Unplugged – but still switched on (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Unplugged – but still switched on

5:53pm Wednesday 7th March 2007 in Music By Telegraph & Argus

By John Waller The last two contributors to this column have spoken of their work in producing fanzines and promoting gigs. Great stuff, keep it up. This week I will be looking at the acoustic scene, and particularly some opportunities for new unplugged performers.

Let's say you've recently taken up the guitar (or any other instrument) and learned a song or two. Maybe you've tried to write songs of your own. Where would you go to see whether you and your songs could impress a real independent audience?

This may seem daunting at first, but songs are wasted if nobody hears them. There are several clubs and informal groupings in Bradford that specialise in acoustic music, and even more in the surrounding area. They are ready to welcome you.

Acoustic music is not electrically amplified, and the song lyrics should have real meaning: telling a story, or commenting on life. But otherwise, anything goes.

At one of these clubs, on the right night, you'd be given an opportunity to play and sing for the other musicians there. You'd receive a sympathetic hearing, and maybe some helpful tips. You'd be able to listen to and watch others, of varied abilities, and learn from them, all in a supportive environment designed to develop your skills as a performer. If you haven't performed in public before, and then do so successfully, it gives you a tremendous buzz.

My particular interest is as organiser of the Topic. It meets every Thursday evening in the Cock and Bottle on Barkerend Road. Most Thursdays we have paid guests: national or local acoustic artists of real ability. But we are also developing younger musicians, with a regular programme of support slots for artists in their 20s. Even on guest nights, we'll have a couple of spots available to amateur talent. You don't get paid, but you get an audience.

Some Thursdays we have "Singers and Musicians" nights, where absolutely anyone can come and have a sing. The next one is on April 19. That's how I started, now I've a couple of CDs out.

Or you could go to the sessions at the Gaping Goose (Slack Bottom Road, Buttershaw/Wibsey) where every Wednesday is a Singers and Musicians night. Come along, join the group in the corner, give it a go. However inexperienced you are, you'll be welcome.

So far, I have avoided the dread words "folk music", because they can conjure up unjustified images of old bearded men singing impenetrable dreary ballads about downtrodden peasants. Actually, there is very little of that.

Mostly the music in the Topic (yes, it is the Topic Folk Club) and the Gaping Goose is popular, enjoyable and accessible to all. If you are an acoustic performer, of whatever style or ability, you can be part of it. "Folk" music has always been the music of the people, and is intended to be enjoyed. Both the Topic and the Gaping Goose will help you join the ranks of the performer and participant in music-making