The SALFORD MUSIC CO-OPERATIVE chose the May Bank Holiday weekend to stage its official launch party at perhaps the city’s most popular live venue The King’s Arms. Formed only in March by Salford singer/songwriter JOHN HERRING, who set up and chaired the first ever meeting, the SMC’s focus is on establishing a network of artists from the city who are keen to establish their identity and independence away from the thriving live scene next door in Manchester.
The SMC’s aim is to bring together not just bands, but also venues, studios, radio, rehearsal spaces, photographers, film makers and journalists as part of a huge multimedia celebration of the city:
“The Music Industry is a naturally competitive beast which encourages in-fighting” stated Herring, who specifically chose to launch his self-financed/self-released debut album, 'Tales From A Northern City’ in Salford last summer (rather than at one of Manchester’s live music venues):
“I thought that to create a scene where bands supported one another would be a worthwhile venture”.
Importantly, the SMC’s focus is positive, and Herring was keen to dispel any misconceptions about why it was formed. For a start it didn’t come about as a direct challenge to promoters and venues in Manchester:
“Ultimately I am a Salfordian who loves my home city but also loves Manchester...” stated the hard-working songsmith.However, when asked if he thought that the SMC’s formation would piss off some Manchester promoters, his response was uncompromising:
“I don't really care to be honest. The ethos of the Co-operative is good...it's about supporting one another and developing a positive scene within Salford. The SMC isn't about back-biting, competition or one-upmanship - it’s about re-investing back into the community of Salford in a positive light. I think most folk would see this as a good principle... if it pisses people off then they're worth pissing off if they don't value those qualities”.
Paul Travis, the man behind FMS promotions (who have a proven track record when it comes to assembling live music events on a non-for profit basis) worked with Herring to set up the SMC’s launch at the King’s Arms (a brilliant pub tucked off Chapel Street almost at the point where the two cities begin to merge that’s long established as a venue for music, comedy, cabaret and even theatre!)
Travis was quick to bolster the two-day line-up with established acts from beyond Salford’s City limits, adding Cambridge bands THE BRINK and VIOLET BONES who played the opening night alongside Herring, UNGUARDED MOMENT, PUSH KODI and hotly-tipped Salford indie quartet DEATH TO THE STRANGE, whose excellent blend of harmonic and heartfelt songs are justifiably attracting them favourable attention:
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“We’re here because of connections with Paul, the promoter” explained Rik of Violet Bones:
“I think the idea is to perhaps get some bands from Salford to come and play in Cambridge as well, as part of a ‘gig-swap’ arrangement.”
Rob Sewell of DTTS had this to add: “We’re all in favour of the Salford Music Co-op cos we’re sick of being abused by pay-to-play promoters - it’s good to see people taking things into their own hands”.
Cambridge guest stars VIOLET BONES wasted no time in cranking up the volume with a short sharp shock of a set that met with an enthusiastic response from the audience, who hollered their approval of the spiky stacatto anthems 'I Feel The Need’ and ‘Suzy’ before brand new single '78's & 45's’ was similarly drowned by frenzied cheering.
JOHN HERRING followed up swiftly with a sparkling set of songs from his successful debut ‘Tales From A Northern City’. Assisted by his 3-piece backing group, a fine version of 'Soul Ya Got’ was swiftly followed by the pal-meets-girl tale of love-by-proxy ‘That Was Me’.
The in-form singer/songwriter’s accomplished performance wasn’t compromised at all despite his being up to his neck with the organisation of the launch (not just generally, but on the day!); as usual, he looked at ease onstage, and once again did his fine album full justice, fully earning the rapturous applause that came his way.
Headlining on the opening night, DEATH TO THE STRANGE justified their reputation as hotly tipped stars of the future with a blistering set. Epic in structure, tunes like ‘Drink and The Devil’ and ‘On The Clock’ are rich in harmony and melody, and once again, the audience response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
The evening’s success was underlined by a packed house, and the fact that door takings for the opening night saw the newly-formed SMC break even. Watch this space!
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