Season Three of our live sessions is aimed to incorporate new venues and cities and provide opportunities to artists around the country to perform. In our first season we based ourselves in the Midlands and Staffordshire working with over 20 artists and producing 40 video’s, which can be found in the link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChU-XuoatoRKgpvAgskZiQw/videos
We hope Season 3 to be similarly productive, but to take in new styles, genres of music and experimentation. One such change is to work within the capital, in London at our base at Zap Studio’s where Fusion participant Katie Cooper co manages the photography, arts and film based space. https://www.zapstudios.co.uk/
Our return from Covid 19 saw us back at Dubrek Studio’s, where we have been working on Live Sessions with Edd Saffel, Oolay Stone and Max Mortimer. Since our first session on the 1st August have seen performances from Charlotte Bettson, Connor Pearson, Dorothy Ella, Aimee Smith, Emily Carr, Kevin Bradley, Joey Collins, Emily Lockett, Aimee Cliff, Myles Knight, Matt Peach, Luke Smith, Julia Mosley, Charity Stow, Beau Presley, Paris Alexander, Vona Vella, Eddie and The Wolves, Adam Finney, Behind the Moon, Helen Walford, Andrew Moran, Emma Buckley, Emily Crane, Joey Greener, Kalluna, Cautions Horses, Katie O’Malley, Dan Vadolia, Ayesha, The Collective Band, Jane Orton, Tom Grant, Jessie Desai, Heidi Rolph Stott, Michael Hardy, FLVZ, Marseille, Alex Cavan, Leah Wilcox, Deri Sharman, Luke Irwin and Tom Shawcroft.
On arrival to Dubrek at 67 Bridge Street, Derby we ask that performers wait downstairs in the communal area with Dubrek rotational staff Richard McKerron, Krista Ford (pictured) or Kelly until called, as space in the recording and filming area is limited. Artists receive copies of all work produced which is edited primarily by Oolay Photography or in our London base by Katie Cooper. Artists are welcome to use the work on their own social media pages. The work will be sent to you via a Wetransfer link.
PICTURED Above: Max Mortimer joined Fusion this summer to join our work at Dubrek Studio’s and in Bristol and London into the future. Below: Tech and Audio Set up during the performance of Charity Stow, with Oolay Stone and Edd Saffel.
We ask for no attendance from the general public at our live sessions due to Covid rules, however if you are bringing plus ones or twos to assist you please let us know and that is fine. Our sessions may also include virtual interviews with Derby Sound Community Radio or with Luke Knowles Barstool Session’s. Our interviews are featured on our Soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/user-25108182
In addition to live sessions, we also stage live music at the Feather Star in Wirksworth and The Clock Warehouse in Shardlow. In addition to Dubrek we intend to work at venues in Staffordshire (Say Music), Leicester, London and Brighton. Sessions at Dubrek are x2 songs per artist with 30 minute slots to undergo the number of takes required.
Our next season of Sessions will depend on the new Covid guidelines for the winter period. During winter please request the use of a heater in the recording space. Sessions are filmed by Oolay Stone, recorded by Saffel Records.
Our live sessions are in collaboration with Derby Sound Community Radio and the Children’s Cancer charity Ben’s Den. Find out more about the charity at https://www.bensden.com/ If you’d like to promote the cause alongside your work we’d be massively grateful, although not a requirement. To support the cause or share the link go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/imran-khan57
Fusion is run by myself Imran, alongside Musician and Videographer Katie Cooper. Our aim is to provide live Music opportunities and to act as a resource for new and up and coming artists. At Fusion’s self run gigs we provide filming and photography and bring musicians into new areas, as well as provide paid slots in different locations using our equipment. Fusion has worked across music venues in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, as well as in Brighton and London. In 2019 we participated on the Hawthorne Stage at Wicked Hathern Festival and was part of a hugely well attended Festival in Bournemouth at the Riverside Inn in the same year.
Pictured: Tom Shawcroft performing for Fusion at Duffy’s Bar in Leicester 2019.
Video: Summer 2019 in Bournemouth and Leicester. Made by Katie Cooper.
Since its foundation in 2017 Fusion has built up its connections around the country, notably working with Lawrence Jenner at The Great Escape Venue the Brunswick and at our live session’s at Derby’s Dubrek Studio’s and Say Music in Staffordshire. We also volunteer with The Honey Box at King Street Studio’s in Stoke on Trent. Fusion self run gigs are largely free entry, with the option of donating to the Charity Projects we support should people so wish. Fusion has raised over a Thousand pounds towards Sophie’s Journey in Lincolnshire and The Nottingham Children’s Hospital IMRI Scanner Appeal.
Pictured: Ellie Kemp with Arun Verma of BBC Radio Nottingham in 2020.
VIDEO: Fusion’s Media and Journalism team conduct live interviews with artists which feature on our Soundcloud. https://soundcloud.com/user-25108182
Our media team help heavily promote our gigs which has allowed us to provide further opportunities to artists with appearances on BBC Radio, Local and Community Stations such as Kemet FM and Nottingham Hospital Radio and on Notts TV.
