Rachel Brown MUST-SEE SHOWS FOR INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK: RACHEL’S TOP PICKS

The Independent Venue Week (IVW) in the UK is all about showcasing the country’s diverse and dynamic music scene. There will be live performances from some of the best up-and-coming artists in a variety of genres. This will be at more than 200 independent venues between the 27th of January and the 2nd of February.

Music venues are the lifeblood of our music scene. They give birth to raw talent, take flight with the dreams of music success, and channel magic with live strings. The buildings themselves, are much more than brick and mortar, they are a representation of the lifeblood within our cultural fabric by providing a venue for artists to experiment, grow, and commence. They help build a fanbase in ways not quite feasible in larger, more commercial settings. Supporting the independent venues means supporting the artists who give their hearts and souls to the craft. This means giving a voice to the underrepresented, the innovative, and the bold. These venues so often are willing to take a first chance on a new talent with opportunities that start careers and create fans for life.

But independent venues face an extraordinary set of challenges: financial pressures, increased operation costs, and the struggle to compete against larger enterprises make it very hard for them to keep their doors open. But despite these obstacles, they still thrive due to sheer passion, creativity, and community support. We safeguard the spirit of music itself by keeping independent venues alive. This will ensure that the next generation of musicians will have a place to find the sounds they never heard, to take inspiration, and to get that raw energy released through performance. They are the incubators of innovation, champions of diversity, and guardians of our rich musical heritage.

So let’s come together and support these vital spaces. Let’s celebrate the resiliency and ingenuity of the independent venues while recognising their importance in keeping the heartbeat of music scenes strong. Attend a gig, spread the word, and be part of the movement that keeps our music culture alive and well.

Here are some of the gigs I recommend for this years event.

THE BLACK PRINCE, NORTHAMPTON

The Black Prince is kicking off IVW with a bang, featuring headline gigs by The Emerald Dawn, The Bug Club, Scott Lavene, The Clause, Heavy Lungs, Avalanche Party, Pavilion and Caoilfhionn Rose. This venue is known for its eclectic line up, and this year is no exception, with a mix of classic indie rock and noisy rock bands. You must see Avalanche Party, they have been one of my favourite bands forever. This feral garage rock band hails from the wild North Yorkshire Moors and will electrify you with their raw, unfiltered sound and performance. Known for their high-energy shows and relentless passion, Avalanche Party delivers a live experience that is nothing short of exhilarating. More information here: The Black Prince (@blackprincenn) • Instagram photos and videos

THE CASTLE, LUTON

The Castle is hosting a week full of music with The Lounge Society and Lizzie Esau, bringing their unique blend of indie and punk to the stage. With a reputation for intimate yet energetic performances, this venue is a must-visit for any music lover. More information on their Instagram

BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB, LEEDS

Steve Lamacq will be broadcasting live from Brudenell Social Club, with punk duo BIG SPECIAL performing live on-air. The club will also host shows with BBC Introducing artists, making it a hub for indie and punk enthusiasts. Additionally, Sheffield act Gia Ford will be performing at Brudenell Social Club in Leeds on January 27th as part of Steve Lamacq’s live broadcast. All info here: Brudenell Social Club Leeds – Beer, Music, Crisps, Fun etc.

SOUL MAMA, LONDON

YolanDa Brown, IVW’s Artist Ambassador, will be performing at her newly-opened venue, Soul Mama. This venue is celebrating its first anniversary with a special show, adding to the excitement of IVW. Info here: Book Tickets | Soul Mama

SUNBIRD RECORDS, LANCS

Sunbird Records have OneDa palying as part of their Independent Venue Week 2025 celebrations – an artist who refuses to be boxed in. OneDa’s music really does the talking, taking in elements from the hip-hop and drum and bass scenes of her hometown Manchester, alongside afro-trap and afrobeats that reflect her Nigerian heritage. Her boundless linguistic talent and dexterous wordplay mark her out as a force of nature and a master craftswoman. The Face named her as one of the key MCs at the forefront of the drum ‘n’ bass renaissance, and now OneDa is speeding off the starting grid with her self-produced debut album ‘Formula OneDa’, released in October 2024 on Heavenly Recordings.

Support comes from a fully homegrown lineup with Vispera, Kyber, Dylan Purser, and Lauren Walton.

All info and tickets here: OneDa + Vispera + Kyber + Dylan Purser B2B Lauren Walton- Saturday 1st February 2025 | Sunbird Records, Darwen | Sunbird Records

THE WINDMILL, BRIXTON

The Windmill is hosting a special IVW event on January 30th, featuring Ebbb, Punchbag, Balderdasch and more. This mini festival will showcase some of the most exciting acts in the indie and punk scenes, with a diverse lineup. All info here: Listings – Windmill Brixton

HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL, SHEFFIELD

The Hallamshire Hotel, affectionately known as the Hally, is featuring a series of special shows, including performances by Mercury Prize nominee C Duncan, several highly rated UK touring artists, and some of the finest bands from Sheffield’s burgeoning music scene.

IVW 2025 @ HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL
Tuesday 28th January: Django Jones & The Mystery Men + Feral + Bad Luck Crowd
Wednesday 29th January: Cleaver Blue + Recovery Park
Thursday 30th January: Futuresound Presents… Humour + TARMAC + Sundress
Friday 31st January: Life Aquatic Band + Blue Bayou + VOHRA
Saturday 1st February: C Duncan + Alwyn Jones

All these nurturing environments are crucial for musicians who are established or just starting out and seeking to make their mark in the industry. As we celebrate Independent Venue Week, let’s recognise and support these vital spaces that keep the heart of the music scene beating strong. Let us know anymore gigs you are are attending in the comments!