indie rock of Lore Vain, and the hazy Americana vibes of Cactus for Breakfast—one of the most exciting new bands in the city.”
The long-term plan includes establishing a Scruff of the Neck Berlin office, with capacity to sign artists to management and the label, but the immediate focus is simple: start with live shows for domestic talent, connect with the community, and lay a strong foundation for what’s to come.
The first Scruff of the Neck Berlin show will be announced and on sale this Friday, 11th April 2025, and will take place in June 2025.
For press enquiries, interview requests, or to get involved:
mark.lippmann@scruffoftheneck.
jake.mcgloin@scruffoftheneck.
