Founder Anna Moulson has been at the centre of bringing both fresh and stalwart acts to Kent and East Sussex

At a time when small venues and live music is at its lowest ebb, the good folk behind the scenes need all our support. One of those doing great things in Kent and East Sussex is Melting Vinyl, which is responsible for bringing both fresh and stalwart acts to our ears. So, we thought it was appropriate to tell you more about them with a few pointers from founder Anna Moulson who set it up back in 1997...

Over the last 24 years, independent live music promoters Melting Vinyl have grown from a small one woman operation to a well-established and highly respected organisation whose name has become synonymous with supporting artists, especially female artists, and presenting innovative and electrifying quality live shows.

Based in Brighton and Kent and inspired by the South Coast’s creative, buzzing sunny shores, MV are committed to promoting and staging high quality local, national and international 6-Music-style creative independent acts.

With a passion for grassroots independent music at its heart, the team has always sought to offer a platform for local emerging artists and bands, often in the essential role as the opening act for the headline artist.

After a year without live events, MV is at the forefront of the revival of the grassroots live music scene and having already announced a range of incredible shows across East Sussex and Kent.

The range of genres and artists allows something for everyone, from renowned folk trio The Staves at St George’s Church Brighton and Folkestone Quarterhouse this Autumn to BBC Radio's Lauren Laverne favourites This is The Kit. They have also announced Mercury nominated Gruff Rhys at The Gulbenkian in Canterbury this November and ‘one of the greatest living American songwriters’ (New Statesman, 2020), Laura Veirs at the Komedia Studio. As well as the return of the electronic vibe of Rival Consoles to Brighton via The Old Market, following a sold out Green Door Store show last year and the memorable, garage rock band Gaffa Tape Sandy this October... just some of the sensational artists Melting Vinyl is presenting this year.

Furthermore with support from Arts Council England, Melting Vinyl has begun a new series of streamed shows from St George’s Church, Kemptown Brighton to celebrate grassroots musicians by placing diverse artists, who wouldn't ordinarily come through the door, at its heart as the main event. Providing the opportunity to perform against a beautiful historic backdrop with outstanding acoustics to complement their music.

So far the artists have included melodious dream pop duo Seadog, rare talent singer/songwriter Bella Spinks and ĠENN, a psyche rock band for the modern age, among many more to be announced.

Melting Vinyl welcomes everyone to become involved in the independent music scene particularly after the year of crisis for live events. For more information on any of Melting Vinyl’s upcoming shows head to www.meltingvinyl.com