Artists Show Their Support For Music Venue Trust’s Work

28 September 2017 - Press release

Music Venue Trust believes that the people who run the nation’s grassroots music venues (GMVs) do so because they want to offer artists a platform to grow as performers and connect with audiences. The relationship between musicians and venues is fundamental. From the outset, we have been proud to number artists among our patrons and are delighted that support from this community is growing, with new patrons Charlotte Hatherley, Slaves and The Anchoress joining. In addition, Jeremy Pritchard from Everything Everything is the first musician stepping up to represent his fellow artists as a trustee of the charity.

Jeremy was a patron from the start. He explained his commitment to MVT saying, “Were it not for presence of the Tunbridge Wells Forum while I was growing up, I very much doubt that I would be a professional musician now. The same would be said of countless other individuals who have been inspired and nurtured by similar community live music venues – Southampton Joiners, Bristol Thekla, Oxford Jericho, Manchester Night and Day, Hull Welly, Newcastle Cluny, etc. The UK music industry needs to do more to support its live grassroots, and government needs to recognise that the health and future prosperity of this important British Industry relies on us nurturing these seeds.”

Musicians adding their voice as patrons are Charlotte Hatherley, Slaves and Catherine Anne Davies (The Anchoress). Both Charlotte and Catherine experience the contrast between large and small venues in terms of the quality of experience for performers due to a lack of available cash to invest in GMVs. They tour with big name acts such as Birdy and Simple Minds, then in smaller venues when playing solo.

Catherine said, “Grassroots and Independent venues are the classrooms in which musicians learn and hone their craft as well as providing vital social spaces for audiences throughout the country. It is our duty as artists to preserve these spaces, not only to safeguard the heritage and future health of our culture as a nation, but also to continue to provide alternative social spaces in which people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures can explore and express themselves safely and freely.”

Charlotte said, “I’ve been a touring musician for 20 years now both as a solo artist and as a session guitarist for a number of bands. I was 15 when I joined my first band and we played pretty much every small London rock venue. Many of those venues sadly no longer exist. Touring continues to be a major part of my life and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to support the Music Venue Trust in their vital work in protecting grassroots venues.”

Venues Day 2017 on Tuesday 17 October in London will further explore the synergy between artists and grassroots music venues with a series of panels discussing common concerns. Each panel will feature musicians, venue representatives and other voices pertinent to the themes. A small number of tickets for Venues Day 2017 are still available from https://www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/286861

The last word should probably go to Slaves who are very clear about why they support Music Venue Trust, “Without grassroots venues we would never be where we are. They are crucial for new bands in so many ways. Support your local venues!”

You can read more from these patrons and others at http://musicvenuetrust.com/about/