We always welcome a Letter to the Editor to share with readers. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch. This in from Joe Perkins from Clapton–In–Gordano. Ed
I am writing to you regarding the ongoing dispute over the issue of noise between the Wight Rock Bar and their neighbours on Lind Street. I understand that you are chairing the committee conducting the review into the conditions of their entertainment license.
Platform One degree student
It is important to make you aware that I am not an Isle of Wight resident. However, I lived on the Island between September 2009 and June 2012 when I was a degree student at Platform One College of Music.
As a regular performer at the venue in question during that period I have been following this escalating situation with great interest – albeit from afar.
Wight Rock Bar important for young musicians
Whilst I would never claim to know all the intricate details of the dispute or suggest that I am in any position to offer expert knowledge on how to resolve it, I feel that I can speak with some authority about how important the Wight Rock Bar is for young musicians living on the Isle of Wight.
The Island is a beautiful place and the isolation from the mainland gives it a distinctive charm, but the associated ferry travel costs prevent the majority of ‘mainstream’ bands from touring over on the Island.
Whilst this is a negative for people wanting to see big-name groups, it has undoubtedly led to the growth of a vibrant and eclectic local music scene – one unlike any I have ever encountered, and one that is loved and supported by a huge number of Island residents.
Emerging musical talent
The amount of musical talent constantly emerging from the Island is vast. Indeed, it is certainly not coincidental that both John Giddings and Rob da Bank give local artists exclusive stages at their festivals to support them and offer them exposure.
Speaking as a musician myself, there is no better way for artists and bands to develop their craft than by performing to an audience. Almost all of the elements of being a musician are realised behind closed doors – practicing; songwriting; recording; developing image; etc – but the intensity and spontaneity of performance is what causes weaknesses to be exposed, positives to be realised, and allows musicians to connect with their audience and to fully express themselves as creative individuals. Ultimately, it is the essential, pivotal stage of development for any serious musician or band.
Music at the absolute forefront of its agenda
The Wight Rock Bar is now – I believe I am right in saying – the Island’s only dedicated live music venue. There are other places that musicians can and do perform, but most are pubs or clubs that personal experience has shown to view bands as either background music or a stopgap before their more profitable club nights.
However, the Wight Rock Bar is unique in putting music at the absolute forefront of its agenda, and has without a doubt become the social centre of the music community on the island.
Run by an honest, dedicated couple driven by a genuine passion for music rather than finances, musicians are able to host their own events; to perform with no venue hire charge; to keep the door takings as payment (a real rarity for unsigned bands in the music industry); to use an extensive house backline to make gigging as easy as possible; and to showcase their talent and individuality in an intimate, real-world environment.
Musical development was aided massively
For me personally, my musical development was aided massively by the venue when I was resident on the Island. Performing sometimes three times a week, my time spent in the Wight Rock Bar and on their stage has had a direct bearing on my improvement as an instrumentalist, live performer, event coordinator, record producer, and an overall aficionado of music.
In short, I definitely would not have achieved all that I did during my degree if it had not been for Shaun and Debbie at the Wight Rock Bar, and the amount of online support from my contemporaries at Platform One College of Music shows that I am definitely not alone in feeling this.
Wight Rock Bar is as an asset to the local music scene
As a mainlander, I know that my opinion on Island matters may not count for much in this heated debate. However, I wanted to inform you nonetheless – even though I am sure you will know already – just how valued the Wight Rock Bar is as an asset to the local music scene by everybody that has ever been a part of it. Without it, the nurturing of local talent would be stunted.
To which end, I would strongly urge both yourself and the Isle Of Wight Council to support Mr. and Mrs. Newnham through this difficult time, to assist them in any way possible to keep their venue running, and ultimately to protect this most vital and loved part of the community.
I would be delighted to meet with you to discuss this issue further next time I visit the Island if you wish.
Image: Ten Speed Photography under CC BY 2.0
