Four in May…
Next week sees us celebrating our fourth year. From where we’ve been looking and listening, Bournemouth’s local scene has been changing quite rapidly over the last twelve months, both in terms of venues and promoters, as well as the live music being played. Some venues may have appeared calm on the surface – seemingly business as normal – but in reality paddling like crazy below the surface. Others have seen a very public demise.
The Winchester appears to have become the new hub of local creativity, building its appeal and success on embracing the arts, and making the best use of space and location, whilst other venues have faired less successfully with the constant battle in simply getting people out of their sofas and watching live music. Burlesque seems to have been everywhere in the last twelve months (attracting a largely female audience, apparently), but how long will the appeal of watching women theatrically celebrate the female form last? Hmm…
New bands have emerged and made a huge impact. Helped by the recent Dorset Music Awards the likes of Disco’s Out (Murder’s In), Mutant Vinyl and The Neon Tigers have come to the forefront of Bournemouth’s live music scene in the last six months, whilst many of the previously much loved bands (Betika, True Swamp Neglect, Adsono, Dildano, Henry’s Phonograph, Ten To Never) have either left town, taken a lengthy break, or decided to call it a day.
As always, all bh one has tried to do is celebrate, promote and encourage local music. We’ll make no secret of our favourites; we’ll go and watch them the most, write the most favourable reviews and generally give them more of our web space. At the end of the show it’s all about tastes and opinions, so feel free to ignore, discuss or argue with ours 
To celebrate our fourth birthday we’re putting on four gigs in four weeks at Champions. As usual we’re highlighting some of the best local talent, mixed with some cherry-picked bands from out of town. One word on Champions – the venue is looking for promoters! It’s a great space in a good location, which is now beginning to become established. If you’re an experienced promoter or you think you can put on a successful event, the owner would love to hear from you.
As for the rest of the year… Oxjam Bournemouth will be our primary focus. Please, please, please support this event. Spread the word, raise awareness and get ready for a damn good Festival in October!
