“Rocking the Scene: Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens Toast Independent Venue Week 2025 on BBC Radio 6 Music!”

On this day (Monday 13 January), during his BBC Radio 6 Music program, Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session (Mondays 4-7pm), Steve announced the State of Independent Venues on 6 Music – a five-day in-depth exploration of the UK’s independent live music sector.

Airings will take place from Monday 27 to Friday 31 January (4-7pm) within Steve’s program on Mondays and Huw Stephens’ show (Tuesday – Friday, 4-7pm). State of Independent Venues will highlight the British live music scene in 2025 through Steve and Huw’s insightful discussions. As part of BBC Radio 6 Music’s enduring collaboration with Independent Venue Week, they will recognize our independent spaces, night spots, festivals, and the artists who create the music we cherish, while examining how we can ensure its preservation for the future.

Steve remarks: “Grassroots independent venues in Britain are often the unrecognized champions of our music landscape, discovering and fostering the artists of tomorrow while bringing the delight of live performances to their local areas. Thus, it’s always rewarding to acknowledge their impact on the music ecosystem and investigate what makes them thrive.

“We’ll commence the week at one of my personal favorite spots, Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, where I’ve witnessed so many amazing performances over the years, and which has significantly contributed to launching the careers of local acts such as Yard Act and Mercury Prize winners English Teacher. It’s a venue that, were it located near me, I’d probably frequent every night!”

Huw mentions: “For venues, festivals and promoters, record companies, shops, and initiatives, all aspects of independent music are interlinked. By engaging with those who are genuinely involved, we hope to present some captivating and inspiring tales to 6 Music throughout the week.”

Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, states: “At 6 Music, we are enthusiastic about the crucial role independent venues play within the industry – opening pathways for artistic expression across diverse musical styles. State of Independent Venues offers us an opportunity to illuminate their struggles, narratives, and incredible contributions.”

On Monday 27 January, Steve will be broadcasting live from Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, featuring a live performance by the punk duo BIG SPECIAL at 6.30pm, just before their own Independent Venue Week gig that evening at the venue alongside BBC Introducing Leeds and Sheffield artist, Gia Ford. Independent Venue Week is the UK’s annual seven-day tribute to independent music and arts venues, as well as the individuals who own, operate, and contribute to them. Throughout the show, Steve will reconnect with local heroes like Yard Act and Utah Saints, with 6 Music host Emily Pilbeam also joining Steve for a discussion.

Listeners have the chance to apply for ballot tickets to the exclusive live performance from BIG SPECIAL during Steve’s show from Brudenell Social Club on the BBC Shows and Tours site. Registration is currently open and will close on Monday 20 Jan at 7pm. Applicants will be chosen at random and contacted once the registration period concludes.

From Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 January, Huw Stephens will be exploring the achievements and obstacles faced by artists, venues, festivals, and clubs. He will be joined daily by 6 Music presenter Matt Everitt, who will investigate various facets of the live music industry and independent venues, including silent cities – the implications when live music is absent – the UK festival landscape in 2025, club culture, and beyond.

Huw’s program on Friday 31 January will come live from Margate Arts Club, a Queer-run, intersectional, community-centered, grassroots arts and music venue, featuring an intimate performance from Låpsley (4.30pm). Huw will also present a live DJ set from 6 Music’s Gilles Peterson (6.30pm), before Gilles’ own nightclub event at Margate Arts Club that very evening, as part of his ongoing tour.

All shows will be accessible on BBC Sounds for 30 days following their broadcast on 6 Music.

 JM9