Orestea Discuss: The Boileroom & UK Live Music
With Guildford venue the Boileroom facing the possibility of closure, TMMP caught up with Orestea vocalist Lisa Avon 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?
Guildford was home for me for 6 years, and during that time I attended & played a tonne of shows. As a performer and an audience member it was always a pleasure to be in the venue. The staff are always super friendly and professional and it’s one of the few small venues that you can go to and be confident that the sound quality will be good! I think it is a massive asset for Guildford, being such a musically rich place it would be such a shame to see it closed.
How did you feel when you heard about the Boileroom’s current problems?
I’d love to say that I was shocked, but honestly – with so many venues facing closure it’s hard to be surprised by anything anymore. I was certainly very sad though.
What would happen if the Boileroom were to shut down? What impact would that event have?
I think it would have a massive impact on the local music college for starters – but also, with the only other small venue in town being The Star (which is 18+) it would be nearly impossible to accommodate under 18 year olds at shows in Guildford.
My entire musical interest stemmed from the fact that I attended and volunteered at my local music venue (The Forum in Tunbridge Wells) between the ages of 13 and 17. If music hadn’t been a part of my life at that point I very much doubt my drive to be in a band and perform in front of people would even be a factor in my life!
What is your favourite Boileroom-related memory?
I have so many good memories of playing at that venue.
I remember once playing a show there supporting one of my favourite bands – Forever Never. Their bassist was unable to attend the show, so one of the guitarists took up bass and the singer sang and played guitar. For the songs he couldn’t sing and play he asked for guest vocalists to come and perform with them – so I got to front a band that I love for one song! Small venues make shows like that possible!
How do you feel about the state of the UK’s live music scene right now? What could be done to improve things?
I believe very strongly that the age caps on venues are one of the major factors in the decline of attendees at local band shows.
By the time people hit 18 a lot of them have different interests, more responsibilities, and less disposable income. I really do think that if venues were able to start hosting 14+ shows on a regular basis that would help a lot! When we go on tour the difference in attendance, and also attitudes towards shows is completely different when there is a lower age cap. People tend to let go a lot more at all ages shows.
Wherever possible we try to book ourselves at venues without 18+ restrictions.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
It is everyone’s responsibility to keep their local venue afloat. Make a point of checking the listings and checking out new bands. You’ll only be sad when the venue ends up closing further down the line and you have to travel to the nearest big city for shows!
I for one feel really lucky that there is a music venue practically on my doorstep. There are so many people that aren’t this lucky!
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