David is a freelance photographer and mature student (he's studying for a photography degree). He also arranges gigs and recordings for local bands, designs websites and is the bass player for Black Country band 'Who's the Kinky Faces'. As 'Reaction Music Promotions', he's come up with an idea that might result in local musicians gaining a wider audience.
"Bands Wanted!" he says. "I'm looking for unsigned originals bands for a series of gigs showcasing new acts. The aim is to give live experience to bands who may not even yet have a full set of material. They will need at least 15 mins of material and will be playing to an audience of 100s!" TELL US MORE, DAVID...
 | | David and his bass |
"As the principal gig-getter for both my current and former band, I have been approached numerous times about getting gigs for new bands trying to break into the live circuit. Craig Grove, the man behind Storm Studios and one of the sound engineers at Robert Plant’s MAS Records, as well as lecturer at Kidderminster College’s Music Department, often plays me recordings he’s made of new bands. Usually, these bands struggle to find a decent venue for their first gig, especially when they are “originals” bands (or solo singers etc.). Even when those gigs occur, they will be in back street venues, playing to a dwindling number of friends and family." THE IDEA "And so we hit on the idea of drawing together a number of these bands, some of whom might not even have enough material for an entire 90-minute set, and giving them the opportunity to play a short set to a combined audience of hundreds rather than dozens. The format for the show is this: There will be a pre-determined “headline” act – themselves possibly a new band, preceded by four other acts. The supporting acts will play for 20 minutes each and the running order will be determined on the night by drawing names out of a hat to keep things fair." WHAT ABOUT THE MONEY?
 | | Edgeway should be appearing... |
"The bands will be paid in tickets. Each band will receive 20 tickets with a face value of £3 each which they can then sell to friends etc. This enables the bands to make £60 for a 20-minute performance and means they will be able to play a more prestigious venue without having to sell hundreds of tickets by themselves. This also ensures that there will be a minimum attendance of well over a hundred people even before taking into account the people who turn up on the night and pay at the door. The drum kit, bass amp and p.a. are supplied – the bands just need to bring guitars, keyboards and guitar amps. There will be the opportunity to have the session recorded via the sound desk. The bands can walk away at the end of the evening with a ready-made live demo cd for £20. There'll be no pressure on the bands whatsoever [to purchase a CD]. It'll be made clear that they can buy a CD, if they want one but it's entirely up to them. In a way, we'd prefer it they booked a recording session with Craig at Storm Studios. The £20 thing is a way of covering the room hire plus the costs of publicity, tickets etc. It would be nice if some of the acts want to buy other services such as a website, p.a. hire, photography, recording, rehearsal space etc. sometime in the future, but again, no pressure. I know from experience that it's extremely useful for a band to know where to get these services and this is an opportunity to put Reaction's name in the frame.
 | | David, left, in 'Who's the Kinky Faces' |
We'll make our profit (if there is one) from the people who show up on the night over and above the free tickets we've given to the bands. And let's face it, most bands should be able to raise more support for their early outings than the 20 free tickets." "A NIGHT I'LL NEVER FORGET..." "I was lucky - my very first gig was as a support band, playing to a packed house at the Robin. It was a night I’ll never forget and hopefully we can give a few other musicians that same excitement. Local and music press will be invited to attend. We already have a few bands lined up for the first show but we still need more so that we can ensure more gigs and even “stream” the bands into compatible line-ups so that the audiences will be more likely to enjoy more of the bands on the bill. It would also be nice to see some solo singers on the bill. The date of the first Reaction Music Promotions Showcase is Friday 19th August at The Broadway, Norton, Stourbridge. At the time of writing, 'Dead Letter Office' and 'Edgeway' are likely to be among the bands appearing. It is hoped that this will be the first of many such gigs. This is an excuse for a great night out, the emphasis is on mutual support and encouragement. We insist that all bands show up early and make an evening of it, rather than 'Band One' clearing off after their performance and before 'Band Two' come onstage. This is an opportunity for musicians to watch and learn from their peers and to impress venues with mature and professional attitudes." CONTACT DETAILS Interested acts can contact me by email at reactionmusic@gibblemail.com or by calling 07743551900. PS. The Reaction website www.reactionmusic.co.uk will be up and running within the next week or so. SEE ALSO: www.deadletters.co.uk http://www.7vs.co.uk/Edgeway/Edgeway.htm www.whosthekinkyfaces.com | 
