Supporting our artists and local venues.

Music is everywhere we go, in shops, on the radio, TV, film, places we don't even think of. It can change our mood, highlight memories, and unite people together. Music, in my opinion is one of the strongest things for someone to mentally and physically experience, that is why I think it is so important to keep it in everyday life.

Recently there has been a lot of media coverage on music streaming sites such as apple music, Deezer, and Spotify. These sites are so popular with a lot of people because it provides you with an endless catalogue of music at your fingertips, where ever you go. However, there are some people that are unwilling to pay on average £10 a month for an endless supply of music, and go down the route of illegally downloading music.

Personally, I can think of nothing worse. When you go into a restaurant you don't expect to walk out and not pay, as you no there is a service behind the food sat in front of you. Music is no different. Behind one song there is a team of people who have written, produced, performed, and got it to the place you are listening to. None of that comes for free, every person in the process has to have had a cut. Downloading things illegally means none of those people get the money they deserve, and in time if everyone did that, your favourite artist would no longer be able to make music.

That goes for any artist, whether they be as big as Rihanna, or a small local band. In fact, the local music we love to hear on a night out needs your support more than anyone. Most bands form to create music so as many people as possible can listen and enjoy it.

I once witnessed at a local gig, where the band handed out EPs for free to the audience after the gig. Most of the people that took their product,(which approximately took £100 to make) they snapped the CDs, tore up the artwork, and overall were very disrespectful to the band that had provided them with a free gift. Not all venues and audiences are like this, and I think the band struck an unlucky deal that night.

It's events like this that make local bands unable to carry on for financial reasons, and lets be honest put them off performing in certain venues. In my opinion its simple, you want to see a local band perform? Pay a small fee so the band you associate with a good night out, can carry on performing, making music, and creating memories you will always remember. Always treat acts with respect and dignity as it's not always easy what they do. I don't think I could think of many other social activities that could provide as much enjoyment for £6-£11.

Local venues include:

The Railway.

Chinnerys.

The Edge.

The Royal Hotel.

Saks basement.

Traitors gate pub.

.... To name just a few.

Here at Echo The Sound we love more than anything to let people no what great talent Essex has inside some of our greatest venues.

For more information about upcoming local events, check the home page for all details.