Falsense Discusses: The Boileroom & UK Live Music
With Guildford venue the Boileroom facing the possibility of closure, TMMP caught up with Falsense to discuss the Boileroom and the state of the UK’s live music scene.
This interview is part of a larger TMMP feature which can be read in full here.
What is your general opinion of the Boileroom?
I love the Boileroom! Ever since it first opened I’ve been going to and playing gigs there, and to this day it’s still genuinely one of my favourite venues for both types of occasion.
What would happen if the Boileroom were to shut down? What impact would that event have?
The Boileroom closing would have a wide range of negative effects on different levels.
Guildford would certainly feel the loss. While there are other venues in and around the area, the Boileroom does and always has filled an otherwise empty void in the type of venue it is. The vibe there is always relaxed, welcoming and friendly – but more importantly its a big enough venue for up and coming artists in the area to hone their skills. With the ACM just round the corner and plenty of music students both there and at Surrey Uni, a venue like the Boileroom is essential to the local music and entertainment scene.
Guildford aside, The UK would lose out too. Any serious band, up and coming or more established, will have at the very least heard of the Boileroom, and more than likely played there while on tour. It has become a respected place for bands from all over the country to play, so to lose it would be a great shame for the UK’s music scene. Because of its reputation, the quality of shows is extremely reliable. You can be guaranteed a good show whether you know the bands on the bill or not because it is a respected, established spot on the map for bands and punters alike!
What is your favourite Boileroom-related memory?
There are so many that it’s actually quite difficult to narrow it down.
The most obvious would probably be seeing Arcane Roots play just after they released their album ‘Blood and Chemistry’ in 2013. The vibe inside was incredible, completely packed out and everyone was just enjoying the evening. I remember one specific drum fill where I was just in front of the stage and borrowed the shoulders of friends and Boileroom team members Paul and Duncan to play along on! Not quite sure why I remember that so specifically but I do – it’s a good drum fill I guess!
How do you feel about the state of the UK’s live music scene right now? What could be done to improve things?
To be honest, having seen either first hand in Brighton, or via local press from other areas, the music scene seems to need all the help it can get at the moment.
Just recently The Blind Tiger Club (Brighton) was shut down, and I believe it’s now currently completely destroyed inside after a break-in and burglary. The Fleece (Bristol) is facing similar issues and is trying to overcome them at the moment. I’m sure there are many more that I’m not aware of.
In terms of improvement, it needs to be a group effort. The music scene, and what it offers us all, needs to be recognised as valuable – and the same goes for the extended art and entertainment scene too. And that needs to come from everyone.
It’s too easy nowadays to turn to a computer and stream the latest album, or visit an artist’s online portfolio, or a YouTube video of a performance, etc. We need reminding that to actually go out and watch / play / experience live shows for real helps music to survive and thrive, as well as providing opportunities for inspiration and collaboration between those who do it. It’s an energy that can feed itself and build a community out of everyone involved.
How we change things? I’m not quite sure, but the first step is having a place where people can go and do that – places just like the Boileroom.
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