New bands and promoters are being given the chance to get some new music heard in the city.
The Met Lounge on Bridge Street has signed up to be part of Independent Venues Week 2019 which takes place between January 28 and February 3 and is offering the chance for new bands and promoters to get involved.
Club owner Steve Jason said – “We’re celebrating our 20th year of being an independent live music and club venue this year and although we’ve some shows about to be announced in this period we want to try to encourage the next generation of promoters in particular to step up and promote their shows.
“Back in 1985 I promoted my first ‘big show’ in Peterborough when I brought Rose Royce to the Videotek. As a young guy in my early 20’s I was convinced that there was a demand for the sort of music and as no one else seemed to want to promote it, I thought I may as well have a go myself.”
Independent Venue Week was announced in 2013 and launched in 2014 as a 7-day celebration of independent or independently minded music venues around the UK and a nod to the people that own, run and work in them, week in, week out. It recognises the work people at these venues do to support artists starting out as well as those interested in a career in music behind the scenes as crew and industry and also provides a safe, well run place for the local community to see live music.
Steve continued – “Whilst we promote a lot of indie and metal gigs at The Met I’m quite sure that there are other genres of music that we’re not doing and someone somewhere in the city is saying ‘Why does no one bring bands of this genre to Peterborough?’ – well now is their chance to prove there’s a demand for the music they say is missing. And the offer goes out to bands as well to organise their own show.
“There are 7 nights open in the Venues week and we’d love to be open every night showcasing different genres of music.
“I get frustrated when I see people moaning that ‘Nothing ever happens in Peterborough’ – people make things happen. If your favourite genre of music – whether it be rock, folk, blues,country and Western, America isn’t being promoted then instead of moaning, do something about it!!
“We have the venue here, fully equipped to touring standard, let’s see if we can make a difference.”
The rules for taking part in the Independent Venues Week are quite straightforward – bands must be playing their own material, no cover bands, no open mic nights and an entry fee / ticket price must be charged to place value on the entertainment.
If you want to take part then email info@metlounge.co.uk or call on 01733 233233 with your idea.
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