Are gig’s too cheap??

What (probably) started out as simple trolling, descended into a very good, frank and interesting debate about the price of gigs.

Drowned in Sound (DiS) has been a staple of reading for me for the past 7 years, people who seem to be into the scene, or smaller bands, seem to use it a lot – there isn’t a band that’s ever existed in some shape or form that hasn’t graced their site.

So I consider this forum / board to be a good indication of general, popular opinion. Anyway read it here.

 

From my point of view – I have decided to raise my own ticket price to £5 on the door. with £3.50 online tickets in advance for those who really want to come and can spot a bargain!

£5 represents a realistic fee for the bands on show, with the very marginal chance I could see a return on my costs!

Let me give you an example. Say I Get 50 people paying £5 on the door, that’s only £250. Sounds a lot, but consider the costs – Headliner £100-£150 – that only leaves me with £100-£150 to pay for flyers, PA hire and money for support bands… Posters cost me £10 from Alpha Print (and I get a feather in my cap for staying local). PA last year cost me £70 a night, so we’re looking at £10 – £60 topay supports.

I have recently promised a support band £100 if they can bring 40 people to a gig – that will in tern actually pay for the head liner and their own fee. Fingers crossed we’ll get 80 people, and I’ll pay my costs, and supports too!

Promoting isn’t glamorous, not really. A lot of hard work goes into what any good promoter does. I’m really lucky to have supporting people, landlords and friends involved with what I do.

 

AS IT GOES…I happen to have a FREE entry show, tomorrow night (Saturday 28th) at The Bell By The Green, Devizes. Do come along and check out an awesome Black Sabbath tribute band. It’ll be great, and what else you going to do on a Saturday night, but rock out – for free?

 

 

Oxygen Thief announces UK tour w/ Mark McCabe

“From 1st March – 12th March, Oxygen Thief and Mark McCabe are making music in the same following places, on the same days:

Thursday 1st March – The Royal Park Cellars, Leeds
Friday 2nd March – The Garrett, Manchester
Saturday 3rd March – The Bright House, Birmingham
Sunday 4th March – The Mother’s Ruin, Bristol

Wednesday 7th March – The Lamb, Devizes – FREE ENTRY
Thursday 8th March – The Green Park Tavern, Bath
Friday 9th March – The Port Mahon, Oxford
Saturday 10th March -
Sunday 11th March – The Cornerhouse, Cambridge.

—————————————————
Some background information:

Barry and Mark met at a Lexapalooza, where Mark had played a great set that Barry missed due to having to park the car on the other side of Camden. Later that day they chatted, though Barry can’t remember a lot of it as he drank far too much.

A couple of years later they shared a stage in Brighton, which was lovely.

A year or so later still they were going to tour France together, until Mark had to have some emergency surgery on his guitar hand* which put paid to that idea. They did hang out in Paris together a bit though anyway, and possibly saw Jean Michel Roux looking at ready meals in the food section of the Champs Elysées M&S.

This will be the very last tour that Oxygen Thief does with his two lower wisdom teeth intact, before an operation to have them removed due to their growing at an almost perfect 90 degree angle to the rest of his teeth. Future tours will therefore be 50% less wise, let’s enjoy this while we can.”

Mark McCabe spent most of 2011 dashing around Europe, playing with Chris T-T (another act to hit The Lamb later this year) Frank Turner (another act to have played The Lamb in the past) and PJ Bon, who has nothing to do with The Lamb.

I am personally very excited about Oxygen Thief, as I have really got into his sound over the past few releases! There will also be a ultra cool tour poster to go with the tour, so keep an eye out for that. It’s also mooted there will be a free download + video to correspond with the tour – I’ll sure you’ll catch that on the Sheer Facebook page at some point too.

Oxygen Thief live in Manchester (I think)

My planned future of The Lamb…

After reading the letter the Environmental Health people sent Sally at The Lamb, I have taken their advice and changed the speakers round.

