How to Keep Colchester’s Music Scene Thriving

Colchester has long been a hub of creativity, with a thriving music scene supported by local artists, venues, and audiences who share a passion for live music. However, with grassroots venues and the wider industry facing increasing challenges, it’s vital that we all play a role in keeping our music scene vibrant.

Inspired by Drowned in Sound’s 25 tips, here’s how you can support Colchester’s music scene while nurturing the cultural ecosystem we all depend on.

Support Local Venues

Venues are the heart of Colchester’s music culture. They provide essential spaces for artists and audiences to connect, but they need our backing to survive and grow.

• Buy tickets for upcoming shows, even if you’re unfamiliar with the artists – some of the best nights are spontaneous discoveries.
• Pre-purchase tickets in advance to support events.
• Sign up for mailing lists to access exclusive early bird tickets and discounts.
• Share social media posts from venues and promoters to spread the word about events.
• Enjoy drinks or a meal at venues offering food – this helps support them beyond ticket sales.
• Support venues that host free entry shows and open mic nights – these are vital spaces for emerging artists and new audiences to connect. Buy a drink, leave a tip, or contribute however you can to help keep these nights going.
• Organise a night out at a venue you haven’t visited yet.

Support Local Artists

Independent musicians need more than applause – they thrive on your continued engagement and advocacy.

• Buy merch like T-shirts, tote bags, or vinyl directly from artists or at gigs.
• Use Bandcamp to purchase their music and merch. Look out for Bandcamp Fridays, when the platform waives its fees, ensuring more money goes directly to artists.
• Add local tracks to your playlists and share them with friends to broaden their audience.
• Bring friends to gigs and introduce them to local acts to grow the audience.
• Leave positive reviews for albums or tracks on digital platforms or social media.

Support Local Record Labels

Record labels play a vital role in promoting and developing talent. Your support makes their efforts sustainable.

• Purchase physical releases directly from label websites or their stalls at events.
• Stream music from their catalogue regularly, especially on release days when streams are most impactful.
• Follow their playlists and discover new releases on platforms like Bandcamp.
• Attend showcases hosted by local or regional labels.
• Share your favourites by posting links and tagging the label and artists in your posts.
• Explore compilation albums, often packed with emerging talent, which are a great way to support future projects.

Be a Content Creator for Colchester

Amplify the local music scene by creating content and sharing your experiences.

• Contribute to Keep Colchester Cool by submitting interviews, gig reviews, or artist profiles.
• Capture gigs (with permission) through photos or videos and tag venues and artists when sharing.
• Curate playlists of Colchester talent and promote them on your social media.
• Showcase venues or events through Instagram stories or dedicated social posts.

Strengthen the Community

A thriving music scene is built on connections and mutual support.

• Volunteer at festivals or charity gigs as they often need extra assistance
• Sponsor a band’s EP or contribute to their recording costs if you can.
• Offer a place to stay to upcoming touring artists to ease the challenges of life on the road.
• Connect with others at gigs, forming new friendships and collaborations.
• Use platforms like Keep Colchester Cool to stay informed and support cultural events.

Why It Matters

Colchester’s music scene depends on active participation. Whether it’s supporting venues, amplifying artists, or spreading the word, every action builds a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement helps ensure that creativity continues to flourish, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s vibrant cultural identity.

And it’s not just the music scene that benefits from this approach – Colchester’s theatres, galleries, and creative events all thrive on community support. The same principles apply: attend events, celebrate local talent, and contribute to making the city a cultural beacon for all.