Norfolk's grassroots music scene is continuing to produce exciting new talent, and on 23 October, two of the county's emerging artists will take centre stage at Voodoo Daddy's in Norwich as Audio Avenue Music Magazine hosts its very first live event in the city.
Laura T and Kristie 22 will perform during an evening celebrating independent music and the artists working hard to build their careers from the grassroots up.
For Audio Avenue co-owner Damian Carruthers, the event represents a natural extension of what the independent magazine has been trying to achieve since its launch: giving emerging artists a platform alongside some of the biggest names in music.
Audio Avenue is an independent music magazine with a particular focus on bringing grassroots artists into the same pages as established and internationally recognised acts. The magazine has already featured artists including Evanescence, Kylie and Snow Patrol, but Carruthers is equally passionate about shining a light on talent closer to home.
That commitment has seen Audio Avenue feature a growing number of Norfolk artists, including Lara Price, Kristie 22, Laura T and Pleasure Inc.
Now, the magazine is taking that support beyond its pages and onto a Norwich stage.
Both Laura T and Kristie 22 are emerging artists with strong connections to the local music scene, and both have received support from BBC Radio Norfolk, including playlist exposure.
Kristie 22 has been building attention around her music, including her track β1989β, while Laura T has been developing her own sound with songs including βBetter Than OKβ.
The upcoming Voodoo Daddy's show offers audiences the opportunity to experience both artists live, while also highlighting the wider pool of independent talent coming out of Norfolk.
For artists trying to establish themselves, opportunities like these can be hugely important. The modern music industry can be difficult for independent musicians to navigate, with recording, promotion, touring and venue costs all placing pressure on artists attempting to build an audience.
At the same time, independent venues are facing their own challenges, making the relationship between artists, audiences, promoters and venues increasingly important.
That is something Carruthers believes independent media can help with.
Audio Avenue's Norwich event is part of a wider ambition to create a platform where independent musicians can be discovered, promoted and celebrated. Rather than simply reporting on the grassroots scene, the magazine wants to become part of it.
The October event is therefore more than a single night of live music. It represents another step towards creating opportunities for Norfolk musicians and connecting them with new audiences.
With two locally supported artists sharing the bill, the event puts Norfolk talent firmly at the heart of Audio Avenue's first Norwich show.
We've had the opportunity to interview and feature some incredible world-renowned artists, but I want to make sure that the artists coming through here in Norfolk have a platform too, says Carruthers.
That philosophy sits at the heart of Audio Avenue: established names and emerging musicians sharing the same pages, while independent artists are given opportunities to reach audiences they might otherwise struggle to reach.
On 23 October, that philosophy will move from the printed page to the live stage. For Laura T, Kristie 22 and the wider Norfolk grassroots music community, it will be another opportunity to showcase the talent coming out of the county.
Audio Avenue Live takes place at Voodoo Daddy's in Norwich on 23 October, featuring Laura T and Kristie 22. More information about Audio Avenue Music Magazine can be found at audioavenue.uk
