We run showcase nights in London with a friendly, family feel and a strong emphasis on respectful, attentive audiences that don’t talk through the sets. The Collective was initially founded as a response to the decaying conditions on the UK live scene for emerging artists: With the pay-to-play model becoming ever more prevalent and artistes being expected to bring in fans to venues to play for fre
e without any food, drink or cash, we decided it was time for some action. We believe that if us music lovers pull together – artists, creatives and music industry professionals – everything is possible. We know we’re not the only people doing this, and we welcome and celebrate the other collectives springing up all over the place. It’s not just about musicians and songwriters being in command of their careers – it’s about music makers, music lovers and music professionals from all angles finding new ways to work together. We want to make sure we can all make a living and get great music out there and into the world’s ears – while making sure that those that create it are treasured, valued and rewarded. Today we are about ethically run showcases with partners including SESAC and the MMF; both formal and informal networking events; nurturing talent; making collaborative intros; and curating songwriting retreats. We have a full Pro Tools HD Studio full of a mixture warm old vintage, and new top of the range mics, outboard and instruments; and we can be involved in the entire recording process from start to finish for both demos and full on records. Many of us have been involved in the process of writing and recording a record from start to delivery countless times; and the rest of us have been had long careers in the bit that followed – whether label, promo, publishing or distribution. We have a passion for great lyrics; for music that does something new; and music that does something old with style; great performers at the height of their powers; and rough diamonds needing a little work. Just one or two shows every couple of months to keep the bar high and a commitment to support the acts that play for us long before and after they jump aboard the Karousel. Musicians running gigs for musicians, with the backbone and common sense of some experienced record buying, artist loving independent music industry veterans: Sound good? Karousel Music is a bedroll and campfire of the soul in the concrete woods for great artists, songwriters, producers, engineeers and independent professionals based both in the UK and abroad: A come-and-go-as-you-please, merry-go-round of co-operation and feel good. Venues
Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney
London's premier showcase venue is a family run dream with a state of the art PA funded by Arts Council England, amidst an eccentric vintage clothes store on two levels with a superb outside area. Brilliant music people, a year round program that spans all genres and age groups. This is the home of our collaborative Managers + Industry networking events and showcases with the MMF and SESAC. The Phoenix Artist Club Soho
This is the home of our Music Biz Speed Quiz, and occasional bespoke showcases. It is London’s most eccentric, yet unpretentious members club. Friends of Kaousel Music get a special rate for membership – fire us a mail. We love the Phoenix with every shred of our being!
