Wet Leg has been announced as the new ambassador for Independent Venue Week. Independent Venue Week took to their Instagram to share information from their launch. The event’s new campaign has been given the hashtag, #IVW22.
The news was announced via the annual launch, held on 27th October 2021 at the 229 Club, hosted by BBC 6 Music presenter Steve Lamacq. The renowned DJ also spoke with two guests regarding how the landscape within the Live music sector has changed during COVID. Lamacq discussed such issues with Tim Perry from the Brixton venue The Windmill and Cath Hurley from Future Yard in Birkenhead.
The BBC presenter also discussed the future of live-streaming with Wayne Yardley of Rippla, who began to live-stream performances before lockdown. Lamacq also spoke with Charlotte Penny from Arts Council England, the pair discussed how the grassroots community were supported throughout the pandemic. The programme also featured a live performance by London based group Moa Moa.
Wet Leg gave the following statement concerning their involvement with the annual event. “We grew up in a place where we had no music venues at all and after living in Bristol and London, it’s been incredible to experience what it’s like to be a part of a scene; to feel that sense of community that you can pin point geographically to a place, to a venue, I think is quite important and quite special particularly for emerging bands and artists, It’s a bit of a delicate ecosystem – Music makers and lovers are supported by the venues and in turn the venues are supported by bands/artists and their fans passing through. The way I see it is this – No Independent venues = No music scene. No community. And to me, I feel that that’s something worth continuing to preserve and nurture. That’s why we’re super stoked and very, very proud to be ambassadors for this year’s Independent Venue Week.”
The annual celebration of independent live music and live music venues is set to return next year for its ninth year. The event aims to champion grassroots venues and communities within the UK. The seven-day observation of the live music sector will take place between Monday 31st January and Sunday 6th February 2022. The event is celebrated across the nation and provides support to uphold the infrastructures found within live music.
During the last 18 months, the industry has faced tremendously difficult times and such support has proven valuable. So far, 121 venues located across the nation have signed up with 89% of those participating being outside of London. More news is set to be announced on 29th October and will include three additional ambassadors for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Keeping within the event’s grassroots focus, the event’s new ambassadors are also up and coming. Formed in the Isle of Wright, the musical duo consists of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers. Despite the band’s new career, the duo has gained much traction within the industry and have sired popularity within Spotify. The band’s debut single “Chaise Longue” was released in June 2021, the second single “Wet Dream” was released in September 2021. With their unique future pop sound, the band have received both critical and commercial success with both releases.
As well as chairing next year’s Independent Venue Week, the band are set to hit the road next month with English post-punk band Shame. Fans will also be able to catch Wet Leg live next year when the duo embark on a nine-date tour across the UK.
Wet Leg UK tour
16/04/2022 – Newcastle University Student Union – Newcastle Upon Tyne
17/04 – The Mash House – Edinburgh
19/04 – Brudenell Social Club – Leeds
20/04 – Manchester Gorilla – Manchester
21/04 – Trinity – Bristol
23/04 – O2 Institute3 Birmingham – Birmingham
24/04 – Norwich Arts Centre – Norwich
26/04 – KOKO – London
27/04 – Wedgewood Rooms – Portsmouth
Click here for more information concerning Independent Venue Week.
