Shownotes: UK's Live Music Gets Its Own Print Voice

A new print publication, Shownotes, is set to launch this November, dedicated to celebrating the vibrant live music scene across the U.K. This initiative, supported by a grant from the Music Venue Trust (MVT), aims to distribute 50,000 copies to over 500 independent and grassroots music venues nationwide. The publication is envisioned as a vital counterpoint to what its editor, Hannah Ewens, describes as static and drained music journalism.

Shownotes will feature an all-female editorial team, including Edinburgh-based Arusa Qureshi and Negativland founder Kate Jeffrie, with visual design led by Raissa Pardini. Ewens emphasized the importance of print in offering fans an immersive experience beyond short-form digital content, allowing for deeper engagement with artists and music discovery. This project seeks to reignite excitement for live performances and encourage exploration beyond algorithmic recommendations.

Sean Adams, publisher, expressed his hope that Shownotes will inspire fans to explore local music scenes and discover diverse genres. Beyond the magazine itself, undisclosed projects are planned to further encourage gig attendance and engagement with music, underscoring a commitment to supporting the grassroots sector and combating the decline of print music journalism.