Gruff Rhys performing at Leeds Church (Scott Smith / Live4ever)
Gruff Rhys joins Arlo Parks who has been invited to be the England ambassador.
Gruff Rhys is Independent Venue Week‘s Welsh ambassador for its 2021 edition.
“As a touring musician my work is completely connected to having independent venues exist,” the Super Furry Animals frontman says.
“It’s about people, not the actual buildings. It’s about the energy and enthusiasm that music fans have created in towns and cities and villages and so, we need to give a voice for those people to be heard.”
“Touring artists are completely dependent on the enthusiasm of independent promoters and venues.”
“The reality of music is that for most people it’s a lifelong passion, and musicians can rarely make a full living out of it, so music exists thanks to people’s passion to want to hear music, share music and give a stage to exciting new music.
“Independent venues keep that spirit going and they make it possible for musicians to play – most people involved are doing it for the love of it. Those independent venues create the conditions that make it possible for everything else to happen within music.”
The ongoing shutdown of live music makes this long-running initiative all the more important in 2021, and like most else it will be concentrating on digital events this year to combat the lack of regular shows.
“As we step into 2021, it is clear we are a long way from any kind of opportunity to safely enjoy live music in grassroots music venues and the health and well-being of our whole community is our priority,” a spokesperson explains.
“IVW is responding by adapting the way shows are available across the week with a range of digital events. From ‘In Conversations’ with artists, labels, promoters, gig goers and other industry organisations to album listening parties, pre-recorded live streams, comedy and quizzes.”