FACEBOOK GROUP HERE> http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24893170091&ref=share
The Development Suite – What was it?
The Development Suite was born out of necessity in July 06 on the Isle of Wight to primarily save Ryde theatre from council closure. Also check out the new facebook group The Ryde Theatre Preservation Society.
It started at The Liquid Lounge in Ryde. Increasing local gig action for many talented people sidelined by lack of opportunity. As local independent artists, sound-crew, and PA, we assisted worthwhile musical endeavours that offered opportunity to venues, musicians and a social scene. These nights evolved into the Progression Sessions & Making Waves. Formats quickly adopted by other local venues.
The Mission as Ambassadors for live music events was to provide music solutions for musicians and venues and raise the profile of year round Isle of Wight music.
Run by experienced musicians, for musicians, we offered a no fuss, no nonsense and straight forward approach to all types of scenario.
Our experiences ranged from running solo pub gigs to high profile concerts (Roy Ayers/Soul 2 Soul) and even outdoor shows (Asa's Big Day Out with The Bee's , Jackson Analogue, Motion Pictures etc & a Quarr Abbey gig with Paul Armfield). Able to be involved at most levels, gives us a massive empathy, respect and understanding, which results in a successful show.
In every sense of the word we have continued to develop from roots level. We have had a long-standing, major belief that the Isle of Wight is witnessing a massive musical revival.
Encouraging people back out to see bands performing original material, by offering an unprecedented proportion of live music events.
With over 500 slots over the course of our existence, we have provided PA, free bookings, recordings, artwork, PR, even CD distribution & radio play for bands. This has helped keep the music alive.
And now? The Development Suite team are currently working on their new studio with 3 albums under way from local artists.
MUSIC ACTIVISM
Please check our blogs on how it was all initiated here. Also please check out ventnorblog.com on the banner down below who have been wonderful at documenting many of our events aswell as our brother activators Happy Feet Prosuctions specialising in counter-culture & hip-hop http://www.myspace.com/happyfeetproductions
Thanks to those who noticed. Looking beyond ourselves, we stuck up for bands for more music chances.
Our debut label EP Sad Glad Songs is out next week on Lostmusic Records - launched at our February 12th gig at Gramapahone, London E1 where we're appearing with The Gresham Flyers, Kelman and Hari and Aino. The entire EP is streaming on our Myspace - the first four songs.
Then we're doing a few dates including: 14th Feb - FREE Valentine's gig, The Wight Rock Bar, Ryde, Isle of Wight - free Isle of Wight thriller ebook for anyone buying our new EP 21st Feb - Cardigan Arms, Leeds 26th Feb - Grey Horse, Kingston
And Rocker is playing our song Until The Daydream Dies this month on his show on the John Peel inspired internet station, Dandelion Radio.
