Another campaign has been launched with the aim of promoting the world of true indie music, this time in the form of Independent Venue Week, which hopes to assist the fortunes of small gig venues up and down the UK.
“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.