Idlewild: 'Small Music Venues Need Protecting Like Libraries'
Edinburgh's own rock stalwarts, Idlewild, have drawn a powerful parallel between the vital role of independent music venues and cherished public institutions like libraries, urging for greater protection and support for these crucial cultural hubs. The band, which formed in the Scottish capital during their student days and has just released their 10th album, 'Written & Spoken', on Friday, believes that the continued existence of these intimate spaces is paramount to fostering new talent and preserving the rich tapestry of live music.
Speaking ahead of their album launch, guitarist Rod Jones articulated a sentiment shared by many in the music industry: that the current climate is precarious for grassroots venues. "These places are the lifeblood of music," Jones stated emphatically. "They're where bands cut their teeth, where audiences discover new sounds, and where a genuine connection between artist and listener is forged. To lose them is to lose a vital part of our cultural ecosystem, much like losing a library would be to our intellectual landscape."
The analogy is striking. Libraries, once under threat of closure and budget cuts, have seen a resurgence in appreciation as community anchors, offering more than just books – they provide internet access, educational programs, and safe spaces. Idlewild argues that small music venues perform a similarly indispensable function, albeit through a different medium.
The 'Library of Live Music'
Jones elaborated on this comparison, highlighting the shared characteristics of accessibility, community building, and the nurturing of emergent creativity. "Libraries are open to everyone, regardless of background or ability to pay. They offer a wealth of knowledge and opportunity. Small venues are the same for music," he explained. "They're often the first rung on the ladder for aspiring musicians, providing affordable stages and opportunities to perform. Without them, where do the next generation of bands get their start? Where do we discover the next big thing? It’s a frightening thought, isn’t it?"
The band's journey began in the very scene they are now advocating for. Their early gigs in Edinburgh's now-legendary (and sadly, long-gone) dive bars and small clubs were instrumental in shaping their sound and building their fanbase. "We played countless sticky-floored venues where the sound might have been questionable, but the passion was undeniable," recalled frontman Roddy Woomble. "Those experiences are irreplaceable. They taught us how to perform, how to connect, and how to survive as a band. They were our university of rock and roll."
The release of 'Written & Spoken' marks a significant milestone for Idlewild, their first album in five years. The record, a testament to their enduring creative spirit, is being celebrated by fans and critics alike. However, the band is acutely aware that their success, and indeed the success of countless other artists, is intrinsically linked to the health of the live music infrastructure.
A Precarious Present for Independent Venues
The challenges facing small music venues are multifaceted. Rising rents, increased operating costs, and the ongoing impact of economic uncertainty have put many establishments on the brink. Furthermore, the gentrification of urban areas often displaces these cultural hubs, replaced by luxury apartments or chain stores, leaving a void in the local arts scene.
"It's not just about the economics, though that's a huge part of it," Jones stressed. "It's about a lack of understanding from policymakers and the wider public about the intrinsic value of these spaces. They're often seen as ephemeral, just places to go for a bit of noise. But they are so much more. They are community centres, cultural incubators, and economic drivers in their own right."
He continued, "When a venue closes, it’s not just the staff who lose their jobs. It’s the sound engineers, the bar staff, the promoters, the local businesses that benefit from people coming to gigs. And critically, it’s the artists who lose a platform. It's a ripple effect that extends far beyond the front door of the venue itself."
Protecting the 'Soul' of Music
Idlewild's call for protection echoes a growing movement advocating for greater support for independent music venues. Organizations like the Music Venue Trust in the UK have been instrumental in campaigning for policy changes and providing practical assistance to struggling venues. The band's endorsement of this cause adds significant weight to the ongoing dialogue.
"We need to see these venues recognised as essential public services," Jones argued. "Perhaps not in the same way as a library, but with a similar level of consideration and protection. Imagine a town without a library – it would feel impoverished, wouldn't it? The same applies to a town without its independent music venue. It loses a vital part of its soul, its character, its ability to foster creativity and bring people together."
The band hopes their latest album and their vocal advocacy will inspire a deeper appreciation for the venues that have supported them throughout their career. "We owe so much to these places," Woomble said. "They gave us a chance when no one else would. Now, it’s our turn to speak up for them. If we don't act, we risk a future where music becomes even more homogenised, where only the biggest acts can afford to tour, and where the raw, exciting energy of live music is confined to ever-larger, more impersonal arenas."
As Idlewild embarks on a tour to support 'Written & Spoken', they will undoubtedly be visiting many of the very venues they are championing. Their message is clear: the future of live music, and the discovery of new artists, depends on the survival of these cherished, intimate spaces. The library of live music, it seems, is in urgent need of preservation.
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