A special new compilation ‘mixtape’ has been launched to help raise funds to re-open a community music facility in Lancaster.
Lancaster Music Co-op has launched Co-opilation Vol #1’ – a compilation of tracks donated by artists who have used and supported its non-profit rehearsal facility, recording studio and music space on Lodge Street.
The co-op has been homeless since 2019 owing to the need for major repairs to their premises.
But it has since secured a long-term lease and has been undergoing extensive renovation thanks to grant funding and a community-powered fundraising campaign.
It is hoped sales of the compilation will take it a step closer to re-opening.
Co-op directors sent out a message asking for musicians to donate a track for the collaborative experiment.
From the hotly tipped post-punk beat combo Morton Betts to the poetic indie folk loveliness of Dog Daisies, the co-op team were overwhelmed with support and submissions.
The modern-day mixtape includes genres from house music, to hardcore, all the way through to the gentle folk of 17-year-old Matilda Walden, who presents the 'Beyond Expectations' podcast on Beyond Radio.
It includes 21 submissions which are being released exclusively through the co-op’s Bandcamp page.
Morton Betts
Co-op director, Derek Meins, said: “The Co-op has had an incredible 2025. We’ve welcomed musicians from the local area and all over the UK and danced along together.
“Our renovation project has progressed leaps and bounds and we can’t wait to show people how it’s looking in there as it’s getting really close.
“Fundamentally though, what we have all tried to do is keep our community together because without a community, there is no co-op.
“It’s with this in mind, we introduce ‘Co-opilation Vol #1’ which will raise much-needed funds to support our reopening and help buy equipment for those who will use our facilities next year.''
Dog Daisies
“This is music made by the community, donated to our cause and to be enjoyed by everyone - music by the people, for the people.
“The submissions we had truly reflect the diversity of our music community and we are hugely thankful to every musician or band kind enough to donate a track.
“Buy a copy not only to support to Co-op, but to relish the incredible music being made in our local area.
“Get it for your granny’s Christmas or your friend’s birthday, or whatever. Get it because it’s an amazing array of musicians who are getting behind a vital community cause.”
The compilation is available for pre-order from today at https://lancastermusiccoop.bandcamp.com/ on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis with a suggested donation of £5. It can be downloaded from Saturday.
You can also donate to the fundraising campaign here.
Lancaster youth charity launches 10 Challenges campaign
£30k campaign launched for new Lancaster community farm
Carnforth chiropodist honours her late husband with clinic fundraiser
Lancaster City Council agrees 2.99 per cent rise in Council tax share
Lancashire Police’s share of Council tax to rise by 5.4 per cent
Guys Thatched Hamlet closes suddenly after 46 years
Teenager spared jail for causing death of newborn child in Morecambe
Morecambe Town Council agrees budget and 2.46 per cent rise in Council tax share
Builders of new Lancaster housing development offer £2k cash pot to community groups
Lancaster centre welcomes mayor for opening of new community kitchen
Lancaster shop to close as high street gaming chain faces administration
Jim Bentley returns for second spell as Morecambe FC manager
Ashvir Singh Johal’s reign as Morecambe manager comes to an end
Lancaster writer's ghost story of Morecambe to be voiced by acting legend on Radio 4
Change of name announced for popular Morecambe bar
Opening announced for new Morecambe bistro inside former post office
Health watchdog report shows improvements to services at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
LISTEN: How Leo's Gym is making a difference in memory of young Morecambe boxer
LISTEN: Lancaster set to celebrate Chinese New Year
Lancaster’s Vue Cinema under new ownership
