Isle of Wight’s music scene has been recognized for being a success story which breeds more success. Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens and local musicians Coach Party and The Pill performed at Strings Bar & Venue to celebrate Independent Venue Week.
Andy Booth, Strings co-founder, called the event “pretty insane.” It’s an amazing day for both the Isle of Wight and Strings. The crew and everyone else here have been wonderful. He said, “It’s been an exciting but mad day.”
Claydon Connor is also the owner of Strings, a 300-capacity music venue that opened in 2017. He stressed how important it was to have Strings on the island as the sole dedicated music area. It has become an important part of our community. “The Isle of Wight is rich in music, with its legendary festival and legends such as Jimi Hendrix or Bob Dylan,” said he.
Celebrate Local Talent
Coach Party played live on the show. Stephens, the host of the broadcast, began the program with a Wightlink Ferry announcement. He praised local musicians on the Isle. Lamacq called it a great success story which breeds more success.
Stephens also emphasized that Independent Venue Week reminded people about the importance of venues in their locality. He said that if you do not support and use them, they may disappear.
Explore the island’s music heritage
Stephens stopped by Triple A Records where Andy Barding, the co-owner, shared with Stephens that many local artists are still amongst the best sellers. These include Coach Party, Panda Swim and Plastic Mermaids. Barding gave Stephens a tour at Wight Music Experience – a museum that celebrates the music history of the island.
Rob Da Bank who created Bestival at Robin Hill called this visit “a dream” for Isle of Wight. Bestival was held from 2004 until 2016 and is known for the unique immersive experience. Da Bank runs Rob da Bank Music Club in order to develop young talent. “Having a music platform from a country visit the island is an important event,” said he.
Local Artists shine
During the show, tracks from 5 Degrees North and The Bees were played. Also, Level 42, Ruby, Wet Leg, Level 42, and Grade 2 songs. The show featured interviews with representatives of Platform One, where Wet Leg was first founded, as well as Steph Nieuwenhuys from Introducing Radio Solent.
This event shows how Isle of Wight is a hub of talent for music, as venues, musicians, and initiatives in the community keep the island’s culture of music alive.
