A new event in Merseyside takes place next month that seeks to underline the vast current array of Scouse talent that has permeated the nation’s musical consciousness over the last year or so, all courtesy of the Independent labels that have launched acts of the calibre of Cracatilla, Ladytron, The Relatives, and of course The Coral.
Amidst this melee of musical magnificence, the 4th of July sees the Inaugural Independents Day (like, duuur, geddit? Independents - Independence, hur hur). Indies Day is all about bringing together the diverse scenesters, labels, poets and wastrels that make the Mersey air sing with lust and lustrous freedom in sound. Which is nice.
The day's activities comprise of a series of afternoon events including free advice panels and seminars on everything from dealing with acts, trying to attain radio play, distribution agencies and basically everything that goes with running an Independent label.
Speakers at the seminars will be announced shortly, but are promised to include major industry players and many of the movers, shakers, drinkers and razordanger thinkers that – according to the press release anyway - make Merseyside "the most exciting place on this earth".
The live concerts in the evening of July the 4th will have a run-around feel, using all three floors in top multi-room live music venue The Masque, Seel Street. It will give the chance for the chosen Independent labels to show off one of their artists, renew acquaintance with old friends, meet new mates and maybe share a White Russian or two and put the musical world to rights under the midnight moon.
Registration for the seminars is free and takes place on the day.
The full list of labels have been announced as:
Invicta HiFi; Black Sheep; Spank Records; Honey Records; Probe Plus; Robot Records; Keith Records; Glasswerk Records; Digital Wings; Magic Lucy Music
The evening gigs will feature acts including:
Pop Levi & Snap Ant (DJs); Steven Kennedy; The Relatives; Marlowe; Former Miss America; Grampus Eight; Cadium; Santa Carla; JJ Precious
Further information can be found on the Independents Day website.