Talented new bands to be showcased by music store
News: 23rd February 2010 by Louise Dodgson under
An independent music store is launching a project to give unsigned bands in west Kent a platform to win over new fans.
Ape, which has stores in Tunbridge Wells and Brighton, prides itself on delivering the best new and classic music at competitive prices.
But it has decided to showcase the thriving music scene in west Kent by giving unsigned bands the exposure they need to move to the next level.
The store in Tunbridge Wells
The Ape Unsigned Project will see the store in Mount Pleasant, Tunbridge Wells, sell recordings for the local bands.
There will be a dedicated unsigned section in the shop where releases from unsigned bands are stocked.
Monthly sessions will also be held to allow two or three bands to perform acoustic sets at the store, which up to 50 customers will be able to enjoy.
Ape Unsigned is the brainchild of Dale Nash, who works in the store.
He said: “There are so many talented local bands who are playing live shows, so I thought it would be good to give them a chance to raise their profile.
The Charlie Rivers Band will be among
unsigned acts set to benefit
“New music seems to be taking over, with bands like Temper Trap doing really well.
“I think people have had enough of travelling long distances for expensive shows and would rather see a good local band.
“So this is our way of allowing the unsigned bands to release their music and expand their fan base.”
The project will be launched on March 12 with two bands performing acoustic sets in the store.
But there has already been a good response from the local acts, with more than 20 from Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge saying they want to be involved.
The designated unsigned section in the store will be able to stock releases from 36 bands and will be situated next to the counter so customers can ask staff any questions they have about the acts.
Three For A Girl will also
take part in the project
Frank Taylor opened the first Ape store in Brighton five years ago and after moving into a bigger shop in 2007, he decided to branch out and open the Tunbridge Wells outlet in November 2008.
He said: “I think with The Forum and other venues in Tunbridge Wells there are really committed fans of the local bands, so it makes perfect sense to launch Ape Unsigned.
“We are not doing this to make money, but to raise awareness of the shop and in doing so we can give the local music scene the exposure it deserves.”
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Tags
record shop, independent record store, unsigned bands, unsigned rack space, local bands, unsigned artists, unsigned material