Video: Andrew Moran appearing with Fusion on BBC Radio Leicester 17.3.2020
We also have worked regularly with music producer Edd Saffell of Saffell Records, videographer Oolay Stone, photographer Ashley Tendakai and Lincolnshire videographer Holly Brown.
Fusion aims to keep extending and building its team in 2021.
My first experiences in London were through visiting my friend and Fusion colleague Katie socially and to discuss our project and future plans. Our first official gig together in the capital was for St Patrick’s Night on Euston Road, opposite the busy train station. Immediately the venue appealed to me in terms of being in such a hotspot region. https://www.instagram.com/p/By0fYA1FBO_/
It also felt like a place from where I could base ourselves whilst we discovered new opportunities and made new connections, for example Katie did a gig in Shoreditch with promoter John Fossey and has been part of BARK who put on gigs at The Glad.
Our current preference down in the South is working at the Music Venue in Hove, The Brunswick, a gorgeous location by the seaside with fantastic sound and where we co promote with Lawrence Jenner.
PICTURED: Myself and Katie was part of the Brighton Fringe Festival at the Rialto Theatre in 2019.
My most recent gigs in Euston, had revolved around Half Crescent collaborator Cristina Hart with future plans to come back to London with Chloe Leigh and Paris Alexander. Euston is a very different atmosphere to many of our other venues. London is always worth visiting, as there is so much to see and do and this is definitely work in progress currently.
Video: London Musician Kahhla is one of many artists Katie has worked with as a freelance videographer.
Katie is also very active in London, having worked for three years at ZAP Studio’s in Peckham. https://www.zapstudios.co.uk/ and graduated in Film Practice with a BA Honours Degree. Katie has worked on film and visual projects with Newton Faulkner, Kahhla, Deco, Aly and AJ, Coconut. Zap Studio’s has hosted to London’s Sofar Sounds https://www.sofarsounds.com/londonIn addition Katie has hosted her own Open Mic in Dulwich in 2019. Katie’s Vimeo page is https://vimeo.com/filmbykatie and showreel
During November 2019 and March 2020 I had fantastic experiences on the Staffordshire Music Scene including volunteering at online Music TV show The Honey Box, before the temporary break caused by Covid 19. http://www.honeyboxlive.co.uk/
Honeybox is run by Peter Herbert and promoter Lee Barber from Stoke Music Venue The Undergound https://www.facebook.com/theundergroundstoke/ and hosted by Molly Gould and BBC Introducing’s Lucas Yeomans. Honeybox is based at King Street Studio’s and was where I discover so many fantastic Stoke acts such as In The Cards, Emily Lockett, Darla Jade, Lissy Taylor, John Dhali, Rose and Cloud, Behind The Moon, Lucy, The Ezy’s, Look Buzy and Heidi Rolph Stott.
VIDEO: Behind the Moon performing Easier to Lie at HoneyBox 2020
Following my acceptance to return to the University of Derby and my recent work with One Zero Presents, Fusion will bring together both Staffordshire and Midlands artists in live Sessions firstly at Dubrek Studio’s and Say Music. Supported by Derby Sound Community Radio https://www.derbysound.org.uk/ and the Union of Students. Our experiences at Dubrek went successfully headlined by The Idolins, alongside Dorothy Ella, Paris Alexander, Georgia McKiernan, Charlotte Bettson and Mikey J. https://www.facebook.com/onezeropresents/
Dubrek Studio’s has many advantages as a space for Acoustic Artists and bands, with the ability to provide an intimate gig in its upstairs space as well as quality filming. It also has a downstairs dining and communal area where Fusion’s Derby based Journalist Shannon O’Hagan and Charlotte Bettson will carry out interviews with artists for use in our Soundcloud. https://soundcloud.com/user-25108182 and here on WordPress. Prior to Covid 19 attendees also could order drinks, snacks and hot food from the bar.
PICTURED: Huge grateful to Lucas Yeoman’s centre for supporting our project at Dubrek Studios by giving myself and Emily Lockett airtime on Radio Stoke 16.3.2020. Pictured alongside Emily Galvin, John McLeod, Heidi Rolph Stott and Behind the Moon’s Scott Evans.
Our most ambitious gig to date has been at Rough Trade in the Hockley district of Nottingham. Headlined by London’s Austel, Leeds bands Lelo and Alleyways alongside local acts Holly Fallon, Myles Knight, Joey Collins, Emma Buckley, Dorothy Ella, Paris Alexander, Kelsey Shaw, Georgia McKiernan and Harri Georgio.
This was a very successful choice of location with Sam Alison and his team a pleasure to work with from every situation. We hope to do more gigs like this in 2020 and 2021 based on showcasing the latest original material of local artists in addition to giving bands longer 30 minute slots. This is certainly a case of Watch this Space.
