Showcasing Liverpool’s Independent Music Promoters

We decided to put Liverpool’s Independent Music Promoters in the spotlight for a change….

Liverpool seems to be enjoying a musical resurgence of late with an abundance of quality gigs across the city. From attracting big names to the Echo Arena to the sold out shows at the O2 Academy and the fresh musical talent being given the opportunity to shine in small independent venues.

Everywhere you turn in the city centre nowadays you are never too far from live music and this is in large part down to the hard working independent music promoters.

The work of the music promoter is usually overlooked by gig goers. You see a gig advertised, you get your tickets and you go and watch the band. Any thought processes beyond that are not usually necessary and that’s fair enough. But for the promoter the work starts months prior. Deciding the venue, booking the bands and selling tickets then hoping that you can break even after the slog of it all.

A love for music is both obvious and essential for music promoters as well as determination and bucket loads of self-motivation. Here we look at some of the key independent promoters in the city and their passion for the business.

Liverpool’s Independent Music Promoters

EVOL

EVOL have been behind some of the best gigs in Liverpool, with National and International big hitters topping their bills and support slots going to Liverpool’s up and coming artists. EVOL’s role on the local scene has been massive and they’ve helped bost the career of many scouse bands.

They were behind shows like Brian Numan, Brian Wilson, Peaches, The Muder Capital, White Denim, First Aid Kit and many more.

For more information visit the EVOL Facebook page.

Yeah Buddy DIY

Stalwarts of the DIY scene in Liverpool, Yeah Buddy have been putting on incredible shows for years. They are responsible for making Maguire’s backroom what it is today – a thriving independent music venue. It also happens to serve incredible pizza. Two of life’s finest things!

Yeah Buddy describe themselves as a community for the unsigned, independent and DIY music scene. Most notably Yeah Buddy are a DIY music blog but are one of the first in our list here who started to host their own events. Music Blogs are obviously a good source of new music talent as they discover and write about emerging acts all day long so it seems like a good progression to bring the bands to a local stage so they can really show what they’ve got. False Advertising are notable as an early Yeah Buddy find, performing at this year’s SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas. Curating stages at local festivals throughout the year they are a trusted voice on the scene.

For more info visit the Yeah Buddy DIY Facebook page.

ICYMI

Relatively new to the scene but not to be underestimated ICYMI are bringing a diverse range of the next biggest stars to Liverpool. Born out of (you guessed it) a love for music, ICYMI saw one of their favourite emerging artists posting on social media asking fans which cities they should play on their debut UK tour. From there ICYMI went on to arrange a gig in Liverpool’s Pen Factory to a healthy crowd and they were hooked in the world of promoting from that moment on.

One of their aims is to bring more talent to Liverpool, rather than or in addition to, our neighbouring city Manchester. Forward thinking in their approach to booking exciting acts and ensuring they play to decent crowds, ICYMI are stirring up the scene. Often their gigs are free entry, which leaves you with no excuse not to go! 

Check out ICYMI’s full gig line up on their Facebook page.  

Popped Music

This Liverpool-based, UK-wide emerging music website have their finger on the pulse of some of the finest up and coming UK touring artists, having previously curated events featuring The Van T’s, Saltwater Sun, Indigo Velvet and Berries.

To find out what gigs they have coming up visit their Facebook page.

Klee Music

Primarily a record label and music publisher Klee also know how to put on one hell of a gig. Known for their eclectic mix of musicians signed to their label they also have a brilliant approach to their live nights. The Klee Music Acoustic Nights which started earlier this year feature three singer-songwriters who each play a short set of their own material, and then come together at the end to sing a couple of songs as a trio. However, they will also perform a cover version of a song composed by the artist next to them!

To find out more visit https://www.kleemusic.co.uk/

Mellowtone

A formidable force on the Liverpool music scene Mellowtone are best known for their acoustic showcases and you can expect influences including Folk, Blues, Country, Roots and DJs playing everything from the obvious to the obscure. Mellowtone Records is also home to some of the finest local artists with Nick Ellis, Edgar Jones and Seafoam Green on the books. To keep up to date with Mellowtone’s latest gigs and record label releases visit their website.

Liverpool Acoustic

With over a decade of experience under their belts Liverpool Acoustic’s portfolio of events include the double award-winning, bi-monthly Liverpool Acoustic Live, the weekly Open Mic, the monthly Liverpool Acoustic Afternoon, and Liverpool Acoustic Presents.

As well as contributing to festivals and events including Threshold Festival, Above the Beaten Track, Liverpool International Music Festival, Liverpool Acoustic Festival, Liverpool Irish Festival, Liverpool Calling, We Shall Overcome, Songwriters at the Lantern, and Folk Festival on the Dock. Visit their official website to find out what’s coming up.

Boot Music

Music Blog Boot Music hosted their first live event at the Zanzibar in March featuring two local bands (Mosley Bar and Factory) plus Swindon’s high tempo indie rocker Misfires, who look like they have a bright future ahead of them. It was an exceptional debut event for Boot who’s aim for promoting the live scene is twofold;

“Firstly, we wanted to try and be part of the resuscitation of the Liverpool music scene having seen it be crushed by large property development companies closing venues to make way for offices etc.

Secondly, we wanted to build a circuit that would actually benefit the artists. We felt we were in good position to do this as we are independent , not money focused at all and so we promote all our artists before and after the event , featuring them on our site , reviewing all their new music and interviewing them to promote any upcoming tours , gigs or new music!” says Boots’ founder James Booton

Boot’s next project? “We are looking to plan a huge charity gig, with carefully selected , politically aware bands playing –  with all profits going to save the children’s refugee appeal” says James

Keep an eye on Boot Music and their latest events on Facebook page.

Have we missed someone off our Liverpool’s Independent Music Promoters guide? Comment below so we can add them to the list.