Modern day mixtape to help fund reopening of Lancaster music facility
People struggling to find a Christmas gift for a music-loving friend or relative are being urged to hit the right note by snaffling a special compilation – and helping to re-open a vital community facility in the process.
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. 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.
It includes 21 submissions which are being released exclusively through the co-op’s Bandcamp page.
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.
“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 at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-lancaster-music-coop