No Consequence Discuss: The Boileroom & UK Live Music
With Guildford venue the Boileroom facing the possibility of closure, TMMP caught up with No Consequence guitarist Harry Edwards 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?
It’s the best live music venue in Guildford, and one of a very small number of places where people of a certain mindset – generally easy-going, intelligent, friendly, music-loving people – can go to meet and have fun with others like them.
How did you feel when you heard about the Boileroom’s current problems?
Quite saddened at the prospect of its loss, but I can’t say entirely surprised. The social group it caters to is quite niche, and traditionally one that a lot of people in mainstream society have always seemed to have some very misdirected resentment towards.
What would happen if the Boileroom were to shut down? What impact would that event have?
The main impact would be a huge loss to the local community of music fans who rely on the venue as a place of social gathering, and musicians who rely on it as a place to showcase their music and contribute towards making their living.
What is your favourite Boileroom-related memory?
I have so many memories of both playing and attending gigs there with friends that I couldn’t possibly choose.
How do you feel about the state of the UK’s live music scene right now? What could be done to improve things?
That’s a very complex question with no easy answer.
A major part is the fragmentation that has occurred in the last decade or so due to the increasing prevalence of internet communication. There is a much greater number of musical acts than ever before and more opportunity to access their music, which has led to dilution, which has made it much harder for promoters and musicians to function.
Subsidies from local councils towards venues like the Boileroom could be a good idea as they are an important part of the community, but usually sadly quite overlooked.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
You will never taste noodles better than those at the Boileroom.
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