Brooke Combe & L E M F R E C K Revealed As Independent Venue Week 2024 Scottish & Welsh Ambassadors
Friday, 15 December 2023
Written by Jon Stickler
Photo: Logan Gray-Lowres
Brooke Combe (pictured) and L E M F R E C K have been announced as Scottish and Welsh Artist Ambassadors for Independent Venue Week 2024.
The newcomers will join the previously confirmed overall Independent Venue Week 2024 Ambassador, rising Leeds band English Teacher.
All three acts will play exclusive shows during the week-long series of events celebrating independent grassroots venues and the people that run them. They'll join hundreds of other artists that are set to perform between January 29 and February 4 at over 200 UK venues.
Combe, who was shortlisted for this year's Scottish Album of the Year Award with her 'Black Is The New Gold' mixtape, will perform at Mac Arts in Galashiels on January 31. She commented:
"I’d never played a gig before and found myself signing the dotted line during lockdown. My first ever gig sold out and, from there, I continue to make my way through all the different venues in all the cities in the UK. The live element has been the biggest part of my journey as I’ve learned the art of performing, gaining more confidence and focusing on my musicality.
"I feel I’m definitely a better person for channelling my emotions through music and gigging. I’m made up to be a part of Independent Venue Week as I’m a live artist, and constantly want to develop this side of my career and play as many venues as I can."
The producer, writer, BAFTA Cymru-nominated and Welsh Music Prize runner-up L E M F R E C K, meanwhile, will play The Gate in Cardiff on February 3. He said:
"These venues are so important to me as an artist. I was built on this as a kid, I didn’t have access to big venues to watch music being played. I spent my days inspired by local independent venues. Now I’m an artist in my own right, I’m obsessed with performances being special and as a venue The Gate is definitely that! Endless possibility."
It was previously announced that English Teacher, who recently signed to Island Records, will take over Hull's Polar Bear Music Club on February 1.
Other artists set to perform include Richard Dawson, The Snuts, Alison Russell, Islet & Pictish Trail (Fire Records 40th anniversary show), Don Letts, David Gray, Nell Mescal, The Zutons, Buckcherry, Isabel LaRosa, Hooton Tennis Club, Margaret Glaspy, Circa Waves, Ben Ottewell, DJ Yoda, Hinds, Steve Mason, and many more.
Founder of Independent Venue Week, Sybil Bell added: "Whilst we pride ourselves on Independent Venue Week being a positive and celebratory week, this year has seen some of the country’s most loved venues closing, including Moles in Bath, a venue I've previously owned.
"We ask everyone to get out to shows, support these vital and independently-owned local businesses so they can continue to bring the best music and culture to your local communities. If you have friends and family you don’t know what to buy for Christmas, get them an IVW gig ticket - a night out they’ll relish whilst supporting our amazing community."
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