Wolf Alice: We cut our teeth playing at small music venues
- Published
Wolf Alice say they would not be where they are now if they hadn't played small venues.
They have been talking to Newsbeat as they take on the role of ambassadors of Independent Venue Week, which takes place between 25-31 January.
It is a celebration of venues across the UK as many face the threat of closure.
"I think it is one of the main things that got us here," says singer Ellie Rowsell.
"Just being allowed the opportunity to play almost every night of the week without having anyone know who you are.
"If you lose independent music venues then it starts to become a bit more like who you know rather than just doing it yourself."
Most of your favourite indie and rock bands will have toured the small venue circuit to gain experience and get their name out there.
There are no clear figures on how many venues have shut down but last year, Newsbeat reported that an estimated 40% closed in London over the past decade and that is a figure which seems to be reflected across the UK.
The numbers aren't exact because there isn't an exact definition of a small live music venue.
Venues which have recently announced their closure include the Coronet in London and the Owl Sanctuary in Norwich.
Reasons for the closures include noise complaints, licensing restrictions and financial difficulties.
Wolf Alice say it's tricky for them to do much more than raise awareness of the issue.
"It is hard because you have a schedule planned out for you," explains Ellie.
"But we always say that we would like to keep playing independent venues as much as we can."
As well as being places for artists to hone their craft, it is an important place for sound engineers, promoters and lighting technicians to learn on the job.
"It is literally where we cut our teeth," says bassist Theo Ellis.
"It is a stepping stone for so many people and if they go then there is a disparity between 100-capacity venues and 1,000-capacity - so there is no middle ground.
"It is so important and, specifically for guitar bands, it is where you learn your craft so it would be a real shame if it does completely evaporate."
Head to the Independent Venue Week website, external to find out about all the gigs and special events going on across the UK.
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