Saving Indie Venues: The Heartbeat of Live Music's Future

Across the UK, small independent music venues are fighting to survive. These venues are crucial for new musicians and bands to develop their skills and gain fans. Morag Butler, a performer and promoter who runs a music venue and bed and breakfast in Margate, says these places are 'really, really under threat. ' She believes that if people do not support their local venues, they could disappear. Morag's venue is known for its intimate acoustic shows, hosting both well-known artists and giving local talent a chance to perform. She says, 'There is nothing like live music. It lifts you up. It's a different experience to listening to it online, or on the radio, or on a record. '

Independent Venue Week is a special event that celebrates these grassroots spaces. Hundreds of live shows and events are held in cities, towns, and villages, bringing together artists and audiences. Sybil Bell, the founder of Independent Venue Week, says the event is about recognizing what these venues mean to people. She points out that more fans want to be out with friends, enjoying music in person instead of just watching on a screen. Morag Butler feels lucky because her venue owns its building, but she knows many others are not so fortunate. Venues that have to pay rent are struggling to survive, especially after the financial problems caused by the Covid pandemic.

Other venues in the south of England share these concerns. The Factory Live in Worthing, which is set in a former factory, has become popular since the pandemic. Stephen Sheldrake, the marketing and programming manager, says they focus on making everyone feel welcome, including artists, audience members, staff, and volunteers. He says, 'We are here to capture the excitement of live music and bring that joy to people. ' The Factory Live has hosted a variety of acts, from Irish pop band Hothouse Flowers to hip-hop artists like Arrested Development and Obie Trice. Stephen was amazed when Obie Trice Facetimed Eminem from the venue's green room. He grew up listening to Eminem and was thrilled that the famous rapper had heard of their small venue.

In Bexhill-on-Sea, Greg Norrington, a programmer at the De La Warr Pavilion, says their venue also struggled during Covid. He believes it is important to keep independent venues open because they help artists build their careers. Many musicians now try to become famous online, but Greg says the best way to succeed is to start in small venues and work your way up. The De La Warr Pavilion has hosted artists like Patti Smith, the Flaming Lips, and Suzie Eddie Izzard. Greg would love to book the Arctic Monkeys one day.

Smaller, multi-purpose venues are also important. In Banbury, Oxfordshire, a craft beer bar called The Bell Inn doubles as a comedy and music venue. Owner Rob Foreman says he is passionate about both beer and music. He admits that independent artists can be hard to find, but they are essential for keeping the venue alive. He believes grassroots music keeps getting better.

Simon Bentley, director of a venue in Southbourne, Dorset, says it is exciting to introduce people to great music and comedy close to home. He thinks small venues belong to the people who use them. When they host a show, he says, 'you can feel the soul in the room. '

This year, the Towner art gallery in Eastbourne joined Independent Venue Week. The gallery is usually known for visual arts and cinema, but curator Emily Medd says they used the event to try live music. She describes the gallery as having a 'DIY ethos' and plans to continue hosting music events in the future.

All these stories show how important independent venues are for local communities and musicians. The people who run these venues hope that more people will support live music, so these special places can continue to thrive.