“I’m going back to my roots and where I started out, playing pubs and small venues – hoping that people turn up.”
Sam Ryder has been speaking to BBC Radio London ahead of championing grassroots music venues across the UK.
The Eurovision star, who rose to fame after coming second in the 2022 competition, is embarking on a tour of intimate venues to highlight the importance of these spaces for emerging artists.
“These venues are where artists cut their teeth, where they find their audience, and where the magic happens,” Ryder said. “But they’re under threat.”
He’s partnering with the Music Venue Trust, a charity that supports independently owned venues, to raise awareness of the challenges they face, including rising costs and competition from larger events.
Ryder himself started his career playing in pubs and small venues, and credits these spaces with helping him develop his craft and build a fanbase.”It’s where I learned to connect with an audience, to read a room, and to just be myself on stage,” he explained. “It’s invaluable experience.”
he hopes his tour will encourage people to support their local music venues by attending gigs and spreading the word. “Even just telling your friends about a great band you saw can make a difference,” he said.
live Music’s Enduring Appeal: 20% Prioritize Gigs Over Bills, New Study Finds
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A recent survey reveals the strong cultural and economic importance of live music in the UK, with 20% of respondents admitting to spending more on live music experiences than on essential monthly household bills. The findings, released by Greene King Pubs,highlight the irreplaceable value people place on live performance and the vital role pubs and grassroots venues play in fostering a thriving music scene. Singer-songwriter Sam Fender is supporting the initiative, drawing on his own experiences starting out in pubs.
The Cultural Significance of live Music
The survey demonstrates that live music is far more than just entertainment for many. Key findings include:
irreplaceable Energy: 63% of those surveyed believe the energy of a live performance is “irreplaceable.”
Accessibility is Key: The majority of respondents emphasized the importance of free or local gigs in maintaining a vibrant cultural landscape.
Financial Prioritization: A important 20% are willing to prioritize live music spending even over essential household expenses.These results underscore the emotional connection people have with live music and its importance to their well-being.The accessibility of local gigs, often found in pubs and smaller venues, is especially crucial for fostering a broad gratitude for music.
Grassroots Music: A Foundation for Artists
The study’s findings are particularly relevant to the ongoing discussion surrounding the health of the UK’s grassroots music scene. These smaller venues are often the first stepping stones for emerging artists,providing crucial performance opportunities and a space to hone their craft.
Sam Fender, who began his career playing in pubs, echoes this sentiment. “Grassroots music is at the heartbeat of the scene and those early gigs shaped who I am as an artist,” he stated. “These spaces allow live music to be an experience available to everyone, that’s why they’re so important, and I’m stoked to be a part of the team helping to keep that alive!”
This support from established artists like Fender is vital in raising awareness of the challenges faced by grassroots venues, including rising costs and competition from larger entertainment options.
Greene King’s Commitment to Live Music
Greene King Pubs has long been a supporter of live music, recognizing its contribution to British culture and the economic benefits it brings to local communities. The company’s continued investment in live music programming aims to ensure these experiences remain accessible to all. Greene King currently hosts live music events in many of its pubs across the country.
Key Takeaways
Live music holds significant cultural and emotional value for a large portion of the UK population.
Grassroots venues are essential for nurturing emerging talent and providing accessible music experiences.
Financial support for live music, even during times of economic pressure, demonstrates its importance to individuals.
* Pubs continue to play a vital role in the live music ecosystem.
The enduring popularity of live music suggests a continued demand for these experiences. Supporting grassroots venues and ensuring accessibility will be crucial to maintaining a thriving music scene for years to come.