Independent Venue Week is coming up towards the end of the month and it celebrates small music venues across the country. It's a nod to all the people who run and maintain venues that form the backbone of the live music scene. Without them, new or up and coming talent wouldn't be able to establish and grow their fan bases, so they can get to the next step of their careers.
Running from the 29th January - 4th February, a number of Southampton's venues are putting on events as part of the celebration. Some of the highlights are listed below:
The Brook has got four shows lined up back to back during the week, with a different array of artists each night.
The final night of four consecutive shows features three brilliant bands brought together to celebrate the spirit of independence and culture of live music. This night will be rocking the roof off! With 1990s indie rock band The Real People headlining the night with big guitars and soaring harmonies with support from The Dead Freights ~ a hot four piece Southampton based rock & roll band with a sublime mix of melodic pleasure and pain and The Villanovas ~ another emerging Southampton talent with Rock n Roll attitude ~ this is set to be one of The Brook’s highlights of the year.
Saturday 3rd February/Doors 8pm
£13 Adv / £16 Door
Information on the other three nights can be found at the links below:
31st January - Police Dog Hogan
1st February - 4 Men & a Guitar, with Lewis Bootle, James Baxter, Steve Lowis, Jack Dale
2nd February - James Walsh with the Up Down Go Machine (Acoustic) & Callum Lintott
Our neighbours here at the studio, The Alex has got a number of different events lined up for Independent Venue week.
Tom Hingley of Inspiral Carpets fame graces Southampton with an intimate acoustic set, playing a mix of Inspiral tunes as well as music from his solo career. Support comes in the form of "Reggae Punk Psychedelia" act The Cabin Fever, and two talented Singer/Songwriter acts Dan O'Farell and Joe Mongan.
Monday 29th January/Doors: 7:30pm
£5 ADV.
For the other events going on at The Alex, click the links below:
31st January: Shy Boy and Posh Ellen.
1st February: SK Shlomo (Foreign Beggars/Solo) + Grant Sharkey and Last Child Dancing.
2nd February: Scare Taxi, Flying Alexanders, The BC Experiment, Neko Roshi and Continental Liaison.
"A Big Bad Beautiful Noise" represents an exciting new chapter for the London band, but The Godfathers have had a long and illustrious career. They were formed in 1985 by brothers Peter (vocals) and Chris Coyne (bass/vocals) from the ashes of their previous band The Sid Presley Experience. The Godfathers toured extensively, quickly earning a serious reputation for their electrifying brand of primal rock'n'roll and their incendiary live shows.
Friday 2nd February/Doors 7:30pm
£12.00 ADV
In association with Marshall's new record label Marshall Records, Independent Venue Week have teamed up with the music gear giant to bring you the For the Record Tour, featuring two recent additions to the label King Creature, and Reigning Days.
Freshly signed to Marshall Records, King Creature have recently released their debut album "Volume One" with world-class producer Rob Cass. With there last two singles "Lowlife" and "Can you forgive me?" they plan to bring their high-octane performance to stages everywhere.
Having just released the single "Gravity" off their upcoming album "Eclipse" 2018 is going to be a big year for Reigning Days. With a 4K review in Kerrang! for their headline show in London last year, Reigning Days have no intention of slowing down.
Wednesday 31st January/Doors 7:00pm
£5 ADV
If you know of any other local events going on in conjunction with independent venue week, feel free to let us know by emailing Liam@blackhillstudios.co.uk.