Small Venues
o These are often pubs/bars, community centres, Churches (etc) which put on music events to entice people to come in and use their facilities.
o Often they will specialise in certain genres (folk, heavy metal, etc).
o Local examples: The Cluny, Northumbria University Students Union.
Medium Venues
o These are more likely to be specialist music venues and theatres.
o They often have bar facilities and sell refreshments etc.
o Often host touring productions linked to TV programmes (e.g. Strictly Come Dancing), rock/pop acts (e.g. Black Veil Brides), stand-up comedy, large theatre productions/musicals etc.
o Local examples: Newcastle City Hall, Sage Gateshead, o2 Academy Newcastle.
o Large nightclubs with DJs would count as medium sized venues too.
Large Multi-Use Venues
o These are large venues that can hold very large audiences for concerts.
o Most large venues/arenas are multi-use which means they host many different sorts of event, not just live music.
o These could include sports, conferences, weddings etc.
o Local examples: Newcastle Metro Arena, the Stadium of Light.
Transport Links
Links to venues - the more people there are, the better the transport/parking requirements need to be be.
Safety/Policing
Large crowds can be dangerous.
Health and Safety
Planning - getting in and out of venues in an emergency/fire. This needs to be planned in advance and signs put up.
“Front of House”
This is an area of the venue for the audience (the opposite of backstage). It needs to be well-staffed and safe.
Advantages of small venues
- You are more likely to meet the band.
- You can see and hear the band/group clearly and get close to the band.
- You will not need earplugs.
- You will have a more relaxed and enjoyable time/feeling of intimacy.
- The group/band will hang out at the venue after the event making it a more personal experience for the audience.
- Most have ready built stages so cheaper for the bands playing there.
- Not a lot of cost in hiring or using the venue/stage/sound equipment.
- Low entry fee to get in/don’t have to buy online tickets.
- More memorable experience/cosy environment.
- Drinks and refreshments are cheaper.
Disadvantages of small venues
- It can get very crowded and very claustrophobic, making it uncomfortable. Possible Health and Safety risk.
- Sound may be too loud for the small venue I.e. drums, vocals a little distorted.
- Hard to use facilities as you may have to go through crowds of people.
- Bands tend to be smaller/less well known.
- Bands squashed into small corners.
- Audience has to stand, due to small seating areas.
- Have to provide your own equipment as a band – limited resources available in the venue.
- Show can be delayed/more-relaxed times.
- Sound can be poor depending on the facilities available at the venue.
- Lack of stage lights
- Bands often don’t get money for performing in small venues.
Music suitable for a small venue:
Small groups Bands starting out Small DJs Acoustic players /singers solo artists soloist singer with backing tracks etc
Best location for small music venues and why?
Town Centres – easy access for all. (Transport to and from)
Local pubs in town centres of in rural areas for people to centralise to
Access needed for small venues and why?
Back entrance for band to come in and set up rather than going through the main pub area if possible.
Near transport services to ensure audiences can get to them.
Car park available for those who drive to ensure more audience.
Bottom floor/ramps for equality for all (eg, disability/lift etc)
Noise/Disruption consideration for small venues
City/town location would be better as noise and disruption would be limited and not disturbing residences.
Local pubs are often near residential areas so noise levels should be controlled to not disturb local residents.
Power and security considerations for small venues
Doormen/Bouncers contracted for small venues.
Advantages of large venues
- Outdoor venues: low overhead costs, meaning higher profit making.
- Luxury private seats/box: personal experience: although would cost more.
- Premium priced seating areas.
- Tour bands have their own gear/staff so quality of sound should be good.
- Merchandise available to buy.
- A great atmosphere.
- Full of fans, incredible sound and experience.
- Band get heard and often get signed.
- Professional Lighting/stage set up/show presentation.
- Good security provided by the venue owner.
- All acts play on time – punctuality good for audience and artists.
Disadvantages of large venues
- Ticket prices are generally higher for bigger named bands.
- Bad delay of sound at back of venue due to size and acoustics of the venue.
- Large crowds of people: Health and Safety risk.
- Large costs to hire these venues.
- Venues are responsible for securing the performance rights license and costs can rise.
- More tickets must be sold to make profits.
- Long queues of people.
- Expensive refreshment costs, as large venues tend to raise their prices.
- You are one fan amongst thousands so very little chance of seeing your favourite band up close and personal.
- Crowds crushed together, mosh pits and fights can be dangerous.
- Extensive setup/down of stages etc is required. Needs lots of road crew (roadies), rig-up/rig down.
Music suitable for a large venue:
Famous well-known bands/groups/singers
Touring Orchestras
Touring talent shows (eg X Factor)
Best location for large music venues and why?
Usually in outskirts of towns (or rural for festivals).
Occasionally city centre venue for transport needs.
Access needed for large venues and why?
Organised transport to/from the concert from locations around the town/city. I.e. to stop disruption /car build up etc.
Private access needed for the bands to enter and exit the building otherwise they will get swamped with their fans
Noise/Disruption consideration for large venues
Depends on location or in indoors or outdoors but will need to be controlled in line with sound regulations (to avoid hearing loss).
Consideration needed for sound in the main venue itself as all people in the venue should be able to hear. Eg. speaker/monitor system throughout the stadium.
Power and security considerations for large venues
Police to monitor traffic and roads.
Security at entrance and car parking due to large crowds.
Areas blocked of/ no access apart from band /crew – needs managed