I’ve replaced the Tannoy i12′s with Tannoy i8′s – moving down from  12 inch drivers with a range of 200 – 400 watts each (obviously dependent on the amp you couple them with!)  to 8 inch drivers, with a rate of 130 – 260.

We’re using the same amp… an Inter M Series 300 watt,  So I shouldn’t imagine any difference in sound quality. Given that it’s the same series of speaker, I doubt anyone will notice!

BUT HERE’S MY AMBITION

I will be leaving the Amp + Speakers in place, like usual – and these are FREE  TO  USE, at time – by anyone!  (Note, this is dependent on the availability of the room at the time + use intended use of the gig – ie. No bands…)

It’s a 300 watt system, which means it’s set up ideally for use with singer song writers / soloists / acoustic + folk, or simple electronica and use with the Projector.

How ever there is still 1 major thing I need to get for the venue permanently, and that’s a mixing desk. Ideally for your ease of use, and the venues, we want a desk suitable to the function, so I’m looking at Notebook style mixing desks (yes even mixing desks come in “notebook” form now) which are easy to use – so easy you could do it, or your mate…

Once we’ve raised some money for a desk, they’re about £40/50,  I’ll be happy to take anybody through using them, they really are very simple.

After that, the world is your oyster!

In an even more ideal world, we would raise enough money for a Microphone(s) – I’m looking at some nice AKG’s, which are very good quality for their price, around £33 each. (the P5′s if anyone’s interested) And on a side note, we have a monitor system in place too!

Live gigs Back At The Bell…

I have always enjoyed a topsy turvy relationship with The Bell. When we were going strong and getting over 150 to our shows regularly, we ran into trouble with the occasional under age drinker or the occasional jack the lad sneaking in his own vodka and getting shit faced.

Now I find my self returning to The Bell, after Paul requested us back, and we were left homeless from The Lamb. (where we can’t promote BANDS)

The big change this time round will be our regular Saturday night slot, an improvement from the Friday nights, and as such, we’ll be looking for local people to DJ, so we can do a Club Night after the bands.

Tuesday 10th February, I am loading in the new PA, a vintage Concentric Tannoy system, with Cloud amps. And on Saturday 28th January, I’m test driving it with a Black Sabbath tribute band, and our first after hours club night – any takers on a classic rock n’ roll DJ slot, please Facebook or email me!

I encourage EVERYONE to come and check out our new set up, watch a band for free, mosh to Paranoid and generally start 2012 with a bang.

  The Tannoy stack, featuring twin 1987 Tannoy “Cheetah” bass bins, twin Tannoy midtops rehoused in the Sheer Cabinets and twin Tannoy i12′s on top. All concentric in design too – I can’t wait to hear these fella’s…

Slightly new lay out, giving more space to the band, and less space to the audience, so you’ll have to stand square on to watch, hear + appreciate! Also note the Projector… Chip Daddy

If you want to know more about the Tannoy range, check it out here

Black Sanctuary announce “Rule Of Damnation”

Previously known as Blood Legacy, but forced to change their name due to threatening letters from an American band with the same name, BLACK SANCTUARY are set to release their début EP proper titled “Rule Of Damnation”.

Rule Of Damnation – was partly funded by Devizes Festival, after Black Sanctuary “won” the Showcase Gig money to go towards their recording and is set to feature 6 songs, as follows;

Left for dead, Awaken the dammed, Forsaken, Barrow crow, Mechanical breakdown & Rule of damnation.

Black Sanctuary play uncompromising  blends of metal, hitting almost sludge and doom territory – I’ve also heard whispers that they have recruited a drummer from Swindon…

 

Black Sanctuary will be hitting Devizes in 2012, keep your eyes on local press for shows!

 

Sheer announce Malefice 2012 show!

Reading based metal act Malefice, have confirmed to play Swindon’s Furnace venue in February 2012.

