Frome’s young musicians have stepped up to organise an event that provides emerging talent with a much-needed space to showcase their music and creativity.
Local alternative rock band Butane Skies have organised the Young Bands Night, which is due to be held at 23 Bath St in Frome on Saturday 23rd November, after facing significant obstacles in getting gigs and opportunities to showcase their music.
The tipping point came when they were blocked from supporting a rising band in Bristol due to being ‘not local enough’. However, rather than accept these setbacks, the band decided to take action and create a platform for themselves and fellow emerging acts.
“The lack of opportunities locally for young bands to be heard is really frustrating, especially when the places where you could find the right audience won’t let you in because you are not big enough,” says Ash, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist.
Formed in late 2022 at Frome College, Butane Skies have made a name for themselves as a vibrant young alt-rock band. Despite the challenges facing emerging artists in Somerset, the band have made the most of opportunities in nearby Wiltshire, performing regularly at local festivals, events and pubs.
“We have had to go outside of Somerset to get gigs at actual music venues, but we really need Frome and Somerset as a whole to step up for newer artists. Where are the grassroots venues?” says Ash. “That is something Wiltshire has offered us, and I think we just wanted to give people the chance to come out and support young bands here at home.”
Highlights of their year include becoming overall winners at the final of the local Take the Stage battle of the bands competition, held at the Neeld Community and Arts Centre in Chippenham, followed by a busy summer playing at events like Minety Festival, Corfest, Chippenham Pride, Frome Festival, BoA Live Music Festival, and Marshfest.
Young Bands Night will feature performances from Butane Skies, alongside The Sunnies, winners of the 2023 Take The Stage competition, and The Vivas, who also won a prize at the 2024 finals.
The event, which is due to run from 7pm to 10pm on 23rd November, promises a dynamic evening of indie-rock and alternative music from some of the best up-and-coming bands in the region.
Tickets are now on sale and cost £6 in advance on Skiddle and £7 on the door. Fans of fresh, local music are encouraged to come out and show their support for the young artists.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit skiddle.com, 23bathstreet.co.uk, or follow @butaneskiesband on Instagram.