Rough Trade in itself is an established music venue surrounded by Boutiques, bars, restaurants and above its own Record shop. https://www.roughtrade.com/gb Ahead of this gig we received fantastic support from Leftlion newspaper which is distributed around Nottingham https://www.leftlion.co.uk/ We also appeared on BBC Introducing in the East Midlands thanks to Dean Jackson and Arun Verma’s midweek show.
PICTURED: Holly Fallon on BBC Radio Nottingham promoting the gig on Arun Verma’s show in 2020.
VIDEO: Live Performance from the gig with Emma Buckley, alongside bandmates Dorothy Ella and Kevin Bradley.
Our gig in Rough Trade was also our first collaboration with Dubrek Studio’s One Zero Presents in Nottingham, which is an effective co promoter run by Richard McKerron. Our next work continues together at Dubrek Studio’s which benefits from a intimate music venue, hot meals and downstairs create communal space https://www.facebook.com/events/630332651101186/ Headlined by Emma Buckley, Dorothy Ella and Remy and in support of our work on the Stoke Music Scene.
PICTURED: Paris Alexander’s songs I Once Held You and Far From Here was played live on BBC Radio Leicester ahead of the gig at Rough Trade.
PICTURED: Dorothy Ella, ourselves and One Zero Presents started worked on a trio of gigs in 2020. In addition Dorothy Ella has also started running Monthly Jam Sessions at Dubrek Studio’s.
One of our most enjoyable experiences of 2019 was putting on our first gig with C.G Presents and promoter Lawrence Jenner at the Great Escape venue the Brunswick in Brighton. In Katie I’d found the person who I’d worked with on Fusion since the days of Sophie’s Journey and we started to lead the project together, especially in the south of the country. https://www.facebook.com/filmbykatie
By now we’d also enlisted photographer’s Ashley Tendakai, Greta Taylor Kaur as support and journalists Ellie Kemp and Shannon O’Hagan. Myself and Katie started to hang out a lot more in 2019 and do our own gigs together around the country in Reading, Doncaster, Euston, Bournemouth, Oxford, Northampton, Hertfordshire, plus Brighton being our favorite place to visit following a gig in Shoreham and participation at the Fringe Festival at the Rialto Theatre.
PICTURED: Our first gig in Brighton featured Chloe Leigh, Yassi V, Billie Flynn and The Mann and I.
VIDEO: A video we made to introduce our space in Brighton and at Derby’s Dubrek Studio’s.
Our next scheduled for July also based around Brighton acts Austel, Luan Mei, Lisa Nora and Truly Rasmussen. https://www.facebook.com/events/681684395901628/ Both nights are part of a regular feature at the Brunswick run by Lawrence called The Brighton Showcase, which is free entry. Food and drinks can be ordered from the main bar, which is separated from the live music venue.
PICTURED: The Mann and I host Open Mic nights in Brighton at the Fiddler’s Elbow.
VIDEO: Chloe Leigh performing live for CG Presents/ Fusion at the Brighton Showcase in 2019.
We returned to Leicester at Duffy’s Bar in 2019 for three gigs ahead of our first involvement with a Live Music Festival, Wicked Hathern. Our Line up included Elysian, Chloe Adams, Alice Kube, Mellows, JJ Lovegrove, Aimee Cliff, Ohana, Jessie Desai, Tom Hingley, Tom Shawcroft, Holly Fallon, Katie Cooper, Emily Carr, Lyd Music, Comprehend, Amy Lawton, Jane Orton and Mellow Baku. These gigs benefited from strong sound work at the venue and a much tighter intimate space creating a nice atmosphere.
PICTURED: Duffy’s Bar saw the first collaboration between ourselves and Aimee Cliff, with Deri Sharman’s new band Mellow’s also performing their first official gig. https://www.instagram.com/tv/BzYlcRuheWF/
Myself and Katie Cooper also began film work at this gig and started diversifying Fusion together by branching out into new areas of the country. Katie and Aimee Cliff would go on to make their first music video together for Aimee’s song ‘1905’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz_KcoXEpSo
PICTURED: JJ Lovegrove, Katie, Comprehend, Aimee Cliff, Tom Shawcroft and Emily Carr at Duffy’s Bar, 2019.
PICTURED: One of our proudest moments was working with former Inspiral Carpets lead singer Tom Hingley at our first Duffy’s gig, hosted by Elysian and also featuring Aimee Cliff, Jane Orton and Jessie Desai.
Whilst promoting in the city we also established strong ties with Radio Leicester’sThe A Word hosted by Andy Peirce, who supported us in publicising each gig on the show. Other places which have been great for us has been Recording Label HQ Familia, run by Yasin El Ashrafi, BBC Introducing in the East Midlands as well as The Exchange. I’d get to know Leicester relatively well through travelling around gigs with Paris Alexander attending Western Park Festival, HallatonFest as well as Open Mic’s at the city’s main music venues PI Bar, The Soundhouse, Duffy’s, The Musician and The Shed. I also learned a lot from being present during the creation of her first E.P Brave Faces at Stayfree Studio’s with Joe Doyle and photography work at Bradgate Park. Specifically the cost and work that goes into creating an E.P and from there we became a resource and support to artists, in addition to being a charity fundraising project.
