3.74°C Lesley Watson has played an important role in supporting Colchester’s local music scene, particularly through her work at HMV and the #hmvlivendlocal initiative. Her passion for live music and dedication to promoting emerging artists have made her a familiar face to many in the community. In this interview, she shares with Keep Colchester Cool’s Ben Howard how she got involved in the scene, her thoughts on its evolution, and why supporting local talent means so much to her.
Lesley, can you share how your journey with HMV began and how it led you to become a key supporter of local music in Colchester?
I left school in 1983 and started working at the HMV store next to Bond Street station in London. At that time, I was heavily into ’60s Merseybeat, rock ‘n’ roll, and my first love, The Beatles. Working for HMV, my knowledge of music has only grown, and my tastes have evolved. When Britpop arrived, I fell in love with Oasis. Now, my music taste is incredibly varied, and I have so many favourites.
It wasn’t until I was asked to help book bands for #hmvlivendlocal, which started in late 2022, that I truly got involved in the local scene.
What inspires you the most about the local music scene in Essex, and how has it evolved over the years?
The local scene in Essex, especially in Colchester, is amazing – so much talent and passion from every one, with lots of emerging bands. At the moment, there is a great young hip-hop scene, which is exciting to see, alongside some fantastic grunge bands. The musicianship from the younger generation is outstanding. Long may it continue.
The venues in town and the open mic nights are incredible; they keep popping up everywhere, and everyone is so supportive. It feels like everyone wants to play here.
How do you select the acts for your #hmvlivendlocal events, and what’s your process for booking artists?
When I first started looking for acts for #hmvlivendlocal, I had no idea about the local scene. A few bands came into the store and asked if they could play, so I checked out their social media and went from there. Then, word of mouth spread, and before I knew it, I was fully booked.
I started listening to the Litter of Kings & Friends podcast for ideas and to hear which acts were being mentioned. I also check out open mic nights, scroll through social media, and listen to people like Paul Dupree and Shakey’s Sessions. Now, I have a waiting list of acts to book – and it’s still growing!
Can you tell us about some of your most memorable in-store performances at HMV Colchester and what made them special?
The first acts I booked – Fraser Morgan, The Wicked Ravens, the Polly Haynes Band, and Rosalind Hariness – hold a special place for me. They’ve come back to play a few times, which has been brilliant.
I’ve had over 140 performances, and every single one has been special—honestly, not a bad one among them! Palomino Kings were incredibly loud (but amazing). Wilswood Buoys forgot to bring a PA, so they played without mics, but it didn’t spoil the show at all.
Bridget’s EP release was incredible, with a fantastic crowd. David Woodcock from Southend was really cool. An after-hours set from Pet Needs was definitely a highlight. Annie Maguire, a local busker, has an incredible voice. And I always love having The Rezidents perform.
I could go on and on!
What are some of the ways you help local artists beyond booking them for in-store gigs, and why is this support so important to you?
Since HMV doesn’t pay acts for #hmvlivendlocal, and we don’t have PA equipment (though artists still want to play), I try to support them in other ways. I help artists find paid gigs, get radio play, feature on podcasts, and register for festivals. I also recommend studios and promote artists on social media whenever I can.
Over the past three years, I’ve built a lot of contacts, and I pass information along to bands. Some of the acts I’ve worked with have had radio play and gigs outside of Colchester, which is fantastic.
I do all of this in my spare time and attend as many local gigs as possible. I’ve also given artists the chance to play in-store by offering performance slots to winners of competitions held at various pubs – even some outside of Colchester. I just love supporting the local scene.
How did it feel to be recognised with a Panic Award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Music, and what does that recognition mean to you?
Oh my God, I still can’t believe it! I don’t feel like I do anything special. So many people – yourself Ben, Andy Skene at Queen Street Brewhouse, AJ Jones at TWM Live/Black Cactus Studios, Richard Taylor at the Victoria Inn, Justin and Peter from the Litter of Kings & Friends podcast, and so many others – have been involved in the scene for years and do so much. People like Vix Weaver, Cameron Mackie, Stu E Skinner, Rosalind Harniess, Polly Haynes, Ben Benedetti, and Jim Reynolds all contribute massively.
It was such a shock but also an honour to know that someone had noticed what I was doing. Since winning the award, I’ve been interviewed on a radio show, featured on a podcast, got Colne Radio playing and asking about local bands, and was even on a panel judging a music competition – which I’d never done in my life!
I’ve met so many new and wonderful people and bands. I’ve also started Instagram and X pages called Colchester Music Scene, where I try to promote local gigs, support bands, and highlight new music releases. I’m sure I miss things, as it’s all done in my spare time, but I do my best. I’ve even created a playlist of local artists, which is linked to both pages.
What are your hopes for the future of the Colchester music scene?
To put Colchester on the map for music!
We’ve had Blur, and now we’ve got Pet Needs and The Meffs making waves. I’m sure there are plenty more artists who will break through – I can’t wait to see it happen.
Thanks so much, Lesley, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with us – it’s been a pleasure to learn more about you.
Lesley Watson is a vital part of the Colchester music community, passionately supporting local talent. From organising in-store performances to helping artists gain wider exposure, she plays a central role in nurturing the scene. Through initiatives like #hmvlivendlocal and her social media promotion, Lesley continues to champion grassroots music. Her dedication ensures that Colchester’s music scene will thrive and receive the recognition it deserves.
