The 1975 lead singer Matty Healy has warned of musical “silence” if UK pubs and bars that give new artists their first chances to perform continue to close.
Healy is an ambassador for the new nationwide Seed Sounds Weekender. The festival will feature more than 2,000 events across more than 1,000 ‘seed’ venues in September.
The Seed Sounds Weekender aims to spotlight the UK’s seed music scene. It will also celebrate the venues and artists that keep live music alive.
The festival also wants to strengthen the path from emerging artists to major acts. At the same time, it aims to create sustainable opportunities for musicians.
The campaign will support bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels that help develop the future of UK music.
Healy warns of ‘silence’
Healy believes local venues play a vital role in developing new musicians.
“Local venues aren’t just where bands cut their teeth, they’re the foundation of any real culture,” Healy noted in a statement.
He also highlighted the impact of these venues on some of the UK’s biggest artists.
“Without them, you don’t get The Smiths, Amy Winehouse, or The 1975. You get silence.”
Meanwhile, GigPig sponsors the Seed Sounds Weekender. The company also stressed the importance of small gigs and seed music venues.
These venues give emerging artists their first chance to perform. They also help build a stronger music industry pipeline.
“Without those first stages for artists, there is no future pipeline,” said the press release.
“Festivals rely on artists who’ve cut their teeth somewhere. Record labels sign artists who’ve built confidence and followings gig by gig.
“Grassroots venues need acts who know how to handle a stage.
“Seed venues are where that journey begins. They’re the unsung heroes of the music industry.”
Struggling grassroots music scene
The UK’s grassroots music scene continues to face serious challenges. According to the Music Venue Trust, more than 200 grassroots venues closed or stopped offering live music during 2023 and 2024.
The issue has also reached the UK Parliament. In 2024, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee called for a levy on tickets for major concerts.
The proposed levy would help fund grassroots music platforms. Venues such as the Royal Albert Hall have also supported the initiative.
GigPig co-founder Kit Muir-Rogers explained why these venues matter to the wider industry.
“The UK’s seed venues are where music careers are born,” Muir-Rogers told Sky News.
He also pointed to their major contribution to live music across the country.
“Collectively, this space promotes more music than any other in the live-music business, yet it has gone overlooked and under-appreciated.”
As a result, campaigns such as the Seed Sounds Weekender aim to give these venues more attention. They also hope to support the next generation of UK musicians.
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