PICTURED: BBC Radio’s Leicester’s The A Word has been a fantastic supporter for us. Hosted by Andy Pierce, pictured here with our journalist Ellie Kemp.
VIDEO: Chloe Adams performing live for Fusion at Duffy’s Bar, 2019
Although affected by the weather our experience at Wicked Hathern Fest in Loughborough was similarly awesome, where both Aimee and Ohana played at The Hawthorne Stage on the Saturday night. In recent years Scouting For Girls, The Hooziers, Milton Jones, Joel Dommet and The Feeling had all played the festival. Was fantastic to be part of it.
Fusion’s new charity partner from 2021, continuing our involvement in Young person Cancer related causes is Ben’s Den based in Ilkeston and operating in Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire. The charity provides time away at their static caravans by the coast for children and young people going through chemotherapy treatment to provide much needed time away from hospital settings. See http://www.bensden.com/
Our first involvement with Ben’s Den was at Cadenza Music Festival alongside festival organiser Chris Palmer at Ilkeston Rugby Club. We ran the Acoustic Stage at Ilkeston Rugby Club on the Sunday 29th August 2021 from 12 till 9pm. Derby Sound Community Radio’s Ash Stirland supplied sound on the Main Stage. Details of acts performing can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/150391847037955 and tickets on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cadenza-charity-music-festival-tickets-153366054999 for £5 per person.
Main Stage: Katie O’Malley, The Celestines, Pesky Aligators, Evie Reynolds, Three Less Than Five, The Merchants, LNC
Acoustic Stage: Charity Stow, Dorothy Ella, Charlotte Bettson, Joey Greener, Thea Brooks, Grace Lee, Tom Grant
Fusion itself will be raising money for Ben’s Den as we return to our live Music nights at Fellows Morton and Clayton on Canal Street, The Feather Star in Wirksworth and at the Clock Warehouse in Shardlow. We will also be involved in September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness month taking part in campaigns and challenges. Our fundraising page is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bensdenfundraising1
Our live sessions at Dubrek Studio’s are also in association with Ben’s Den, alongside Derby Sound Community Radio. Charity Stow is the presenter of the sessions, which are filmed by Oolay Stone and Recorded by Edd Saffell. Luke Knowles of Barstool UK has also been providing interviews with artists alongside Ellie Kemp and Shannon O’Hagan on our Soundcloud page with stories behind their journey in Music and tracks performed at the sessions.
Video: Charity Stow introducing our involvement with Ben’s Den and Cadenza Music Festival.
Fusion is taking part in the Cadenza Music Festival on Sunday 29th August 2021, running the Acoustic Stage. The Festival is in support of the Children’s charity Bens Den which provides young people and their families with stays at their holiday static caravan in Mablethorpe during breaks in their treatment. Ben’s Den is also Fusion’s charity partner, with whom we hope to raise money through the year. https://www.bensden.com/
Fusion’s stage is featured inside the club house. Fusion’s stage provides a PA and Mixer, but artists should bring their own Microphone to stay Covid safe. Masks and sanitiser will be available near the stage. We do have additional Mic’s and leads if needed. Time slots for Fusions stage are as follows. Sets are 25 mins each.
2.15pm Dorothy Ella, 2.45pm Break, 3.30pm Charlotte Bettson, 4pm Dan Vadiola, 4.45pm Joey Greener, 5.15pm Charity Stow, 6pm Thea Brookes, 6.30pm Break, 7.15pm Grace Lee, 7.45pm Break, 8.30pm Tom Grant
Gates at the Festival open at 12pm and artists will allow free pass to the festival with one other person without need for a ticket. There is parking at the venue at Ilkeston Rugby Club. The address of the venue is Hallam Fields Road, Ilkeston, DE7 4AZ.
The Festival also features a main stage run by Cadenza’s main organiser Chris Palmer and sound technician Ash Stirland from Soundmonkey.
The main stage line up features 1.30pm Katie O’Malley, 2.45pm The Celestines, 4pm Pesky Aligators, 5.15pm Evie Reynolds, 6.30pm 3lessthanFive, 7.45pm The Merchants, 9pm LNC Band
Fusion’s stage will be attended by myself and our journalist Ellie Kemp, currently also working with BBC Radio Derby. Ellie is available to interview artists interested in participating as we are making a video of highlights from the day. Find examples of Ellie’s interviews for Fusion at https://soundcloud.com/user-25108182
Thanks for performing at the Festival and we look forward to working with you and meeting you. If you have any questions please feel free to send them in the group chat.
There will be additional entertainment taking place on the day including Fusion fundraising collaborator Lolly Pain dressed as Belle, from Beauty and The Beast. Children enter for Free.