The band, who had previously lined up a show at Swindon’s M.E.C.A had to pull out due to slow ticket sales, probably bought on by the looming Christmas season and the high production costs of the venue.

Sheer have been able to step in and offer the band a headlining slot at Swindon’s finest alternative rock venue The Furnace, our first show at the legendary venue.

Support has been lined up as local, and leading Swindon metal band, I DEFY. We are proud to be able to offer such a fantastic support show to an equally talented bunch and reward local musicians with decent breaks who have worked so hard to achieve it.

The same can be said for the rest of the bill and openers, Kinasis, who recently stole the show at The Corn Exchange in Devizes, and Deliverence who have become one of the tightest and most exciting  thrash bands in Wiltshire.

Tickets for the show are priced at £5 in advance, direct from the venue and http://www.wegottickets.com/event/148909, or £8 on the door.

Doors 7.30pm

8 – 8.30 – Deliverence
8.45 – 9.15 – Kinasis
9.30 – 10 – I Defy
10.15 – 11pm – MALEFICE

11pm – 2am. Club Reboot – DJ DUST – “indie . rock . alternative . old-skool. Request session”

Introducing… Audrey Aroha

The artist previous known as Audrey Aroha Tietz has dropped the Tietz from her name. The first in a series of bold moves which will see her change her name again to a modest logo, before returning as The Artist Previously Known As…

This was a wise move, as our lot was always disagreeing how it was pronounced, and on more than one occasion it would of bought blushes to our grandparents, not to mention faux pas on local radio…

Audrey has launch a new Facebook page, you can check it here. Whilst the good people at The Wounded Jukebox are about to release a free digital download through their site for Audrey’s track “I Could Not Feel More Than I Do Now”  which you can listen to below.

Audrey has recorded this song as a duet with her other half, Luke De-Sciscio (what is it with these mid-Wiltshire types & their surnames?) who recently hit the web as guest vocals to Chip Daddy’s Halloween Rap, thus proving his unique appeal and range.

Sheer Music will be providing Audrey with a stage in 2012 at one venue or another in Devizes, so do keep you eye on local listings for your chance to see her perform live.

Audrey Aroha “I Could Not Feel More Than I Do Now”

Check out my Crock’s!

Last night Chip Daddy proved he is too good for poorly executed shows in rural back towns and needs a full on stage, light show and audience.

New song “Superhero” proving his continued development and the even newer one he is working with GLC, with it’s reggae feel is a sure fire hit single. Be warned we should never take our acts for granted!

 

Last night I witnessed the death of a very close friend, I called her Number 2, as she is the 2nd microphone to have died a death at the hands of so called musicians dicking about. Unfortunately this time  it cost me a £100 SM58 microphone.

As a promoter / kit owner, I expect ware and tear, and can just about live with the fact I have done nearly 200 shows over 7 years with the same mic’s – but to lose it because some one was throwing them in the air and trying to catch them, really takes the biscuit! Thanks Joe Duxberry, I’ve left a link on your facebook wall – showing you how much decent kit costs!

 

Caleb Assirati proved his indie credentials, knowing pretty much all my playlist, noting the choice cuts from Metronomy and Manchester Orchestra – Scene points to you sonny. But you’re probably too cool to worry about that

Quote of the evening goes to Azz Willoughby, for his observation over Tubelord’s “My First Castle” – being “the sort of music Indie kids listen to when they get in an elevator” – Despite being ruthlessly true, it was also fucking funny.

And I managed to burn everyone mouths with flaming hot Mince Pies – note to self, 30 seconds for a plate of pies, is probably too much – but I beg your forgiveness. Have you tired using The Lamb’s microwave!?

