Music: Creating Impact

From Black Sabbath to Laura Mvula, the Birmingham music scene is no stranger to international attention. But for every success story, there are many more struggling to make their mark. ‘Impact’ is a group dedicated to providing a platform for local musicians, to help them reach a wider audience. 

Since 'Impact' began in 2008, their gig nights have hosted twenty two local bands across a range of musical styles, including folk/electronic trio ‘Malpas’; electronic performer ‘Arc Vel’, whose shows include mesmerising video projection; loud post-rock group ‘Sunrise Over Europe’ and folk quartet ‘Oh Stockholm!’. Founder members Mike Blaber and Ben Kyte told me how it all began.

“It sprung out of the Oasis Church, which meets at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.” explains Mike. “We wanted to do something which celebrated Birmingham, give something back to the city and create a platform for creativity. As Christians, we believe that God loves music and that all creativity comes from God. We are also big music fans ourselves, and had experience of putting on music events through the church, so it seemed a very achievable project.”

They set about organising gigs on Broad Street, one every three months. However, the crowds coming in from out of town didn’t feel quite true to the local music scene they wanted to promote, so in 2012 they began looking around for a more appropriate venue, with smaller overheads and the possibility of more regular, monthly events. 

“We came to the Bull’s Head,” says Mike, “as it was already established as a live music venue. We also felt that Moseley was the right place as it’s rich in creativity and arts and culture.”

Support from the venue has been a key factor in making the nights a success. 

“Adam and Matt from the Bull's Head have been extremely welcoming and supportive of ‘Impact’.” says Ben. “Matt's been a great source of advice as he is already experienced in putting on some great music promotions.”

‘Impact’ plan to continue their events at the Bulls Head for the foreseeable future, but they also have ambitions to develop and grow.

“We’re always looking to involve more bands from more genres, and to expand the reach of the sessions. We were involved with this year’s Moseley Festival, which was really great to be a part of - we’d love to team up with local promoters to put on some kind of event like that ourselves.”

‘Impact’ is non-profit-making, so its success can’t be measured in financial terms.

“It’s all about the bands.” says Mike. “If they’ve had a positive experience and come away feeling genuinely appreciated, then we’ve done our job. It’s also about getting their music heard, so the number of people coming to events is important, but it’s much more about generating a community of musicians and music lovers.” 

“The feedback from the musicians has been really positive.” says Ben. “They’ve praised the atmosphere, the venue, the behind-the-scenes support and said they’d like to come back and play again. So we’re really pleased with how it’s going.”

Phil Henly is one of the volunteers who helps run the project. He’s been involved in the technical side of setting up the nights at the Bull’s Head and says he has been very pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it’s gone.

“Part of the contract with the pub is that they provide a sound guy. I was expecting it to be a different person every time, but it’s been the same guy every month and we’ve been able to build up a very good relationship, which just makes everything easier.”

Phil works full time as a software engineer, but it’s his passion for music that drives him give his spare time to ‘Impact’.

“I just love listening to live music.” he says. “So much of the music industry has been quashed through the increase in downloading and piracy. It’s really special to be able to go out and see musicians using their gift in front of you. That’s the real impact for me.”

You can catch the next ‘Impact’ night for free at the Bulls Head on Tuesday 3rd September.

(Published in 'Moseley B13' August 2013)