My style is probably best described as singer-songwriter/alternative/pop! They seem to fit the songs I’ve released best but I take inspiration from so many different areas that it’s really just a mixture of everything!
Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOUR BEEN PERFORMING AND WHERE DID IT ALL START FOR YOU?
I’ve always loved performing since I was a kid but I guess I started learning how to properly sing, play my guitar and perform through an acoustic cafe my mum said I should go to! It was run by an old friend of ours and is full of accomplished musicians who I’ve spent many hours watching in awe! From there my confidence grew and I started writing my own songs and taking music a lot more seriously about a year ago. It’s now become something I’m really comfortable with and love doing which is amazing given my reluctance to start haha!
Q. WHERE DID YOU FIRST BEGIN PERFORMING AND DO YOU HAVE PLACES YOU PREFER TO PLAY?
So yeah, the acoustic cafe at John Clare Cottage in Helpston is still one of my favourite places to play. It’s such a lovely, supportive atmosphere and we’re still going on YouTube at the moment; really hoping we can get back soon! Another of my favourite places is the Cellar Bar back in my hometown of Stamford where I used to work. It’s such a nice little venue and, being so familiar with it really helps me relax there and enjoy myself. Since moving, Dubrek Studios has also been a really friendly place to play!
Q. WHATS YOUR OPINION ON THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE IN YOUR CITY?
Nottingham has a great scene and it feels like every time I discover a new artist here, there are ten more! I’ve really enjoyed it so far and everyone has been very welcoming and supportive which is what anyone wants out of their local music scene. Even through lockdown I’ve managed to make contacts and get online gigs through Nottingham promoters/venues which has been great and makes it all a little bit better:)
Q. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN YOUR MAIN HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR MUSIC CAREER SO FAR?
I recently got to chat to Dean Jackson on BBC introducing which was a real highlight. I’ve definitely also had highlights through lockdown too, managing to get live-streams (and a couple live gigs!) with venues that I had on my list to work towards playing at was really exciting!
Q. WHO ARE YOUR MAIN MUSIC INFLUENCES AND DO YOU HAVE AN ARTIST YOU LISTEN TO A LOT CURRENTLY?
I tend to take a lot of influence from artists like Billie Marten, Florence and the Machine and Lucy Rose. I just adore their lyricism and the uniqueness in their music and it gives me something to strive towards! I’ve been listening to a lot of Phoebe Bridges recently too.
Q. HOW HAVE YOU BEEN COPING WITH ALL THE CHANGE IN 2020 AND HOW HAVE YOU KEPT YOURSELF BUSY IN LOCKDOWN AS A MUSICIAN?
This year has been really tough for everyone and it was really hard to know how to deal with it! I managed to motivate myself a lot during the first lockdown and had a lot of time to be creative and further my music. November has been a little different and I’ve found it a lot harder to get up and make music! I was very thankful to have the ‘Wake Up’ release to work towards but have been learning to take time to let my creativity come to me rather than forcing it out.
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPERIENCES OF RECORDING IN THE STUDIO, WHEN DID YOU RECORD YOUR FIRST SINGLE AND DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE RELEASES LINED UP?
I personally love being in the studio. I find it so easy to be creative in that space and really love working out how something is going to sound and bouncing off each others ideas. I recorded a cover EP, ‘Stowaway’, back in 2018 and that was my first proper studio experience; I loved it! It’s really become a safe space and somewhere I look forward to going. I have been working with an artists from Birmingham called KingLeo and we have something coming out soon which I’m very excited about!
Q. WHERE DOES THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR MUSIC DERIVE?
My writing process is quite haphazard and depends a lot of what I’m listening to, what I’m going through and really, if I can get myself to do it! It’s something that’s so natural yet, I find it hard to sit down with the purpose of writing a song. The ideas seem to come to me when I’m in the right mood and once I have something pretty to create some melodies over I normally just let me imagination run away with itself and find out what it’s all about once I’ve written it down!
Q. WHAT INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY?
I play guitar mainly but can just about get away with learning a few songs on the piano/bass! I prefer performing when I can just focus on singing so I’m very lucky to have some lovely people around me who happen to be super talented! My dad (Jack Stow), who plays keys, and my boyfriend (Jay Naylor), who plays guitar, help me a lot. We love playing music together so I’m very lucky!
Q. DO YOU FIND YOU CAN EARN ENOUGH INCOME AS A MUSICIAN, OR IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A DAY JOB CURRENTLY?
I’ve found that it is very hard to make enough money as a musician! I have a day job and have always had to have a job to support my music – it takes a lot to get to the level where you get out as much as you put in! One day!