DATES FOR 2012! I have booked the following, all due to take place at The Bell By The Green, Devizes (Unless stated)

Saturday January 28th – Black Sabbath Tribute “Supernaut”

Thursday February 9th @ The Vic Swindon, MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER

Saturday February 18th – Hysterical Injury w/ Crash & The Bandicoots + I’m Designer + Fly Like Fools (tbc)

Saturday March 10th – Run From Robots w/ Smile Look Alive, Bloodlines, Conscience Lane + Elliot Sykes New Band

Saturday March 31st – Hellbound Hearts (Ex- Terrorvision) w/ White Knuckle Bride + Unclean (tbc)

Saturday April 21st – Chris T-T w/ tbc

Saturday May 12th -

Saturday June 2nd -

Saturday June 23rd @ THE LAMB, DEVIZES – Mark Morriss (Bluetones) w/ Phil Cooper (The Haiku) + Austin Shepherd (Devizes Festival fringe event)

Friday June 29th – downstairs @ THE CORN EXCHANGE, DEVIZES – Thought-Forms w/ Terrapin (tbc) +  LOADS MORE! (Devizes festival Showcase)

Saturday July 14th -

AUGUST BREAK

Saturday September 1st -

Saturday September 29th -

Saturday October 27th -

Saturday November 17th -

Saturday December 8th -

 

January seems a long way off, but it’ll come around soon – PLEASE all local fans of music, please join or invite your friends to join the Sheer Music group on Facebook - I’d really appreciate it, so we can nail 2012, like your best mates older siblings you so secretly but desperately crave. Nice.

 

HAVE A SMASHING CHRISTMAS GUYS, SEE YOU AROUND

Kieran

 

Final gig of 2011!

Tomorrow is the last show Sheer will be organising in 2011.

It’s been a fantastic year with some incredible moments. Some epic highs including our first French friends, The Amsterdam Redlight District and releasing the Sailors EP to bottomless lows, with The Lamb being slapped with a music bar…

All this aside, we’ll be drinking and reflecting and maybe murmuring about what 2012 has to offer at THE LAMB, in St Johns Street, Devizes.

The front bar hosts Clare Kearley, one half of the team who front BROWFORT, in her solo capacity, performing some Christmas covers along with her usual vast array of back catalogue. A set which I have on good authority she hasn’t actually written yet!

In between CLare (Oh Suit you Sir!) we have wee laddo, Jake Assirati – frontman of indie lads YEAR OF THE THIEF. Jake will be performing his first local solo show, and won’t dissapoint.

Upstairs I have invited my favourite acts and friends from the past 12 months, so we welcome back CHIP DADDY for his first headline slot, which will feature his new song “Superhero” which is already a stone cold Chip Classic. The delightful Audrey Aroha Tietz and her delicate whispy vocal. Personal favourite soloist ever, Austin Shepherd – the guy who layers the loops and samples (which may or may not come too…) Volpi and Cooper under the name SOUPERSTARS and finally Henry Bristow who wowed the crowd a few months ago with his mature, aged voice.

Doors are 8pm, first act 8.30. We finish around 11pm / 11.30pm.

MASSIVE THANKS to everyone’s wonderful support, to Vicky for all the pictures, Ben Keen for all the lugging and engineering, Sally at The Lamb for being so patient and every one for coming to the shows. 2012 is already looking super amazing, and I expect to see you all again soon.

 

Kieran

Lamb Acoustic reprieve…

After much bar style deliberation, generally shouting lot’s of “Yrrr” a bit like the House Of Commons, it was decided by The Lamb faithful that we should still do the gigs, as long as we can keep it acoustic and keep it in the front bar.

I’m not 100% sure how legal this is, as Sally has been approached officially, but we look set to run the November 4th show with Jim Blair from Hip Route, and see how it goes. We all have a feeling no one is actually going to notice.

So to all those out there willing to support the gigs, and enjoy a little Jack Johnson style, laid back acoustic-groove music, then this night will be well worth a gander!

It’s also perfectly timed if you either don’t like like firework’s or wish to continue the festivities on the 5th of November, as the shows kicks off at around 9pm just after the fireworks in Devizes.

The gig is free entry too, so it won’t cost you a penny!

Seriously please do come and support this show!