HMV create new festival to show off tomorrow's artists today
In a bid to expand the diversity of the HMV brand, the entertainment retailer have teamed up with their live music partner, MAMA group to present a week long festival throughout London in February.
Promising to feature up to fifty bands between the 5th and 14th February the Next Big Thing festival aims to provide a unique focus on accessible new music in six confirmed venues which include the Borderline, Heaven, Barfly, ULU, and the Garage.
Hoping the Next Big Thing will be viewed as the official start to the festival season, head of HMV live, Jason Legg has stressed the importance of holding this type of festival early in the year, “Predicting which new artists break through has become a big deal for media and public alike in recent years, but whilst quite a bit of hype and excitement is generated in print, frustratingly for fans, they often have to wait to see these news stars in the flesh. We wanted to change all that by creating a highly accessible and affordable live music event to showcase the best new bands and artists, whatever their genre of music, and to introduce them to a wider audience.
The news has garnered high level support, with Feargal Sharkey, Chief Executive of UK Music adding “I think this is a fantastic initiative from HMV and MAMA Group. The music industry continues to evolve and embrace all manner of exciting changes, but it will always, and should always, be rooted in discovery and investment in the careers of new artists, composers and musicians. Next Big Thing acknowledges this and offers a great platform for a new generation to play some of London’s best live music venues.”
So far, Over twenty artists are already confirmed, with more to be added over the coming days. Acts who have signed up include: The Soft Pack, Jesca Hoop, Hadouken!, The Low Anthem, The Wave Pictures, Paloma Faith, Example, Plastiscines, First Aid Kit, Band Of Skulls and Joshua Radin.
Tickets are available through HMV's website from today.
Click here to see all London live music.
