Nina Schofield Discusses: The Boileroom & UK Live Music
With Guildford venue the Boileroom facing the possibility of closure, TMMP caught up with solo artist Nina Schofield 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 think it’s a fantastic venue with lovely staff, and an important hub of creativity in Guildford and Surrey.
How did you feel when you heard about the Boileroom’s current problems?
I think it’s outrageous to be honest! I can only comment on what I know but The Boileroom has been established as a premiere music venue for a long time – and as far as I’m aware, it’s always done a lot to respect the local community.
What would happen if the Boileroom were to shut down? What impact would that event have?
I’ve been playing at the Boileroom since I studied at ACM and long after – the same as many other artists in the area. But on top of providing a platform for local artists, it has a reputation for putting on some great national and international acts. Shutting it down would take these opportunities away. Aside from the musical impact it’s also just a great place to network and be social.
What is your favourite Boileroom-related memory?
Playing the Festibelly gig recently was really fun – the venue was packed and everyone was buzzing to see new music. That’s one of the great things about the Boileroom!
How do you feel about the state of the UK’s live music scene right now? What could be done to improve things?
There are some great venues in the UK, but what worries me at the moment is the places that book unknown artists for a show and then expect them to flog great numbers of expensive tickets. What happens is the unknown act ends up bringing in their extended friends and family and not actually making any new fans.
If you can find the right places, the grass roots approach tends to work really well. You’ve got to really get yourself out there and not be afraid to do a bit of travelling to find the right audience. If you have good music and a good live show, there are people out there who will want to see it.
Links
Nina Schofield official website.
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