THE NEW MUSICAL BOX

LAST CALL FOR LIVE MUSIC?

Was there ever a "golden age" of local live music?

Surveying the current precarious music scene and then listening to music fans, you'd think that every town was bursting with venues back in years gone by. And not just packed with venues, but each venue was heaving with customers all anxious to be part of their local musical millieux. I'm sure that on occasion, it might have seemed like that, but I can recall going to local gigs in the 80s and well, let's say, I never had to queue at the bar. 

Pubs closing at the rate of 28 net losses per week

But, there's no doubt that in many of our larger towns, there is a paucity of music venues. Yes, there are a handful of purpose-built or full-time sites, but the venues I refer to are the pubs, clubs, hotels and all the other locations that can add such vibrancy to a healthy local music scene. CAMRA - the Campaign For Real Ale -  points out that in 2014 the net closure of pubs each week in the UK has risen from 26 to 28. That's a net loss each and every week of 28 pubs, 4 a day. Whilst many of these may be small locals in out of the way places, a significant number are town-centre and suburban sites, the sort of sites that could have held regular music nights. Certainly, there are new pubs opening up, pubs by chains such as Wetherspoons have made a successful financial model out of selecting good town-centre sites and then converting non-pub buildings into their house style. But, no matter what Wetherspoons may have done for reasonable prices and all-day service, live music isn't part of the mix. The music venue situation is thus worse than imagined: pubs close, fewer new ones open and of those that do, opportunity for live music is minimal.

Mr Kyps at Lower Parkstone - Ideal full-time venue

Why does this matter?

There are several reasons, I believe. Firstly, there are just as many new bands and artists starting out these days as there ever was. With improved technology and flexibility, it's easier to create music and share it with fans and friends. The test - as always - is the ability to go out and play live, learn your stage-craft, gain experience of working with an audience and critically, practice musicianship in front of a potentially critical group of people. Bands and artists need venues not just for gigging purposes, but also rehearsals and creativity. And hopefully, for those who are determined and capable, playing live can generate some kind of an income.

Absent Jack playing a Forest FM gig  

Secondly, it is that financial aspect. Most local bands are never going to make a living out of playing live. However, gig fees are useful - they pay for fuel and transport, equipment, hiring rehearsal space and perhaps, sometimes,. little luxuries like food and drink. But playing live is a contractual thing, a deal with the pub or club: we'll learn our craft and provide entertainment, you pay us for that, you get more customers who spend more on your food and drink. And hopefully, they'll come back again. Several musicians tell me that 15 or 20 years ago, it did seem healthier: local bands could play a reasonably busy pub and take home £400 or more. Today, with fewer venues and less local flexibility in terms of pub managers and owners having the freedom to build a "scene", it's a rare occasion that a respected and accomplished band will take home £400. So why should an artist or band want to go and play live if the net result is that it costs them, rather than being seen as that happy medium where they make an audience happy and get rewarded for doing so?

The Kings Head, London - 1968 Open Mic

There's a third thing here too. It's a bit of a double-edged sword as it looks as if it is something which can truly benefit local artists who want to play live. This is the growing popularity of Open Mic nights, a feature that was a big part of the late 50s and early 60s folk revival, but these days is something else altogether. If I was being optimistic, an Open Mic night has got several good things going for it. Local artists get the chance to play live, practice their skills, try out songs - and mix and network with fellow artists. Set-ups are usually minimal - mostly acoustic - and it's a chance to gradually make a name. There's no money involved - possibly a free drink or a slice of pizza - but at least there's that chance to have your moment on a regular basis. The nights are often organised by roving entrepreneurs who are happy to put the time and energy in to making them happen. The bars and pubs benefit as they rarely pay for the event, but gain from increased food and drink sales. And sometimes, a magical night results.

Open Mic - 2014

However, there are issues with Open Mic nights. For a start, there seems to be an over-supply and the jam gets spread a little thinly. Some are properly organised with performers looked after and supported - but others are little more than a succession of poorly organised occasions with dodgy sound and and an act or two who, let's be honest, probably aren't doing the venue any favours. On balance, Open Mic nights are a good thing, but if there are too many - then the whole dynamic of local live music changes. Why would a landlord or owner pay £500 for a band - when an Open Mic would provide (probably) the same number of customers and sales for the price of couple of pizzas and a drink? The squeeze thus continues on the genuine bars and pubs that want to put on live music. 

Some say that provincial cities and towns will never regain the vibrancy and excitement of a good local music scene as musicians decide that reallly, it has to be the bright lights of London or nothing. There's an element of truth in that, but it's always been that way. And not every band wants to seek fame and fortune, many are quite happy to have day jobs and ply their musical trade as and when they can. I'm not against change - indeed, much change can be a positive thing - but if current trends continue, what town the size of say, Bournemouth or Poole, is going to be be able to support a local music community? And then where will aspiring artists go to learn their skills and progress?

Rough Trade London - Food, Drink, Music Sales, Gigs, Relaxation

There are answers, but as with all such things, money has to come into the equation. Creating a healthy local music scene isn't just about the artists. It's also about promoters, writers, supporters, fans and advertisers - the happy group of people who can all help manage a music scene, enjoy what they do and get something from it too. A multi-purpose venue aimed at music, but also providing space for eating, drinking, coffee, events, retail (books, magazines, music for example) so that income is generated from a wider base of services. The ambience of the venue, the look and feel is all focused on music, the artistic aspects of local culture and its promotion. It would be a welcoming location, always something going on and a place where the vibe changes throughout the day. It's not a purely music venue (which is thus closed during the day and not earning an income) nor is it a make-shift site that's vying for attention with customers who are showing little interest in the music (and boy do they show that). It's a hybrid of the two, welcoming and not off-putting, comfortable at times and edgy at others. And of course - without that investment - a pipe-dream. But who knows what could be achieved if the right minds came together? The right enthusiasms matched with the necessary practicalities? 

There is hope because music is important. There will always be a way to ensure local live music can continue, even if the journey is a tough and painful one. But if anyone wants to start a Kickstarter campaign for the Ideal Venue - please let me know,won't you?  

Alan Dorey

9th July 2014