Member Article

Disused Properties Should Benefit Local Musicians

Local musicians could benefit from extra practice space if the Chairman of the Government’s Live Music Forum has his way. Feargal Sharkey has challenged every local council in England and Wales to transform at least one disused property in their area into a rehearsal studio for local musicians. Wrexham Council are one of the first to donate a space, rent free, to local musicians. The studio will be free to bands who are under 18 and in education. There will be a small charge of £3-4 an hour for all other bands, which will go towards repairing and maintaining the equipment.

Live Music Forum Chairman Feargal Sharkey said: “It may be a romantic stereotype - fledgling bands rehearsing in their parents’ garage before cutting their teeth on the live circuit. But good quality, properly equipped studios are invaluable in getting a good sound early on. “With so many properties lying empty in every council area, I believe at least one has the potential to be a rehearsal studio. “We have a £5 billion music industry that starts with unknown groups and artists performing in the back room of pubs. Without them there would be no multi billion pound industry. So let’s give new and local artists a hand by providing them with somewhere proper to rehearse.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .