Major issues discussed at The Mill

The Mill's annual band meet took place last night (Jan 26) to announce and discuss the major talking points currently affecting the local music scene including promotion, The Mill loyalty scheme, a monthly newsletter and the Battle of the Bands 2005.

It was the third annual meeting undertaken by the current staff who are keen to push things forward and further improve the state of Preston's musical surroundings.

The evening started with Des McIlroy, Dave Allen and Russ Carlton addressing the 30-strong congregation of those involved in the local music scene, including members of Psillobian, Asylum, The Phlegm Fatales, Tin Gods and Star 27.

Monthly prize draw

The first announcement was the introduction of The Mill loyalty cards, for which any local musician who frequently uses the venue may apply. The cards will include a photo of the individual and grant a pound off all door fees. Other benefits include being entered into a monthly prize draw and possible quirks at music stores such as Action Records and HMV.

The aspect that caused the biggest stir was with regards to promotion and the recent crackdown by the council on fly-posting around the city. Despite reassurances that it is not a criminal offence, certain members of bands have been stopped and sometimes cautioned by police for advertising their band or clubnight.

"We are currently talking to the council who have said they are willing to help out where possible, despite being stricter than anticipated, We will keep everyone up-to-date with what the situation is, and The Mill is willing to help anyone who is having problems with promotion, and give guidance to where, when and how you can go about advertising." Explained Russ Carlton.

Reviews and news

Rob Clarke, owner of The Mitre also reminded everyone that the pub has drawn up a list of shops, food outlets and pubs that are willing to display your posters free of charge. The list is available from Rob at The Mitre or on Prestone.co.uk.

There are also plans for The Mill's newsletter, which will contain reviews and news from the venue, and band effort and rewards were also discussed. Dave Allen elaborated:
"It is unfair that some bands who play the unsigned nights work hard to attract 40 or 50 people every time they play, whereas others turn up and expect a free ride.

"Those bands that do put the effort in will be rewarded with bigger headline slots and even clubnights dedicated to their band, with posters, gig-lists, and demos all around the venue to make sure that band gets a whole nights' publicity."

In addition to advertising single bands, the intention was also announced to sell demos behind the bar, with a price list on display during clubnights, and all proceeds from CD's sold going directly to the bands involved.

Battle of the Bands

Bands were also reminded that while some people tend to mock or look down upon the Battle of the Bands due to annual confusion over judges decisions, reputation, genres etc, it is actually a good outlet for publicity, guaranteeing a bigger response and crowd than most unsigned Fuzzy nights, and also attracting interest from outside.

Russ Carlton assured all bands present that the live nights have now moved to Friday and Saturday, rather than the contraversial Thursday and Friday of last year, and that competition sponsors The Lancashire Evening Post have agreed to provide weekly coverage.

Written by Dan Jeoffroy

Photography: Dan Jeoffroy