Unsigned Live Music Venues
Since the launch of this site last year Unsigned Britain has been on the hunt to find Britain’s best live music venues for unsigned musicians to play and here are all of them that made the cut...
THE SOUTH
Moles -
For over 30 years this famous venue has been hosting the best live music gigs, from local emerging talent to big names like Laura Marling and Radiohead Moles has seen it all! What’s even more special about Moles is that they also have band accommodation for artists who have to travel as well as their own recording studio that offers extremely competitive rates.
Of course for such a busy venue there are rules and guidelines to playing at Moles, check them out here: http://www.moles.co.uk/contact/
Of course for such a busy venue there are rules and guidelines to playing at Moles, check them out here: http://www.moles.co.uk/contact/
The Junction -
From small local bands to bigger names like Marina and the Diamonds and Rizzle Kicks - The Junction plays host to them all. With live music every night of the week and being heralded as the best music venue in Cambridge there’s a lot to gain from getting a slot here.
Email [email protected] to find out more
Email [email protected] to find out more
The Golden Fleece Tavern -
This intimate pub located in Dover is a favorite with locals, it looks to promote unsigned local bands belonging to the classic pop, indie and alternative rock genres.
The Golden Fleece Tavern is unique with the aspect that it only has one act playing a night - so if you like the idea of being the only band of the night then go to their website to find out more. http://www.thegoldenfleecetavern.com/tavern.asp?type=bandinfo
Note only bands over 21 are welcome to play.
The Golden Fleece Tavern is unique with the aspect that it only has one act playing a night - so if you like the idea of being the only band of the night then go to their website to find out more. http://www.thegoldenfleecetavern.com/tavern.asp?type=bandinfo
Note only bands over 21 are welcome to play.
The Wedgewood Rooms -
Possibly one of Portsmouth's finer live music venues, it hosts music from both local and international acts. With fast approaching sold out shows from the likes of Alkaline Trio and Rizzle Kicks the Wedgewood Rooms is the cosy intimate venue that everyone wants to play.
Book a slot by ringing them on 023 9286 3911
Book a slot by ringing them on 023 9286 3911
The Golden Fleece -
This traditional pub in Chelmsford offers live music of a wide variety every night and has recently become one of the best venues to play in the Essex area. Known for its cheap drinks and decent live music, The Golden Fleece is the perfect place to play.
To find out how you can book a slot at The Golden Fleece fill in this contact form on their site:http://www.thegoldenfleece-chelmsford.co.uk/AboutUs.aspx
To find out how you can book a slot at The Golden Fleece fill in this contact form on their site:http://www.thegoldenfleece-chelmsford.co.uk/AboutUs.aspx
Plymouth Guildhall -
For years now unsigned acts have enjoyed playing at the Guildhall for unsigned music nights or battle of the bands competitions. Having been the judging home to Live and Unsigned's competition to discover Britain's best live unsigned act,Plymouth Guildhall is back on the map. Constantly looking for new bands to play Plymouth Guildhall is the ideal venue for any unsigned act - intimate and local.
Find out more about booking a slot by emailing: [email protected]
Find out more about booking a slot by emailing: [email protected]
Joiners -
The Joiners is one of Southampton's most famous music venues - it may be tiny but over the years its stage has been graced by the likes of Oasis, Coldplay, The Libertines and The Artic Monkeys. With its intimate setting it's hardly surprising that Joiners is a favourite with small and large bands a like. It would seem everyone who has been someone in music has started off here.
Joiners are so open to welcoming new bands that the venues site even has a contact form ready for you to get in touch: http://www.joinerslive.co.uk/contact.php
Joiners are so open to welcoming new bands that the venues site even has a contact form ready for you to get in touch: http://www.joinerslive.co.uk/contact.php
The Pavillion Tavern -
The Pavillion Tavern (Or more known by Brighton locals as The Pav Tav) hosts its own unsigned music night every Wednesday. Over the years the venue has gained itself a high reputation for hosting the best and upcoming that the Brighton music scene has to offer.
If you're interested in playing at The Pavillion Tavern for one of there unsigned nights then email [email protected]
Find out more about The Pavillion Tavern and the music nights it hosts at: http://www.brightonmusicscene.com
If you're interested in playing at The Pavillion Tavern for one of there unsigned nights then email [email protected]
Find out more about The Pavillion Tavern and the music nights it hosts at: http://www.brightonmusicscene.com
LONDON
Old Blue Last -
If any venue knows how to throw a gig its Shoreditch’s finest Old Blue Last. With normally free gigs seven nights a week there are always live slots to be filled. 2010 saw it completely refurbished so its live events are now even bigger and better, whether you’re a local act or not there’s a slot waiting for you here.
