My name is Zak Osborne (They/Them), I’m a drummer of 12+ years who’s developed a thirst for live events, with a passion for jazz, dance, experimental and expressionistic music.

Back in 2022 when I first embarked on my journey as Step Ladder Records, I saw an opportunity. I was gigging around Manchester and seeing insanely talented bands slip under the radar, often booked to play alongside artists that clashed with their sound. They seemed to be tied by a common thread of utilising jazz-infusions to build their sound. I wanted get these bands under one roof - to play my part in nurturing this growing scene as an event organiser and promoter.

Starting with zero experience and a ‘fake it till you make it’ attitude, I soon realised that facilitating events gave me a great energy to feed back into my own creativity, and the folks around me. Before I knew it, I was watching my events develop into something bigger than myself. I found myself booking artists and musicians I really look up to, and feeling grateful to share the moments of pure inspiration I experienced from these players.

Now almost 3 years later, I’m still throwing gigs and I love it! I invite you to be a part of our community as Step Ladder Records flows into a new era.