There are a few good cheap places for bands and acoustic acts to stay when visiting Manchester. The following have been recommended to us:
Hatter’s / Hilton Chambers - Hostel in the Northern Quarter. Seems really clean and nice, with a good vibe.
The Manchester central Travelodge looks okay too - and is actually reasonably cheap.
The Lansdowne is also reasonable… and is situated near Fuel and Fallowfield Trof.
Yha Manchester is also well worth looking at…
Tom