About 6 years ago there was a place where most of the bands from Glasgow would hang out, advertise their gigs and arrange to play gigs with each other, Alternative Nation. AltNation is a lot quieter these days, thanks to the new popularity of things like Facebook and Twitter.
AltNation was very important at the time, it helped create a scene within a scene – and the only thing you had to do to become part of that scene was get your band on AltNation and start talking to the other bands. It was really good, but it fell by the wayside when forums became the home of trolls and then fell from popularity. I’ve been thinking for a long time about how local bands can help each other, and it’s time to do something about it.
I wanted to set up a place where bands, old and new, could share their knowledge and advice or ask the things that they want to know. Somewhere that a bunch of 15 year olds in their first band can get help with picking a rehearsal studio, getting their first gig and advice on recording. But I want it to be just as useful a place for bands and artists that have been about for a long time.
At the moment the site is going to consist of 2 sections, so here’s what they’ll be.
- Resources/articles: You’ll find these in the menu at the top of the site. The resources will be the type of things that all musicians will want to know about. Venues, Rehearsal Rooms, Recording Studios, Promoters etc.. along with the relevant information on each (prices, reviews etc..). The articles will be information and advice for musicians, sometimes written from one persons experiences and sometimes compiled from the collective knowledge. These sections will also link to the forum so that people can discuss them in greater detail, submit ideas and propose changes.
- The forum: Although forums aren’t as popular as they used to be, they’re still in use more often when they’re specific – a good example is Warbeats. As well as having discussions about the articles there would also be a section for proposing/requesting/discussing/compiling new articles, a section where members can arrange setting up gigs and a section where members can look to collaborate with each other in whatever way they want.
i think it’s time this type of place existed again, it’s something the scene has been missing. as well as musicians contributing, it will also be open to promoters, studios and venues. Who knows, if it does well then labels may be interested as well – there are quite a few local labels, this would be a good place for them to network with the talent available. Maybe touring bands could also use it to find help getting a gig or arranging support. The opportunities are limitless.
Let me know if you can be of assistance in any way. Don’t worry if you don’t think you could write an article, just supplying ideas is better than doing nothing.
The Glasgow music scene exists because of the wealth of musicians, this site could help make sure they get a fairer crack of the whip. It’s all about working together. Genre, experience and ability don’t matter, the desire to make the scene better is all you need. We can do this if we work together, and the more of us there are, the easier and better it will be.
Please leave comments or get in touch if you like the idea and/or want to join in. if you know a band or solo artist that you think would have even a passing interest in this then send them the link.
Thanks for reading.
Gill
Glasgow Sound Network 