Approximately five thousand miles from Santa Barbara, across the Atlantic Ocean, is Belfast, Northern Ireland. A relatively quiet city at first glance, Belfast isn’t exactly the place that springs to mind when you think “music revolution.” Recently named a UNESCO city of music, there is more to the Belfast music scene than meets the eye.
My name is Betsy, and I am a 17-year-old artist and musician from Belfast. For many years, Belfast was the last place I expected to find such a vivid music scene. I was first introduced to the scene in 2019, during the summer camp of Northern Ireland’s very own chapter of Girls Rock School. There, I found my confidence within music, and was introduced to some class acts. From the riotous tones of founder Shannon’s Sister Ghost, to moody acoustic tunes from Derry-born artist Soak, I felt like I had entered a whole new world. From then on, music became my life.
The idea of running your own gigs might be a frightening concept, but if you want to do it: DO IT!
Fast forward to 2020, and I hear about a group called Volume Control, an organisation of young people running gigs for young people. This intrigued me, because as a young person, many local gigs aren’t accessible to me as many are strictly over 18’s only, shutting off a whole section of the music scene for people like me. That is where Volume Control comes in. Run out of
a fantastic venue, the Oh Yeah Centre in the heart of Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter, Volume Control changed the way I see music. There is so much that goes into a concert that we, as attendees, won’t even realise; booking all of the artists, making the promo materials, tireless risk assessments and reports and, most importantly of all, making sure the gig runs smoothly and the audience has a good time. It has made me appreciate all the work that goes into just one good night. it doesn’t go unnoticed.
In the 2020 to 2021 group we obviously had some unique circumstances to run gigs under. With live music becoming quite literally illegal due to COVID-19, we had to find other ways to bring people amazing music even in the darkest times. The summer festival that we created and uploaded to YouTube, Full Blast, was an amazing three-day experience, filled with the best hand-picked local acts. Organisations like Volume Control, I believe, are incredibly important to provide music even in the darkest times. Although Volume Control has taught me so much about the music industry, it has also furthered my skills as an artist. I expected to bring my camera to one gig, take a few photos, see how it goes- now, live music photography is one of my biggest passions. Capturing a moment in time, catching the perfect shot is an irreplaceable feeling, and with all the lights and noise, takes you back to the second you took it. Combining this photography with another newfound passion, graphic design, has honestly revolutionised the way I make art. Music has an influence throughout all my art, and it is so satisfying to see my two passions combine.
What I would say is Volume Control’s signature gig is our annual battle of the bands, Clash of the Newbreeds. Providing a space for young, unsigned, up-and-coming artists to fight for the title of Clash winner, Clash of the Newbreeds is a vital platform within Belfast. During the longlisting process, when we choose who makes the cut, I discovered bands with such unique and never before heard sounds. In my opinion, the beauty of the Belfast music scene is how many sounds can exist in one gig. Rich history, conflict and a diverse population makes for some of the most interesting sounds in the world being played every night, from politically charged headbangers from punk bands like Gender Chores, to psychedelic soundscapes from artists like Lemonade Shoelace. One thing is for sure: in Belfast, music is never boring.
The idea of running your own gigs might be a frightening concept, but if you want to do it: DO IT! Especially when most areas of the industry are dominated by men, both in live and recorded sectors, putting on a gig can be a daunting thought to young women. Coming from a group of eight people in Volume Control, with seven being girls, I’d say we more than get the job done! To make such good friends, put on amazing gigs and have so much fun while doing it is such an inspiring and motivating experience, and making waves in the local music scene is only a bonus.
Love it Betsy!