Email [email protected]
Email [email protected]
The Macbeth -
With its old charm, small capacity and friendly staff it's no wonder The Macbeth has become so legendary. An extended midnight curfew for live music every night The Macbeth is always buzzing with anything from live bands to DJ's.
Book yourself or your band a slot by emailing: [email protected]
Book yourself or your band a slot by emailing: [email protected]
The 12 Bar Club -
Located in central London this small capacity has a lot to offer any emerging unsigned artists. Hosting at least 4 acts every night the venue is always on the look out for new talent. With an interest in helping to promote any talented song writers from all genres The 12 Bar Club offers something for everyone.
If you're interested in finding out more message the venue at [email protected]
If you're interested in finding out more message the venue at [email protected]
The Windmill -
The Windmill is one of Brixtons most celebrated and favoured small music venues. With its cheap entry and even cheaper beer it's a great venue for any band to be playing.
To find out how to book your act/band then email: [email protected]
Just Remember to include a link to some of your music!
To find out how to book your act/band then email: [email protected]
Just Remember to include a link to some of your music!
Dingwalls -
Dingwalls is more than just a nightclub in Camden it’s one of the town’s finest music venues. With a reputation for helping break small bands and giving larger names the chance to downsize, it’s no wonder everyone from Ellie Goulding to Foo Fighters are fighting over playing this place.
Dingwalls is the type of venue that’s happy to give anyone a chance, so if you’re interested in playing there drop them an email at: [email protected]
Dingwalls is the type of venue that’s happy to give anyone a chance, so if you’re interested in playing there drop them an email at: [email protected]
The Half Moon -
2011 has been a special year for this Putney pub, having been named as the best turnaround pub of the year things are looking good for The Half Moon. Having been host to some of the biggest names in music: Kasabian, Keith Richards and Babyshambles The Half Moon knows how to put a good gig on. Now that unsigned bands are gracing their stage - it's no doubt it's one of the smaller London venues to be seen at.
If you want to get in touch about playing at The Half Moon get in touch via their Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/halfmoonputney
If you want to get in touch about playing at The Half Moon get in touch via their Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/halfmoonputney
The Underworld -
From Sheryl Crowe to The Smashing Pumpkins over the years The Underworld in Camden has been host to it all. The best news is that the venue also now hosts unsigned music nights, Call them on 0207 617 7696 to find out more! The only small downside is that as an agreement for playing The Underworld you must guarentee to bring at least 30 people to come and see you. So if you've got some friends you can drag a long and with a bit of promotion what are you waiting for?
More information about playing The Underworld can be found at: http://www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk/demos/
More information about playing The Underworld can be found at: http://www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk/demos/
Up all Night -
'Up All Night' the most talked about unsigned music events in London are underway now. Sister venues Nambucca (Holloway) and The Library (Islington) host their own unsigned nights every Tuesday from 8pm. Both these venues have high reputations among both the smaller and larger names in the music industry making them the place to be heard in the UK's Capitol.
Go to http://www.upallnightmusic.com to book your act a slot at 'Up All Night'
Go to http://www.upallnightmusic.com to book your act a slot at 'Up All Night'
THE MIDLANDS
Marr's Bar -
With live music seven nights a week and with any genre whatsoever being welcomed at the Marr's Bar its understandable why the popularity of this venue is on the up.
This little venue even has its own recording studio that any band are welcome to use.
If you think a performance at the Marr's Bar is for you then email [email protected] with a link to your music.
This little venue even has its own recording studio that any band are welcome to use.
If you think a performance at the Marr's Bar is for you then email [email protected] with a link to your music.
The Corporation -
Home for all things rock 2011 saw this venue host over 140 gigs. Primarily it may be a club but the Corporation always has slots for live music. If you want to play on a stage that the likes of The Buzzcocks,Def Leppard and Motley Crue have all played then email [email protected]
Nottingham Rescue Rooms -
Everyone who’s anyone has played the Rescue rooms from The Killers to La Roux, home to making breaking artists big, Nottingham’s Rescue rooms hosts live music every night of the week and always has time to help new musicians.
Message the venue to book a slot [email protected]
Message the venue to book a slot [email protected]
The Bottletree -
With unsigned musicians playing at Birmingham's The Bottletree several nights a week there are always slots to be filled for both new and old faces.
If you fancy making a booking then email Merrilee Challiss at: [email protected]
If you fancy making a booking then email Merrilee Challiss at: [email protected]
Golden Fleece -
One of Nottingham's finest pubs hosts its own music night every Thursday.
If you live in the Nottingham area and are interested in taking your act to the stage of the Golden Fleece then drop them an email at: [email protected]
If you live in the Nottingham area and are interested in taking your act to the stage of the Golden Fleece then drop them an email at: [email protected]
Golden Cross -
Coventry's the Golden Cross is one of the Midlands oldest pubs. But asides from having a great atmosphere it also hosts its own unique monthly music night. Ok so you won't get to play live BUT you will get your music heard. The idea at the Golden Cross is that bands take along their own tracks and get them played. Imagine how you would feel going on a night out and seeing people listening to your music on the stereo. The main benefit has also been missed out until now, just think no trashy chart music invading your hearing all night!
