A NEW initiative will be launched in Basingstoke that will be dedicated to igniting and rekindling the town’s love of independent music.

The Basingstoke Music Initiative, a collaboration between Proteus and RB Music, will be launching on Saturday, November 11 at the Proteus Creation Space.

The initiative is supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6bn of funding for local investment by March 2025.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Blockade Blockade (Image: Proteus Theatre Company)

Mary Swan, chief executive of Proteus said: "Proteus have been at the heart of cultural activity in Basingstoke for over 40 years, but have never before been able to fully support artists working in, or wanting to break into, the music industry. The Covid crisis accelerated the demise of small grassroots venues across the entire UK.

"This has been a real barrier for anyone, from any age or background, wanting to play or experience live music. We are thrilled that through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and with the support of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council we are able to launch this vital and exciting project, aimed at creating a vibrant grassroots music scene in Basingstoke for musicians of all genres, ages and stages of career."

The scheme will offer mentoring programs for musicians, as well as those aspiring to work within the music business.

Jon Lovegrove of RB Music Promotions added: "As someone who has worked around the Basingstoke Music scene for nearly 20 years this project is an exciting chance to encourage and develop the next (and current) crop of Basingstoke musicians."

During the launch event, an exciting lineup of artists will be poised to entertain. From indie rock to post-punk, hip-hop to electronic elements, this event promises a musical journey

Charismatic headliners, Carsick, hail from diverse musical backgrounds. Carsick's unique style takes influences from a variety of artists and genres. Their tongue-in-cheek lyrical approach directly tackles the trials and tribulations of young adulthood, with a particular focus on the drinking culture that dominates their demographic.

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The band recently inked a deal with the legendary Alcopop! Records and released their debut EP, Drunk Hymns. 

Masca, a band that burst onto the scene with their debut single Unsure earlier this year will also be performing.

London-based powerhouse, Blockade, is ready to bring hard-hitting rock and metal riffs, soulful vocals, and mosh pit beatdowns to the party. 

The Details, a Basingstoke band formed by QMC students, will hit the stage with a set packed with their original material. Their slick performance style is a testament to the hidden talent found in our educational establishments.