Q. WHEN DID YOU FIRST START YOUR PROMOTIONAL PROJECT AND HOW HAS IT DEVELOPED?I organised my first show in my home town of Nuneaton in 1992. My band was pretty ‘out there’ and none of the traditional rock pubs were interested in us so i hired a nightclub and put together my own gig. A couple of years later I moved to Derby and landed my first job as promoter of The Loft (formerly WhereHouse) on Friargate then in 1998 took over The Victoria Inn until 2001 when I set up Dubrek. In the last 10 years I’ve been part of the HolySmokes music and arts collective working with Quad, Deda and Museums in Derby alongside with setting up Dubrek as a venue 4 years ago.
Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN MUSIC? DID IT BEGIN FOR YOURSELF AS A MUSICIAN AND DO YOU DO YOUR OWN PROJECT ASIDE FROM PROMOTING?I started out recording bands at the age of 17….30 years ago. Playing in bands came later at 18. I’ve continuously written, performed/toured and recorded my own projects since then.
Q. DOES YOUR PROMOTIONAL PROJECT BOOK A SPECIFIC GENRE OF MUSIC OR ARE YOU OPEN TO ALL TYPES?I would personally book any type of music that prompts an emotional response, that I feel a connection to, or that makes me want to dance. Over the years I’ve organised shows for most genres from death metal (Napalm Death) to Afrobeat (KIng Ayisoba from Ghana). I don’t care what type of music it is aslong as it’s got soul.
Q. HOW HAS THE ATTENDANCE BEEN AT LIVE PROJECTS YOU HAVE DONE? HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT PROMOTION OF YOUR EVENTS?Attendance depends on genre and the period in time it was booked. ie – in the late 90’s I’ve booked bands such as idlewild and JJ72 acheiving 1000 attendees each time but also Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Libertines in early 2000’s and probably had about 20 people at each show. At Dubrek we have 60 capacity (including artists) but running costs are low so it gives freedom to take a chance on artists while minimising financial risk. Promotion is mainly social media but we also produce a printed gig guide which goes out across Derby city. Bands own promotion and word of mouth are always the best!
Q. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC VENUES WHERE YOU PUT ON GIGS OR DO YOU WORK LARGELY FREELANCE?I do now – Dubrek, although most shows are put together by other promoters and I just keep an eye on what they’re up to.
Q. HOW HAVE YOU GOT BY DURING THE COVID 19 SITUATION?A government rates based grant has kept the place afloat. The Music Venue Trust is an invaluable resource in how to move forward in these times.
Q. DO YOU MANAGE TO EARN ENOUGH OF A LIVING AS A PROMOTER OR IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE ANOTHER DAY JOB IN ADDITION?I was full time promoter for The Loft and Victoria Inn and this was my main job providing me with a living. The venue owners employed me specifically to do the job. Freelancers don’t tend to make a living from it, although a couple I know have gone on to be employed by larger, venue owning companies based on their amazing track record.
Q. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR CAREER TO DATE?Creating and building my own performance space – Dubrek
Q. HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY MUSIC FESTIVAL AND WHAT ARE THE ONES YOU MOST LIKE TO BE A PART OF OR ATTEND?I’ve worked at Greenman festival a couple of times but not likely to again. I prefer to be a punter at a festival.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MUSIC SCENE IN YOUR AREA?Hard work. There’s a lack of younger people coming up to either fulfill roles such as promoters or as artists. Audience building across all demographics is a massive challenge.
Q. DOES THE MUSIC VENUE WHERE YOU DO YOUR GIGS DOUBLE UP AS A BAR, STUDIO, PRACTICE SPACE OR RUN ANY WORKSHOPS?All of the above.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC? I would describe myself as an acoustic singer/songwriter.
Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFORMING AND WHERE DID IT ALL START FOR YOU? I have been performing live since the age of 12 (10 years). I started performing in my school talent shows and concerts. I then began to perform at open mic nights which then progressed to full gigs. I’ve always loved being on stage.
Q. WHERE DID YOU FIRST BEGIN PERFORMING AND DO YOU HAVE PLACES YOU PREFER TO PLAY? My first proper gigs were in cafes and restaurants in Cornwall. I always loved these gigs because here wasn’t too much pressure as people could listen and get involved as and when they liked. I still love these types of gigs but I now prefer performing in venues where people have come specifically to enjoy your music.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE IN YOUR CITY? I live in Cornwall but have just finished studying in Bath so consider both of them home. Both have a very strong music scene, I would say that Cornwall has more venues but Bath is also a great place for live music, and is very close to Bristol which expands it even more. Sometimes music scenes can be difficult to break into but both Bath and Cornwall have great opportunities.
Q. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN YOUR MAIN HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR MUSIC CAREER SO FAR? I would say probably performing at festivals is one of my all time favourite things to do. If I could go on tour and just play festivals I would be very happy. I also put a lot of work into my YouTube channel where I post music and reaching 200,000 views was one of my proudest moments.
Q. WHO ARE YOUR MAIN MUSIC INFLUENCES AND DO YOU HAVE AN ARTIST YOU LISTEN TO A LOT CURRENTLY? I would say I have quite a variety of influences. I grew up on Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Simon and Garfunkel and I would say that kind of 70’s era has a big influence on my music. But I also love newer artists like Julia Michaels, Lennon Stella, Taylor Swift. I’m kind of going through a female pop phase at the minute so I’m loving that.
