Passion and persistence are what keep the West Midlands’ grassroots music venues alive. Marcin Zachara is the general manager at the Jam Factory, a music venue in Hereford. He says that running the Jam Factory is not easy, but the main objective is to bring people into the door. The Jam Factory in Hereford offers about 95% free gigs, with the goal of supporting music rather than making money.
According to the Music Venue Trust, despite financial struggles for more than half small venues, grassroots shows saw a 13% increase in attendance, and 21 million people will attend concerts by 2025.
The Venue as a Community Hub
A number of venues are community centres that support young artists. A successful fundraising campaign enabled The Tin, in Coventry to renovate its rehearsal and exterior spaces. The Tin in Coventry, for example, recently revamped its exterior and rehearsal spaces thanks to a successful fundraiser.
Jess Harper, the marketing manager at Live on Stage said that Ed Sheeran’s visit and his donation also helped to boost this venue’s Youth Band Project. The initiative helps children in secondary schools form bands, and educates them on the recording process and music industry.
Supporting local talent
The Tin programs helped Faith Robertson Charnley, a Coventry musician, and Joseph Sullivan form the indie-rock band Permanent Daylight. The Tin’s programs helped them to perform as part of Independent Venue Week with local bands Main Sheriff, Fool & Danger and Fool & Danger.
Joe Colombi, from Sink or Swim Promotions, describes Coventry’s music scene is stronger than in recent years. Just Dropped In, a record shop, is hosting shows featuring She Drew The Gun and Sky Valley Mistress.
Coventry is back on the musical map
Coventry is reclaiming its position in UK’s music scene with these grassroots initiatives. Colombi stresses that people’s social behavior changed as a result of the pandemic. Venues are bringing live music to the city again, giving Friday night a new reason to go out.
Marcin Zachara summarizes the situation: “Grassroots Music isn’t for money. You need to be passionate about what you do.” The Jam Factory exists to promote the music industry and create a sense of community.
