The mix series features recordings taken during real events at the Oxford Road venue, offering an authentic feel of the atmosphere inside the club. According to the team behind Amber’s, the project is intended to document some of the most memorable sets performed in the space since it first opened its doors.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amber’s (@ambers.club)

The first instalment of ‘In Amber’ debuted on February 4 and features a set from Manchester DJ and producer Mr. Scruff alongside longtime collaborator MC Kwasi. The recording was taken from their performance during the club’s opening night celebrations in December 2024, and captures a lot of the excitement that surrounded the opening of a new, sonically-curated club in Manchester.

Following the debut episode, Amber’s released a second entry featuring residents Aletha and Zuri performing a back-to-back set. Recorded during an event on January 11, the mix demonstrates the club’s  range of in-house talent and their ability to put on quality productions without the need for big guest DJs.

Conversely, the third and most recent instalment of the series highlights a performance from Detroit techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson, which goes to show the level of artist Ambers is capable of drawing with their consistent success. Kevin Saunderson is one of the biggest names on the scene and the decision to record his performance will be a deliberate one; having his name on the wall is quite an accolade for such a new club.

Amber’s opened in December 2024 as a multi-room music venue in central Manchester with a capacity of about 1,000 people. The club includes a larger main room capable of hosting hundreds of dancers alongside a smaller second room designed for more intimate events and performances. 

The venue has quickly built a reputation for its music-focused ethos. A strict no-phones policy on the dancefloor and unannounced line-ups encourages attendees to remain present in the moment rather than filming performances. This approach is designed to prioritise the experience of the music and the interaction between DJs and the crowd. Because of this, the ‘In Amber’ series serves as some of the only recorded audio footage from within the club.

The ‘In Amber’ mix series shows the venue’s efforts to build a strong musical identity by documenting performances from residents, local artists and global figures alike, the series provides a look inside the evolving sound of the club and the wider Manchester scene.

Listeners can stream the first three instalments of ‘In Amber’ online, with more editions expected to follow as the venue continues to host new events and visiting DJs throughout the year.  All mixes are available to listen to here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amber’s (@ambers.club)

This move aims to eliminate distractions and foster deeper connections between clubbers and DJs, allowing for a more authentic and engaging nightlife experience. According to the club’s founders, the policy has received overwhelming support, with many attendees praising the initiative for enhancing the communal energy of the dance floor.

Amber’s is not the first venue in the UK to enforce such a policy. Clubs like Berlin’s infamous Berghain have long maintained a strict no-phone rule, but similar approaches are now emerging across the UK. In London, Fabric has encouraged guests to minimize phone use, whilst Glasgow’s Sub Club has also experimented with no-camera policies to maintain a more organic clubbing environment.

@its.kmo_ Inside Berghain The most iconic building of Berlin about which everyone whispers tips how to get in. The easiest way is to visit one of the exhibition in Halle am Berghain #berlin #berghain #berlinart #exhibition ♬ C-Quence Of Calamities – Sedef Adasi Remix – BASHKKA

The rise of phone-free nightlife reflects a broader trend of nostalgia for the pre-smartphone club era, where music and human interaction were at the heart of the experience. As social media continues to shape nightlife culture, more venues may adopt this approach to create more intimate and memorable experiences for clubbers.

Cellphones & Social Media changed Partying & Club Life Globally. You see ppl on their phones, taking pics, texting & posting pics on social media. We DANCED in the 90’s. We sat at the BAR & had drinks w/Women & actually TALKED, then Danced again. The Club use 2B an experience. pic.twitter.com/NPmTjHOttU

— TonyDaDome (@TonyDaDome) February 19, 2022

Phones shouldn’t be allowed in clubs or bars. We should be there to meet NEW people, not text people we already know.

— Nēv Schulman (@NevSchulman) June 7, 2014

Whether Amber’s sets a lasting precedent for UK nightlife remains to be seen, but early reactions suggest that clubgoers are ready to put their phones away and get lost in the music once again.