Thoughts on warrington...

[Andy]

Alright everyone, what do you all think of the current music scene- whats being done well and could be done better?

I feel that a lot of the time Warrington gets overshawdowed by the surrounding cities manchester and Liverpool and doesnt get a fair look in!

[13amp]

Hi Andy, Manchester and Liverpool are well established musically whereas Warrington goes in fits and starts. There's either a healthy scene such as at the moment or there's bugger all happening. If you are to go out in Liverpool or Manchester regardless of where their scene is at you'll find bands playing. If the collective is to keep going and prove a worthwhile resource, we need to get all the venues involved and ensure it's viewed as a transparent collective that encourages communication between all bands and venues in town.

[My Architects]

I think the main thing that needs to happen is for somewhere like WA1 to be able to establish itself properly both regionally and nationwide as a credible venue. Improvements to the house PA, stage size, gear storage, lighting and the addition of some kind of backstage area would not go amiss - as it stands, because of these issues in particular, the venue seems limited to the kind of out of town headline acts it is able to attract, which should be a fundamental part of raising the profile of the venue, the local artists supporting it, and the town's musicality as a whole.

I liken WA1 in terms of scope and potential to venues like The Soundhaus (Northampton), Moles (Bath), and even to some extent somewhere like King Tuts in Glasgow. Clearly, these venues have spent years establishing themselves, improving every possible element and as a result are able to attract serious touring artists. The other upshot to this, especially in the case of Northampton's Soundhaus, that as a result of having a professional, well organised, great sounding venue attracting some particularly big names - the standard of local bands has actually improved beyond all recognition. The venue is now heavily supported on local BBC radio, local music even has it's own slot, in a show called 'The Weekender'. Artists such as 'Maps', 'The New Cassettes', 'The All New Adventures Of Us' and 'An Escape Plan' are merely the tip of the iceberg.

Surely the key to having a successful musical community in Warrington is to be able to model ourselves on the past success in other areas? I think Steve has touched on this in his email messages with his mention of Wigan's music collective.

[Andy]

I agree with that completely. I really think wa1 could be a amazing veune but i don't think that at the moment anyone is willing to take the risk which is needed to puch things forward.

[ste]

Scene has got healithier recently, but it still suffers for a real lack of diversity I think, there are alot of indie/rock bands right now, for my prefered genre seems to be a distinct lack of bands in the town. I think actually my band could be the only one, there are other bands of this type that do play in warrington but they are based outside perhaps in widnes, etc.

I agree with what you say 100% about venues like WA1, they need more facility if they going to attract touring bands... think about the potential, instead of putting a manchester show and a liverpool show on bands could do one in the middle, and if they were popular enough get a decent sized crowd.

[tazza]

Agreed with basically everything that has been said in the thread so far, the talent in Warrington in my opinion is far better than that of Liverpool and Manchester although I may just be bias lol

WA1 does need to have a facelift create which should include a backstage area, secure storage space, work harder on promotion, improve the pa/lighting systems and also better quality drinks on offer at the bar.

If I make enough money sod it I'll open my own venue :-)

[ineedmyinsides]

I think this site is probably a good start to move things forward. When you look at towns/cities that have a hub for everyone to organise around it makes everthing easier. Looking at www.mancpunkscene.co.uk (which will soon be called Make Noise Manchester to help encompass more than punk easier) for an example, there is a healthy scene surrounding the site and its easy to meet like minded people, locals bands and a gig on any given night of the week.

Once sites like this are used be alot more people it can be easier to put a night on because its easier to advertise as alot of people tend to attend gigs/nights that they have read on the net.

There seems to be alot of rock/alt things happening but nothing that caters for my taste. And it would be awesome if that could change.

It would be good to get Warrington as a viable place for bands to tour to, especially/starting with bands from local areas such as Manc/Liverpool.

Ste whats you prefered genre/band?

Matt

[Warrington MusicNetwork]

It's important that people have their say about what's going on and people listen to what's being said. At Warrington Music: Network we are going to be trying to listen to both bands and punters. We do not put on gigs, all we do is promote what's going on in Warrington. Most people will know a bit of history about what Ive been upto in the past but even with Venue differences it's still been possible from mysite to join people together WA1 & CASI as example, maybe WMC can take that forward and join the page? I have invited them and continue to promote what they are doing but they seam to be unwilling to take part in something that is there to promote Warrington's Live Scene, which is what we are all after isnt it? Anyway if you havnt check out the site at www.myspace.com/warringtonmusicnetwork and if you are part of WMC then add yourself to the page, the invite has been there for days plus Im not getting replies to my emails. If you are providing a service then it's something I would think is in everyones interests. Speak soon and keep up the good work. Tony xxxx

[Warrington Music]

Hi Tony,

Sorry we've not got back. At the minute, there's so much going on. We didn't think this voluntary work would be so time consuming..but we are enjoying it!
It's coming along nicely, but there's still much to do and there have been a few bumps along the way. For example, we hear there's a promoter in Warrington who has been contacting out of town bands that are booked to play collective events and warning them off!!..... Can You believe that!!??!! Sorry to over punctuate, but maybe what you say isn't true. We are not all after the same thing after all.

I'm glad you've made contact and i'm sure that everyone is now aware of your site and the good promotional work it does for the bands in town.

Good Work

[Tony WMN]

Hi

Yes I can believe it to be honest. From pregnant dogy band gossip and death threats I've had them all. I'm sure you are doing it but it's a simple thing really, base everything on fact. I dont believe anyone anymore if it's second hand which is a shame but it's a rule I stick to.

People/person will get bored soon enough of trying to rubbish something possitive, it's always they way.


Anyway keep positive and keep me in the loop on things.

Tony

Warrington Music:Network

[Jogga]

That's a preeeetty low trick Ste. Any idea if there's anyone truth in this? The worm needs exposing and peace and love must cherish. I suggest we get some badges printed up for the bands and then when we play in Warrington we can see if we're playing with like-minded bands who won't steal our songs or girlfriends/boyfriends. It would become a badge of honour like the Knights of old. Long live rock and roll!!!

[13amp]

And long live Phil D Long!!

[dtl]

Scenes in towns only really differ because of their size.

Manchester is huge and is full of darned students, so venues can afford to put on bands all week cos there's enough punters to go round.

The ratio of good/nutse bands is about the same as "in the sticks"... We've done a load of gigs in Manchester and we've played with an abundance of garbage.

If your collective works with local promoters and venues (and not against them as the St Helens one seems to do) then you should be fine. Wigan is a fine example, they work alongside Lupine promotions and are regarded equally highly as the best promoters in their town...

PS: If any bands want the contact details for the Zoo Bar in Tellins then PM me and I'll pass it on. The attendance for the nights are a bit up and down at the moment but the bands are guaranteed payment and someones gonna see you there...

[13amp]

Hya Dan. Can't find a PM on here but would be cool to know the details. Is Ollie still doing the gigs at Zoo?

Jogga