In Summer 2018, Independent Venue Week will launch in the US. The festival will take place from July 9 – 15th, and will be in venues running across the whole of the United States. It’s amazingly exciting news for us, and a pleasure to finally share it.
Independent Venue Week is launching in the US from July 9–15, 2018 to unite venues, rising and established artists, promoters, labels, media, and tastemakers across a nationwide series of gigs. This is a unique live music project that, although it will run across the whole United States, will have a completely local feel.
Independent Venue Week debuted in the UK in 2014 with Colin Greenwood of Radiohead as its ambassador. Offering a celebration of, a display of gratitude for, and a series of shows in independently-owned and -run music venues. It gives a nod to the people that own, run, and work in them day in, day out to bring the very best new live talent to eager audiences.
The project has shown impressive growth in its first five iterations hosted in the UK. It works with lots of venues not just in major markets but, just as importantly, venues in secondary and tertiary locations. Artists at all levels support the project, as independent venues are where any credible performer hones her craft. Performing artists don’t need an active release to be involved with Independent Venue Week; most are just happy to give back to the spaces that gave them a start.
Independent Venue Week’s founder, Sybil Bell, says of the US debut:
“Having run Independent Venue Week in the UK for 5 amazing years, we felt ready to explore an international territory. We’ve been speaking to the industry and partners across the US for around three years, and now finally feels like the right time to bring this celebration to America.
Bands still need to play and tour small venues here in order to get a foothold. They need to learn their craft before playing bigger shows in bigger venues. The industry still needs artists to start small and build up as they get better. And those working behind the scene also need to start small. Local communities too need somewhere on their doorsteps that knows how to put live music on.
With five years under our belts in the UK, we’ve learned a lot about what the venues gain from the project and what matters to them. Speaking to the industry for the past few years, we believe that these same things matter in the US, so we’re beyond excited to bring IVW overseas, and for the industry and public to celebrate the vital work the venues do.”
Independent Venue Week will run in the US in partnership with Marauder. Speaking about the launch, Rev. Moose, Managing Partner said, “Independent venues are the backbone of the American live music scene. They’re where neighbourhoodsoods go to support new artists, that eventually turn into the hometown heroes in the national spotlight. For years we have seen the UK grow IVW from the seed of an idea into the monumental celebration it is now of these spaces. We are excited to bring that same spotlight to the small business owners that put on shows in the world’s most competitive music market..”
The US cities hosting Independent Venue Week shows will be announced soon, and the details of the shows—venues, artists, and the like—will be revealed in May.
It gives a nod to the people that own, run, and work in them day in, day out to bring the very best new live talent to eager audiences. The fifth UK Independent Venue Week, which boasts the helping hand of BBC Music as its broadcasting partner, is currently underway, running through this weekend. Its ambassadors include Adrian Utley of Portishead, Nadine Shah, Jamie Cullum, esteemed UK concertgoer Big Jeff Johns, and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.
