“The struggle to compete with large, sponsor-backed venues makes it a tough and challenging time for independents,” co-founder Sybil Bell remarks. “Combine this with bands finding it harder to tour due to limited revenues and rising on-the-road costs and we can all see what a difficult climate live venues find themselves in.”
BBC Introducing and various artists and promoters have lent their support to the initiative, with Radiohead drummer Phil Selway remarking:
“Independent Venue Week is a fantastic idea. Small venues are the lifeblood of British music. There’s a particular kind of excitement when you go to a gig at these venues. They’re visceral and intimate.”
Between January 28th-February 2nd next year 18 venues will host a series of gigs – more information can be found over at the project’s Facebook page.