Q. WITH FESTIVAL SEASON APPROACHING DO YOU HAVE ANY FESTIVALS YOU ENJOY PLAYING OR WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF? With the Covid-19 situation going on it’s gutting that festival season won’t be what it usually is. But as I said previously, festivals are some of my all time favourite gigs. I would love to play more festivals in Cornwall as we have a fair few, and Glasto is obviously a dream for any artist.
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPERIENCES OF RECORDING IN THE STUDIO, WHEN DID YOU RECORD YOUR FIRST SINGLE AND DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE RELEASES LINED UP? I recorded a lot of music whilst studying at University. I’ve actually got over 60 demos stashed away waiting to get out into the world. I’m currently working on getting a few tracks together to produce and record fully and will hopefully be releasing my debut music very soon.
Q. HOW SUPPORTIVE DO YOU FIND YOUR LOCAL MUSIC SCENE? I would say that music scenes anywhere can be quite difficult to break into. However, when you talk to the right people and start getting your name around, musicians in nature are very supportive and I love being a part of my local scene.
Q. WHAT INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY? I play guitar and my voice would be my main instrument.
Q. DO YOU FIND YOU CAN EARN ENOUGH INCOME AS A MUSICIAN, OR IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A DAY JOB CURRENTLY? I currently have a day job to support myself whilst I work on releasing music and performing more frequently but I would hope in the near future to work on music full time.
I would describe my style of music as sad acoustic music. You know, the kind of music you listen to when you fancy a good cry or to feel better about where you are in life right now.
Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFORMING AND WHERE DID IT ALL START FOR YOU?
I’ve been performing for about 8 years now and it all started in a beautiful little bar in Leicester at an open mic night my friend Matt suggested I go to. I was so nervous but absolutely fell in love with performing and since that day I haven’t stopped! Before that, I used to do karaoke on family holidays and the crowd would always be so surprised when me, this tiny little kid, got up to do a famous song and could actually hit all the notes and perform it well, they are such great memories!
Q. WHERE DID YOU FIRST BEGIN PERFORMING AND DO YOU HAVE PLACES YOU PREFER TO PLAY?
I first started performing in Leicester and my favourite venue has got to be The Cookie. Just something about having your name in the lights above the door is magical. I like the set up downstairs as well and the sound technicians have always been lovely and accommodating! Since I moved to Leeds I also love performing there in various venues. I’m not sure I’ve found my favourite yet but there are some really great sound technicians like Philip Oldroyd who make you feel safe, comfortable and like you’re at home whatever venue you’re in!
Q. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE IN YOUR CITY?
My opinion on the local music scene in Leeds is that it is truly incredible and packed to the brim with amazing, unsigned artists! There are so so many talented musicians around Leeds and there are also a ton of opportunities to play. Before the pandemic, you could find an open mic almost every single day of the week and most of them were packed every week too! A lot of the venues are independent as well so not only are you supporting the musicians starting out there, you’re also supporting the smaller, independent venues just by being there and they always have a great atmosphere!
Q. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN YOUR MAIN HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR MUSIC CAREER SO FAR?
I’d say the main highlights in my music career so far have been supporting the likes of Leddra Chapman, Husky Loops and Tom Walker. Headlining The Cookie with my bandmates and seeing my name up in the lights above the door. Playing infront of 3000+ people, releasing my first ever single and writing for people all over the world! Just to name a few, I think I would really struggle to pick just one moment out of all of them!
Q. WHO ARE YOUR MAIN MUSIC INFLUENCES AND DO YOU HAVE AN ARTIST YOU LISTEN TO A LOT CURRENTLY?
My main influences are Lewis Watson (he’s the whole reason I taught myself guitar) and Orla Gartland. Both have a similar writing style but exercise it completely differently. They’re both super honest in their lyrics and that’s something I’ve always strived for when writing for myself. I want the listener to be able to feel the emotion I put into the song and relate it to a situation they’re going through when they listen to it so that they don’t feel as though they’re going through it alone. At the moment I’m listening to a lot of Lewis Watson, Orla Gartland and indie artists like Wallows, COIN, Among The Citizens and Will Joseph Cook and Peach Pit. I’m also really bopping to some of my friend’s releases like Remy Turi’s debut EP ‘Slow Burn’, LYD’s debut single ‘In My Head’ and Sereti’s singles ‘Coming Through’ and ‘First Love’.
Q. WITH FESTIVAL SEASON APPROACHING DO YOU HAVE ANY FESTIVALS YOU ENJOY PLAYING OR WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF?
I would love to play Glastonbury, who wouldn’t?! But I think I’m still a little way off from that yet! I’d love to continue to support the smaller festivals and really wish Folk On The Dock in Liverpool was happening again as that is one I really enjoyed playing a couple of years back!
