[RockAustin]

This really has to be an ongoing project rather than one off events like Go North. It also has to be supported and organised by the people it is actually going to benefit - people in bands.

I have recently had an idea that might help with increasing the exposure of Aberdeen bands outside of Aberdeen. You hear a lot of complaints about Aberdeen music scene being overlooked by music industry types and that they never come here (except to some degree at Go North). The way I see it is that they have no reason to if the only place your band is famous is Aberdeen. You must go to them if they don't know you exist. If you want to make headway, you also have to be able to draw a crowd wherever you play. This involves playing outside of Aberdeen.

I know a lot of bands are already doing this but it may help if this is occasionally done as a collective. An Aberdeen Bands night in Glasgow/Edinburgh once every couple of months (or alternating) might be a way of showcasing some of the quality that exists in Aberdeen. It may also open up doors for some bands to play more regularly down there and for some bands just to get down there in the first place.

This is also good way for bands/musicians to raise their game. Whenever we've played with high quality bands, especially outside of Aberdeen, the pressure and excitement have pushed us to another level. A good crowd can also make the atmosphere more intense which again makes you play with more energy. These are elements which could make a night like this work. It would also show that Aberdeen has a thriving music scene and give us the opportunity to make contacts that would not normally be possible.

Is this something that anyone would like to try out? Any suggestions for getting it to work/venues to approach? In the worst case, it'll be a chance to play somewhere other than Aberdeen.