VoteForBands

Vote for Bands at The Assembly ended in 2008 because the new management no longer supported local bands.



"simple as"



Local live music continued for a while at the Jug and Jester - but that has now closed down following its brewery rebranding as a posher place to eat. Shame they never bothered to ask the customers if that's what they wanted!



Cox's Yard in Stratford continues to support local bands and the new management at the Newbold Comyn Arms have committed to regular nights for local music - so it's not all bad news.



So what next? Times are challenging - can Leamington support all its music venues, clubs and pubs? .



There are plenty of covers bands doing quite well - supplementing their day-job. The function band scene is still there, and people still want the feel good factor of a party with loads of tunes they already know the words to and maybe have older memories of. Some of those bands are doing very well and able to sustain it as their sole source of income. The Assembly's most successful nights are its 'discos' or 'club nights'. Not live music but cheaper to run and popular with local people. Clearly a winner!



Ironically - there has never been easier access to 'new' music. More people are 'making' music, there are more places where you can hear just about anything you want, more people 'possess' music - but fewer people are actually paying for it



Maybe we have got used to having so much music that we really don't think it's that special any more? Maybe the market IS overcrowded - maybe the live music scene is TOO saturated let's face it - ANYBODY can get a gig nowadays. Maybe we should just gather together and play old records? Far less bother than having to learn instruments, rehearse, equip and all the other hassle associated with live events.



If you're expecting answers - I have none.



I will continue working on local music projects and doing my best to be part of the solution - as well as continuing to learn. As I said - we don't have the answers - but we can help a little! I hope you continue to enjoy music and support local artists. You can make a difference!



Big up to everyone who is out there doing what they can right now. Dutch