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPERIENCES OF RECORDING IN THE STUDIO, WHEN DID YOU RECORD YOUR FIRST SINGLE AND DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE RELEASES LINED UP?
I work with a really great producer, Joe Oakley, and most of the work we’ve done has been in a home studio kind of vibe. Being friends before working together has meant that it’s always a really comfortable, friendly atmosphere whenever I get in the studio which is always a positive in my books! My first single however, was actually a live recording for my friend and producer Max Russell’s Uni portfolio. I kept listening back to it and one day I just messaged Max like ‘Hey, wanna release this song?’ and he instantly was like ‘Yeah let’s do it, I know a guy who is great at mastering, I’m on it’ and that was it! A couple of weeks later and it was out and released. I’m not sure if many people know it was actually a live recording but if they read this they definitely know now! My next release is a bit of a secret still but I can say that my second single Mason has something to do with it, keep your eyes peeled on my socials for more info!
Q. HOW SUPPORTIVE DO YOU FIND YOUR LOCAL MUSIC SCENE?
Due to Leeds being so big, it can be hard to find other supportive musicians but I feel as though I’ve gotten really lucky with the other artists I’ve met and the network I have from going to Leeds College Of Music. Whenever I’ve played a gig, or at least 90% of the time I would say, the other artists performing have always been really nice and friendly, usually chatting after each others sets and congratulating their favourite part of it. I’ve even had a couple of collaborations and further gigs thanks to meeting such lovely artists and promoters on the scene so I’d say I’ve gotten lucky landing in Leeds and meeting the people I have met along the way.
Q. WHAT INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY?
So I mainly sing and play guitar but in recent years I’ve branched out and taught myself how to play the basics of piano/keyboard and bass guitar. I’ve also dabbled a little in drums but I definitely don’t have the hand to feet co-ordination to be a drummer! I can only dream!
Q. DO YOU FIND YOU CAN EARN ENOUGH INCOME AS A MUSICIAN, OR IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A DAY JOB CURRENTLY?
Currently no, I don’t think I can earn anywhere near enough income solely as a musician and so I do think it’s important to have a day job or be doing it alongside your studies. A lot of smaller venues are reluctant to pay their artists and if you don’t have a huge fanbase that are willing to attend your gigs regularly, as well as pay to attend gigs regularly, then it can be tough to even secure a paid slot most of the time. Events like weddings or background music at a venue are great ways to earn extra income but usually they don’t want original music so it’s tough to find a balance where you’re earning a good amount of money and staying true to what you want to perform.
I would say my style is a mix of genres, from pop/rock to a more funky / blues vibe that caters for a wide audience
Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFORMING AND WHERE DID IT ALL START FOR YOU?
I have been performing for around 4 years now in various pubs / clubs and festivals around the Staffordshire region. This started with a fun day festival in Uttoxetter – i was super nervous!
Q. WHERE DID YOU FIRST BEGIN PERFORMING AND DO YOU HAVE PLACES YOU PREFER TO PLAY?
I started performing in various pubs around Stoke but i LOVE performing in the designated music venues such as Sugarmill, The Exchange and The Underground etc…
Q. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE IN YOUR CITY?
I personally think the local music scene is fantastic, there’s so much talent in Stoke
Q. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN YOUR MAIN HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR MUSIC CAREER SO FAR?
I would say the top few are playing on the signal 1 stage at Betley bonfire in front of hundreds of people, Headlining the underground and also supported a band i love at the Sugarmill.
Q. WHO ARE YOUR MAIN MUSIC INFLUENCES AND DO YOU HAVE AN ARTIST YOU LISTEN TO A LOT CURRENTLY?
I am greatly influenced by John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and lots more blues guitar players. I am currently listening to a lot of blues music as it really gets my creative juices flowing!
Q. WITH FESTIVAL SEASON APPROACHING DO YOU HAVE ANY FESTIVALS YOU ENJOY PLAYING OR WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF?
I would have loved to play all the local festivals as normal but unfortunately due to the current situation, that may have to wait a bit longer!
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPERIENCES OF RECORDING IN THE STUDIO, WHEN DID YOU RECORD YOUR FIRST SINGLE AND DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE RELEASES LINED UP?
I have a few studio experiences, starting in 2017 when i released my first single ‘Running’ and also recording my debut E.P ‘White Butterfly’ – since then i have built a home studio where i have recorded my latest release ‘That’s Okay With Me’ as well as recording a new song thats due to be released shortly.
Q. HOW SUPPORTIVE DO YOU FIND YOUR LOCAL MUSIC SCENE?
The local music scene is super supportive, everyone is one big team which is fantastic
Q. WHAT INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY?
I Play guitar as well as sing – i can also play bass, a bit of piano and drums too
Q. DO YOU FIND YOU CAN EARN ENOUGH INCOME AS A MUSICIAN, OR IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A DAY JOB CURRENTLY?
I have day job as well as gig, but one day i hope to make music my full time occupation.
Fusion Live Music 