I realise it may not be everyone's cup of tea but if it's yours and you fancy feeding the Golden Cross stereo some of your tunes find out how by popping in and saying hello!
I realise it may not be everyone's cup of tea but if it's yours and you fancy feeding the Golden Cross stereo some of your tunes find out how by popping in and saying hello!
The Adam & Eve -
The Adam & Eve in Birmingham (Digbeth) frequently holds unsigned music nights for upcoming Birmingham based bands. The Venue is well known in the Midlands for its friendly atmosphere and cheap drinks.
If you're interested in booking email: [email protected]
If you're interested in booking email: [email protected]
THE NORTH
Cavern Club -
Made famous by The Beatles this venue still has it. The Cavern Live Lounge is Liverpool's favorite live music venue and offers something for all be it unsigned musicians, emerging new talent or those already established the Cavern Live Lounge welcomes you all.
With no demo's required all The Cavern Live Lounge need are the following: band name, style of music, where you're from, main contact details, email address, band website and the amount of people you expect to attend the gig.
Email them details to [email protected] to arrange a booking
With no demo's required all The Cavern Live Lounge need are the following: band name, style of music, where you're from, main contact details, email address, band website and the amount of people you expect to attend the gig.
Email them details to [email protected] to arrange a booking
The Tyne Bar -
Hailed as Newcastles best loved secret The Tyne bar is something special. Hosting free live music gigs for alternative musicians.
Book a slot by emailing [email protected]
Book a slot by emailing [email protected]
The Cluny -
With approximately only 5 gigs a month the Cluny isn't Newcastle's easiest venue to book. What it does offer though is a small intimate space where musicians can play their music to almost always a packed out venue.
If you're interested in playing and don't mind waiting for an available space drop them an email at: [email protected]
If you're interested in playing and don't mind waiting for an available space drop them an email at: [email protected]
The Deaf Institute -
Every Sunday Manchester's famous cafe, bar and music hall hosts its very own open mic night. If you're interested in playing then all you have to do is turn up early to secure your spot, there's no restrictions what so ever so anyone is welcome!
To to their website http://www.thedeafinstitute.co.uk/regular_nights.php?id=76 to find out more.
To to their website http://www.thedeafinstitute.co.uk/regular_nights.php?id=76 to find out more.
Tan Hill Inn -
The Tan Hill In prides itself highly on it's love for live music. With its own barn especially for holding gigs the venue can hold a capacity of 150.
Whether you are new to the music scene or not the Tan Hill will happily welcome any local unsigned band. Just email Tracy to find out the details. tracytanhillinn.com
Whether you are new to the music scene or not the Tan Hill will happily welcome any local unsigned band. Just email Tracy to find out the details. tracytanhillinn.com
The Boardwalk -
The Boardwalk is one of Sheffield's finer music venues, playing host to unsigned acts and bands a like its venue always guarantees a quality live experience.
To book a slot phone them on 0871 230 1101
To book a slot phone them on 0871 230 1101
The Night & Day Cafe -
With a tiny capacity of 250 people it's easy to see why The Night & Day cafe has become one of Manchesters most talked about music Venues. What's more important is if you're a local band there are always slots to be filled every week.
Drop them an email to find out more: [email protected]
Drop them an email to find out more: [email protected]
The Cockpit -
The Cockpit is well known as everyone's favourite Leeds venue but it also hosts its own unsigned music nights. Future Sound are a series of nights that are held at The Cockpit to promote the best raw unsigned talent around Leeds.
Go to http://www.thecockpit.co.uk to find out how to make an appearance!
Go to http://www.thecockpit.co.uk to find out how to make an appearance!
SCOTLAND
The Arches -
describing itself as one of the nation’s most unusual live music venues The Arches really has seen it all. Welcoming anything from Metal, Rock, Pop, Alternative to jazz and soul all are given the chance to perform here.
All artists wishing to play The Arches must be 18+. To make a booking email [email protected]
All artists wishing to play The Arches must be 18+. To make a booking email [email protected]
The Voodoo Rooms -
Cocktail bar, restaurant and most importantly live music venue Edinburgh’s The Voodoo Rooms has it all.
With the intention of boosting the city’s vibrant live music scene this venue is open to all enquiries so if you’re interested in booking a gig here than just fill in the form on their web page
http://thevoodoorooms.com/private-hire-customer-enquiries.php
With the intention of boosting the city’s vibrant live music scene this venue is open to all enquiries so if you’re interested in booking a gig here than just fill in the form on their web page
http://thevoodoorooms.com/private-hire-customer-enquiries.php
The Cabaret Voltaire -
Based in the center of Scotland's capitol The Cabaret Voltaire is world famous for the gigs it hosts. With an average of 30 gigs a month this venue is host to not only local and national bands but the international too, be it Indie, Rock, pop, metal or anything else the Cabaret Voltaire will welcome you.
