Be wary of rise of ‘ house gigs’
Hello my friends – I hope you’re well.
A friend brought to my attention some recent focus on the rise of the ‘ house gig’. The ‘ house gig’, basically having a professional performance in your own home, is rising in popularity and some think it may take over from the conventional gig. With gig costs on the rise will we see the house gig take over from the traditional bar or live music venue gig?
The rise in popularity and normalisation of the house gig under brands such as So Far Sounds has seen programmed house concerts taking place as far as San Francisco, Sydney and Cape Town. The MD of Sofar has described his concerts as‘ uniquely intimate’ and about ‘ sharing the moment in an amazing setting with an audience of extraordinary people.’ I have been at some nice gigs and live experiences in some very unique and inspiring places. I’ve been in some absolute pits having a wonderful time and some lush settings having a dull and uninspired time. Ultimately it’s all about atmosphere, the experience of being a listener and the experience of performing.
There’s a real appeal to me in being able to design your night, set the mood and have it as if with home comforts. Conversely, the unpredictability of live music, not knowing who you are going to bump into or what might happen is all very much part of the fun and my feeling is that although So Far Sounds may offer a new type of live music experience it certainly does much to add a level of sterilisation as well as corporate say so from So Far on what makes an ‘ authentic’ live music experience.
I’m very wary of anything corporate with hipster, authentic or folky imagery or ethos. It’s still very much corporate branding no matter how we might see it.
I can see the appeal of having your home comforts, inviting whoever you chose, supermarket cheap and short queues for the toilet but I’m not convinced that the model is going to supersede standing in a pub getting deafened whilst your feet stick to the floor.
Two of my favourite singer- songwriters are putting on a night at the Hug & Pint in Glasgow on Saturday at 8pm. Anna Sweeney and Matt Scott are putting on a night featuring Graeme Quinn, Roseanne Reid and themselves. Roseanne Reid is a talented singersongwriter with a fantastic voice which grabs you by the heart. As the daughter of Proclaimers star Craig Reid she’s been brought up with music at heart and she’s well worth hearing live. Anna and Matt are a couple I’ve had the fortune to know for a few years and it’s great to see the songwriting bug live within them!
It’s not long now until Stand Up 2 Cancer Live at the Bellfield Tavern in Kilmarnock on Friday, March 17. Organised by local musician Steven Montgomery it’s going to be a night from the heart, full of good music and community spirit. It’s fantastic to see the music community together for good causes and Steven deserves all the support out there. Performing on the night are Steven’s band Velvet Moon, Andy K, Mannequin Mannequin and Far and the night will be hosted by Irvine Beat FM’s own Ronnie McGhie. Limited tickets still available from www. bellfield. bigcartel. com Until next week, Stay Positive my friends. @LittleFire