MarkDrummer Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Morning All, Been toying with the idea of potentially putting on a mini music-fest later in the year. I went to Wake the Deen last year and enjoyed it, even if it was a little heavier music than I normally listen to. It got me thinking - what if there was another music-fest but with slightly less heavy bands. More indie, poppy or electronic. A late afternoon/night event with a number of bands playing say, half hour sets each. Wondered if there would be sufficient interest for such an event? Would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions or just opinions? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TR!ΔNGL€ T€€TH Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 If it's done well and promoted properly, it's a great idea. Realistically, you'd have to do it in the Tunnels, or book several venues in town and have it like Tryptych/OxJam. My main piece of advice would be to hold it on the first Friday/Saturday of the month, people will have been paid and are way more likely to come out. Oh, and get good bands to play (and pay them!). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkDrummer Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 My thoughts exactly Jan - first weekend in November falls neatly on the 31st Oct and 1st Nov. Would want to do it in one venue, rather than having several. Bands would be paid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FatHand Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Sounds like an interesting idea to me. I'd be up for going to this and potentially getting involved in some capacity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colb Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 This is a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stroopy121 Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 (edited) I think it's a very good idea. Promote it heavily and get a decent lineup, can't see why it wouldn't be busy. However, doing it on Halloween is a risky call as every promoter/venue/other will be putting something on. That being said, most people go out for Halloween, so there'll be lots of foot traffic and more people looking for something to go to... so double-edged sword. xx Edited May 20, 2014 by Stroopy121 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkDrummer Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I kind of fancied doing it on Halloween to be honest, might get more people. I wouldn't want to clash or step on the toes of the Wake the Deen guys but haven't seen anything for Hallodeen this year? Also, if I did it on one day, all day, it could be a double edged sword in the sense that people would be hungover on the 1st from Halloween..... Hmmm....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FatHand Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Something like this shouldn't need the novelty of a faddy "holiday" to make it busy and shame on Aberdeen if it does. I think booking great acts that work well as an event and maybe making it at the end of summer would be a decent option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkDrummer Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Will no doubt need a hand with a few things as I'm doing this solo - waiting on Ross Calder coming back with available dates for Tunnels and will be in touch fathand. Cheers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moon Moon Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 15+ bands? I'd defo be interested if so. It's a tremendous idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Easy Wishes Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 (edited) I would explore other venues too. Part of the charm of an 'all-dayer' is the ability to come and go from the venue IMO. Also it's nice to be able to see that it's still light outside! Although this is obviously possible at The Tunnels, I'd see if there are other viable options too. Edited May 20, 2014 by Adam Easy Wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkDrummer Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Looked into a few venues - I really liked the Little Kicks' album launch at the shop in the Academy. Whether or not this is doable is another thing. Also looked into booking the old Enigma but it's not gonna happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TR!ΔNGL€ T€€TH Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Looked into a few venues - I really liked the Little Kicks' album launch at the shop in the Academy. Whether or not this is doable is another thing. Also looked into booking the old Enigma but it's not gonna happen.The logistics of this could be difficult - bear in mind that you will have to hire full a full back line for either venue. Stevie Mule collated a great article about promoting, it could be on the 57 degrees North website. Have a read of that, as it is full of invaluable information. One good thing about having more than one venue is that you are not resorting to mixed bills. Unless you are the Moorings, don't do a mixed bill, in my opinion they rarely ever work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I would definitely get behind this. I suppose the good thing about starting with the Tunnels is that you've effectively got two venues straight off the bat. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moose Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Echo the above sentiments regarding promotion. You'd probably want to get one or two "big names" to headline also, a la The Little Kicks or out of town equivalent. Maybe have a look and see if any biggish bands from England/USA/whatever are touring around the same time and look to get them on the bill? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkDrummer Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Cheers Moose, was aiming for that, Thanks everyone. Big kiss xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TR!ΔNGL€ T€€TH Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I would say you should talk to a bunch of local promoters too, for this kind of thing it is definitely best to have everyone working together, instead of a chance of folk competing. Also, leave plenty of time for planning and keep people informed of any changes or issues. Nobody likes being left in the dark and being confronted with nasty surprises! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TR!ΔNGL€ T€€TH Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 http://57north.org/sites/default/files/attachments/57_north_guide_to_diy_gig_promotions_1.pdf This is the guide I was talking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkDrummer Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Aye I had a quick scan of that Jan, will read in depth when I'm home tonight - cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
givemeasmile Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I think something like this would be awesome in a venue that most people wouldn't usually consider. Don't get me wrong, if the line up is particularly strong then people would hopefully turn up regardless of where it is, but if it was to be a venue tailored to fit the needs of this event people will remember it for a long time. It might even convince more folk to turn up! As for advice on said venue...unfortunately I don't have any to offer; however I'm sure some people on here are bound to have some good ideas or can give examples of places this kind of thing has been done before? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkDrummer Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Venue suggestions welcome. My thoughts on the 'standard' Aberdeen venues are as below; Tunnels - decent location, 'tried and tested' venue for mini-fest, decent price.Drummonds - not suitable for what I want to put on.Lemon Tree - little more expensive, decent location, 'outside area', excellent standard etc.Downstairs - potentially too small.Cellar - definitely too small. I'd also like a 'think outside the box' type venue, just not sure where? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gladstone Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Venue suggestions welcome. My thoughts on the 'standard' Aberdeen venues are as below; Tunnels - decent location, 'tried and tested' venue for mini-fest, decent price.Drummonds - not suitable for what I want to put on.Lemon Tree - little more expensive, decent location, 'outside area', excellent standard etc.Downstairs - potentially too small.Cellar - definitely too small. I'd also like a 'think outside the box' type venue, just not sure where?Unless the Lemon Tree has changed dramatically since I put on gigs there a few years ago, I'd say it's more than a little more expensive than the others! It's a great venue in my view, but you need to pull a really big crowd to break even and to get a good atmosphere in the place because it's so big! 300+ really for the place to be "busy" - I only managed that once! What would be cool, but much more work (and probably costly / lots of red tape to get through / etc) would be in a public space like Union Terrace Gardens or something. But you would need to factor in getting the Cooncil on board, getting a stage, hiring all the audio equipment / backline, portaloos, security, and all that jazz. I'm sure there are lots of other things too. What's going on down at Amadeus these days...? It's probably crumbling so not a viable option. Beach ballroom? Probably not viable because it's probably like a magnified version of Lemon Tree in terms of size, cost, etc. Those Live @ the Beach gigs seem to have died a death. Sorry - that's probably not much help. I've typed it now though, so I'll leave it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nomad_Axeman Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 The Tunnels is probably the best bet. The last time I played there they had a decent PA system, which would reduce your logistics quite a bit. My band woud be up for supporting this. Great idea and good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Some out of the box suggestions:Cowdray HallSeventeen (probably too small, plus no drinks licence I assume)Peacocks (definitely too small)ExodusSomewhere on one of the uni campuses... Aberdeen must have a suitable space?Woodend Barn (hard to persuade people to travel to)Stonehaven Town Hall or similar Shire venues.Hotel function room somewhere. Must be plenty of those but might be expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkDrummer Posted May 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Exodus could be a great shout. Hotel function room could be decent, if it was not against noise, which some are. I'd love to organise it in Union Terrace Gardens Gladstone, just too much of an ask I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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