Manchester-based band Sixth Day sat down with us to discuss the evolution of their sound, the meaning behind their name, and how platforms like TikTok are shaping their connection with fans.
When asked what he hopes people say about their music, Alex, the band’s lead singer, keeps it simple: he just wants people to talk about the songs themselves – the sound, the feelings, the vibe. "I often put little lines from other songs, whether it's Oasis, Pixies, Billie Eilish, could be anything, in the instrumental parts of songs", he says. "I'd love to know if people picked up on that."
Photo Credits: Emily Nicholson
If you’ve never heard of Sixth Day before, Alex reckons you should start with their new single With You. It’s a punchy mix of pop and rock, influenced by some of their favourite bands. "The second verse is probably one of the best verses I've ever written", Alex proudly admits. As for a track that’s never leaving their setlist? That’s easy – Say Hello. It’s a staple of their live shows and a clear band favourite.
The band’s name, Sixth Day, has a strong connection to Manchester. Alex explains they got it from a local mural that reads, “On the sixth day, God created Manchester.” Even though not everyone in the band is from the city – or religious – they felt the phrase just fit and their name was born.
"We don’t try to sound like the bands that came before.”
When it comes to songwriting, the band keeps things fluid. “Sometimes I’ll write the bones of a song and bring it to rehearsal,” Alex explains. “Other times Hugh [guitar] will write a chord progression or riff, and we’ll work up something around that. Other times, like very recently, a song will just come out of thin air when we’re jamming about in rehearsal. It’s a real mix!”
Sixth Day’s Manchester roots run deep, and the city’s musical legacy is hard to ignore. “We don’t try to sound like the bands that came before,” Alex shares. „Sometimes we can’t help it being from Manchester but ultimately so many good bands have come from this city and still do that it’s hard not to be influenced by it.”
While echoes of Manchester’s past linger, the band is forging its own path, drawing sonic inspiration from acts like Pixies, Nirvana, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
With a new single on the way, Sixth Day are deep in promo mode: filming TikToks and navigating the demands of the digital age.
While promotion has always been part of the job, frontman Alex reflects on how the landscape has shifted. "It’s a mix of good and bad. Good because it feels like we’re in a real moment where there’s never been a better opportunity to easily go and market and promote yourself to as many people as possible but at the same time I didn’t dream of being a promoter when I was younger.” He shares his thoughts that many artists might echo. “I wanted to be in a band, write music, play live, so I do find it difficult but there’s worse problems to have.”
When it comes to Sixth Day’s electric live shows, Alex offers a glimpse into his mindset. "The moment before I step on stage, I get a little nervous,” he admits, “but once the first song starts, the anxiety disappears and the music takes over.” While Alex won’t speak for the whole band, he mentions the significance of staying grounded during their shows. “I try to stay as present and in the moment with the music as much as I can.”
So, what’s next for Sixth Day? The band is buzzing about their brand-new single With You dropping Friday, November 14th, along with their first-ever music video. And if you’re hooked, keep an eye out for their upcoming EP, due later this year or early next year.
For those lucky enough to be near Manchester, you can catch Sixth Day live at Gorilla on the 28th of November 2025, where they’ll be part of a killer lineup of local bands or on November 20th, 2025 in Stockport for free!
Sixth Day are stepping into their next chapter with a clear sense of self. Whether it’s a mural, a riff, or a verse that sparks the story, they’re building something that’s unmistakably theirs - and they’re just getting started! So don’t miss out and be along for the ride.
WITH YOU OUT NOV 14.
Words by
Marie Müller & Melina Ernst, 2025