INDIE INVERCLYDE - BRAND NEW GIG SERIES

A new series of gigs showcasing upcoming indie bands is coming to the heart of Inverclyde, giving local musicians a chance to develop and grow their fanbases.

Indie Inverclyde, a new music initiative by Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock, launches next weekend with an intimate performance from local indie hero I Am David Laing.

Three more gigs will then follow in August, September and October, with the Beacon offering bands access to a professional performance venue right on their doorstep.

While Inverclyde has a healthy music scene, most local bands are only able to play in pubs due to a lack of nearby gig venues, meaning they usually travel to Glasgow instead.

The Indie Inverclyde series is designed to address this problem, nurturing local talent and giving musicians a reason to stay and entertain grassroots fans.

The idea was devised by the Beacon’s co-director, Lesley Davidson, who is a keen music fan with a particular passion for indie music from the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The first Indie Inverclyde show will take place on Saturday, July 6, at 7pm. Tickets are priced at £10 and those attending must be aged 14 or over.

To put on the gigs, the Beacon is remodelling its studio space to accommodate a standing audience of music fans, something it has never done before.

I Am David Laing is a 32-year-old singer-songwriter from nearby Gourock, who has fronted numerous successful bands over the past 15 years.

He has shared stages with the likes of Frightened Rabbit and Admiral Fallow, as well as opening for Emeli Sande. According to Q magazine, his songs “brim with instantly memorable riffs and an upbeat charm”.

The series of gigs is being curated by Scott Peden, who runs Take The Weight Off management and is currently manager of local Gourock band SLIX.

The five-piece indie group has been described in the music press as “the sort of guitar band you have secretly been longing for” and have been booked to play Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival next month, appearing on the same stage as The Killers and Avril Lavigne.

Instagram - iamdavidlaing

———————————

Photo by Christopher Bowen

Lesley Davidson, co-director of Beacon Arts Centre, said:

“When I started working here, I immediately noticed the strength of the music community in Inverclyde. The indie musicians coming through have passion and talent, but few options when it comes to places to play.

“I wanted Beacon Arts Centre to be a part of each local musician’s story, and Indie Inverclyde is our way of giving them a platform as they take their first steps as artists.

“It is well documented that the number of smaller music venues across Scotland and the UK is in decline, a trend which threatens the lifeblood of the music industry.

“If we want to keep producing amazing bands we have to get out there and support them. We hope this exciting series of gigs will be the start of something special.”

 

Scott Peden said:

“Inverclyde is currently brimming with musical talent, and the local scene is thriving with a wonderful sense of community among musicians that deserves celebration.

“This year alone, several bands from the area have played at major festivals across the country, toured Europe, and gained recognition on national and international radio stations.

“Inverclyde has long needed a venue like the Beacon to showcase our homegrown talent, and it’s fantastic to finally have such a great place to highlight and support our artists.”

This is a night that you don’t want to miss & book your tickets HERE

For more information about Beacon Arts Centre, please visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk