The survey gained responses from audience members with a wide range of music tastes and live music experiences, one of the respondents felt that the most important factor in a great music venue was: "Good sound - clear on all levels. There's nothing worse than not being able to hear a voice clearly or it echoing around a room."
Digital Central, who produced the report, provide support to the region's digital media and music sectors and are keen on improving the user experience. Project Manager Dave Harte comments: "We thought those that we surveyed would complain mostly about the price of drinks and the queue at the bar but actually what people care about is seeing quality music in well equipped venues, where the sound is excellent and they can see who they're listening to. That sounds simple, but too many venues aren't getting the basics right. Our fund is about investing in venues who want to upgrade their facilities, giving a better deal for audiences and ultimately getting more punters through the door."
The report indicates that audiences are generally happy with the wide range of music being shown within the West Midlands region, but would like to see improvements made to the layout within live music venues, in particular to acoustics. In response to this Digital Central are giving live music venues a chance to refresh and enliven their facilities with the Music Venue Development Fund.
The Digital Central Music Venue Development Fund is aimed at small to medium live music venues located within the West Midlands region and is offering £7500 for improvements to décor, acoustics, staging, lighting or other areas suggested by applicants.
Digital Central, on behalf of the regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands, are now inviting applications for funding. To apply for the Music Venue Development Fund download the online application form at www.digital-central.co.uk/music_venue_fund.asp or contact Digital Central at the e-mail address provided below. The first application deadline is 28 February 2007.
(Lee Baldock)
