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The 13th is a new site set up to try and pro-actively get Colchester's music scene going again. By putting on gigs, being a resource for local bands & opening up a free forum for everyone to comment! One of the 13th's collectives leading lights, Laura Bridle, took time out to talk to Dis:
What was the impetuous behind you setting up the site?
Unfortunately nothing particularly exciting - it really just sprung from a long conversation one night. It was something I'd had in the back of my mind for quite a while, but been unsure how to go about it. I seemed to have spent far too much time "talking" about ideas, projects, websites etc with people, and never actually seen or made them happen, somehow this one actually did.
What is the aim of the site?
There wasn't really anything central to the Colchester scene before, we wanted to make something really interactive that with a bit of luck, others would benefit from. We're offering somewhere where bands can promote themselves to others.
What do you hope to achieve in the long run?
We've got loads of ideas over how we'd like to expand the site - a lot of the members keep throwing their thoughts at us too. I think essentially, if it becomes the first website people go to when they want to know what's happening, or who's playing when - something properly associated with Colchester, then we'll all be quite pleased with ourselves.
Where did the name 'The 13th' come from?
A week off after a tooth operation and a birthdate. Sorry we can't be more interesting!
Do you feel that the uncensored site is open to be abused by the minority out there?
We want to try our best to keep the site as open as possible, but we still check articles through before they go onto the site. We'll watch our own backs, if anything does come up that's going to get us into a lot of trouble, or offend, then it won't be approved, there's nothing that hasn't made it to the homepage yet though.
What is your view on the local scene in Colchester at the moment?
To me, and a fair few others, Colchester doesn't actually have all that much of an "underground scene", I'm not slating what we've got, I'd just like to see it become bigger, better, more interesting and more varied - we'd like to think that what appears to be growing into a strong online community can help in someway. There's few people doing anything really new.
What support have you received from the local scene, if any?
Sean at the Soundhouse (local Colchester venue - Ed) has been very happy for us to take over the place for the night, and has offered some co-sponsor ship type stuff in the future and the people at Act One Bar have been really supportive. We've been given a lot of prizes to give away on the site from all the local shops, so really we're doing pretty well. We've had countless people come up and tell us how much they like it, which is really lovely to hear. I'm really glad it's been received so well so far.
Any 'last words'?
Yes, the shameless bit - visit the site!