To make a booking email [email protected]
To make a booking email [email protected]
13th Note -
With the incredibly small capacity of 110 people the basement of the 13th Note is becoming one of the smaller venues of Scotland that should be played. With the 13th Note hosting anything from music to comedy seven nights a week it would seem it's only downfall is that it's an 18+ .
If you wish to find out more about booking the 13th Note then email: [email protected]
If you wish to find out more about booking the 13th Note then email: [email protected]
The Tunnels -
The Tunnels is one of Aberdeen's newest independent music venue, it aims to help Unsigned Scottish acts as well as those from further a field.
If you're interested in playing The Tunnels then email them any links a long with a band biography to: [email protected]
If you're interested in playing The Tunnels then email them any links a long with a band biography to: [email protected]
The Clutha Vaults -
Most known for its love of Folk and Acoustic music The Clutha Vaults can sometimes be known to take a liking to other music too. This Glaswegian pub plays host to live music nights five days a week so there’s always slots available.
Drop in with a demo if you’re interested in gracing The Clutha Vaults stage. This pub can be found at:167-169 Stockwell Street, Glasgow, G1 4SP
Drop in with a demo if you’re interested in gracing The Clutha Vaults stage. This pub can be found at:167-169 Stockwell Street, Glasgow, G1 4SP
Stairway Club -
Glasgow's newest club has opened its doors to help local unsigned Scottish talent. With the venue saying that it puts on the best music nights in Glasgow and being constantly on the look out for new bands to play, you would be a fool to miss out!
To make a booking for your act email: [email protected]
To make a booking for your act email: [email protected]
King Tuts Wah Wah Hut -
King Tuts Wah Wah Hut is one of Scotland's most famous music Venues. It has often been noted for breaking big names in music first - after all it was the venue that Oasis were first spotted and signed at!
Check out the do's and don'ts of what to do when trying to play King Tuts here:
http://www.kingtuts.co.uk/playtuts.html
Check out the do's and don'ts of what to do when trying to play King Tuts here:
http://www.kingtuts.co.uk/playtuts.html
IRELAND
Jagger's Common Room -
Live music every Friday & Saturday night until late, Jagger's Common Room has grown since 2005 to be one of Irelands most celebrated live music venues. Holding its arms open to both anyone who plays music and who enjoys it this venue is the place to be at weekends.
Email [email protected] to book a slot
Email [email protected] to book a slot
The Workmans Club -
One of Irelands newest live music venues hosting live music acts seven nights a week The Workmans club sets out to help solo artists and bands alike to play their music and gain recognition for it no matter what the genre.
Email [email protected] to make a live booking for your act.
Email [email protected] to make a live booking for your act.
The Pavillion -
One of Corks finest live venues everyone wants to play, The Pavillion's also one of Ireland's most known nightclubs with a constant lively atmosphere.
Live music nights don't run every night but there are several slots monthly to be filled. If you wish to fill one then get in touch with them at: [email protected]
Live music nights don't run every night but there are several slots monthly to be filled. If you wish to fill one then get in touch with them at: [email protected]
The Black Box -
Described as the home of live music in Belfast The Black Box has it all with the choice of two rooms depending on your required capacity (50 or 240), You'll even get your own dressing room to make you feel like a proper musician!
For a booking message [email protected] or pop in and do it in person
For a booking message [email protected] or pop in and do it in person
Whelans Live
Declaring itself as one of Irelands most important pubs Whelans also prides itself on being one of Ireland's most important live music venues. Hosting a range of live music most nights of the week Whelans is a definite to play if you're a local.
To place a booking email [email protected]
To place a booking email [email protected]
Dolans Pub -
Limericks finest pub hosts unsigned music nights nearly every week day. With plenty of slots for act and bands to be filled get in touch at: [email protected]
The Flowing Tide –
Out of Tune is a music night run by Dublin pub The Flowing Tide. The main advantage that this unsigned music night has is that it’s run by musicians for musicians – so it’s less about making money and more about the music.
If you think you’d like to play at Out of Tune then visit the Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001812192046
If you think you’d like to play at Out of Tune then visit the Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001812192046
Bruxelles 'The Zodiac Sessions' -
Each Wednesday ones of Dublins most famous music venues hosts its own open mic night.
If you're a local unsigned act and interested in playing at one of the venues open mic nights then drop Bruxelles an email using http://www.thezodiacsessions.com/page13.htm
If you're a local unsigned act and interested in playing at one of the venues open mic nights then drop Bruxelles an email using http://www.thezodiacsessions.com/page13.htm