What’s On Derby: The Indie Night music gig series platforms local talent in the city

A Derby music fan who put on a gig to raise money for charity in 2023, is working hard to take the gigs to the next level and platform local talent in the city in the process.

What initially started as a one-off gig at the back end of 2023, has now turned into a series of gigs for Matt, one of the co-founders of The Indie Night.

Having organised several gigs which have drawn crowds of over 150 revellers each time, Matt is keen to spread the word about upcoming talent and what Derby people can do to support indie music in the city.

Speaking to DerbyWorld about the big success of the music series Matt said: “It’s been mainly through word-of-mouth and bands getting in touch with us.

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“What I thought would be the problem, of getting bands on board, wasn’t actually the case.”

Matt says The Indie Night is a series of gigs ‘run by music fans for music fans.’

It is a labour of love for Matt who is a big music fan.

He said: “Me and my mate who co-run these indie nights, we both work full-time jobs.

“We’re just trying to do the best we can and we’re learning along the way.

Read more: What's On in Derby?

“We’ve connected with a lot of good people like Nicole at The Hairy Dog, Gez from Alpha Pro Creative who runs his own nights and is a bit of a mentor.

“He’s given us a lot of good advice, he’s been really helpful and supportive.

“We love supporting local, independent businesses such as Mr Shaw’s on Sadler Gate, Alfie from MusikBox and more.

“We are trying to involve people, we don’t expect anything from them.

“There’s a lot of people out there in the Derby music scene, there is a lot going off, and we’re trying to support local bands as well as bring in talent of up-and-coming music from across the UK.”

Reflecting on the success of the music gigs to date, Matt said: “These nights have just grown.”

Ethics are an important part of The Indie Night’s ethos.

Matt said: “We’re passionate about music, we put the music first and are keen to pay bands properly.

“We pay bands a fee, we don’t want bands to lose money.

“Any money we make over that, we give to charity so we as promoters don’t make anything.

“Each gig has attracted crowds of over 150 people, for a small venue in Nottingham that would be a sell-out, so for us, that’s a win.

“We’re putting on five bands at a time, it’s pretty cool and there’s a lot going on.

“These nights are doing really well, I think it’s what Derby needs, because Nottingham’s always had the limelight for a long time and attracted the better bands.

“Why shouldn’t bands be wanting to come to Derby to tour?

“We’re doing it for charity, and it’s a hobby. It’s going well and we’re hoping to build on the momentum.”

“Our nights are all about new music and supporting up-and-coming bands.

“Our chosen charity at present is Embrace who support child victims of crime and we’ve donated £1,000 to them from our first two events.”

For more information about The Indie Night click here.

Upcoming music gigs in Derby 2024

Wednesday June 26

The Blooms headline at The Victoria Inn

Support acts are The Worry People and Slum Club

Time: 7pm

Cost: £6.25, tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Location: The Victoria Inn, 12 Midland Place, Derby DE1 2RR

Run in conjunction with Off Axis, this event is headlined by The Blooms, a four-piece indie rock band from Derby.

Relative newcomers to the live scene they formed last year, have already amassed over 10,000 streams on Spotify and are building a loyal fanbase in Derby and beyond.

Friday July 26

The Roster at The Victoria Inn

Support acts are Ed Armeson and Skeeve

Time: 7pm

Tickets: Cost £7.25, tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Location: The Victoria Inn, 12 Midland Place, Derby DE1 2RR

Run in conjunction with Off Axis, The Roster headline the event.

The band has been championed by the BBC and has performed at high profile festivals such as Y Not?

Friday September 6

The Chase, Alex Spencer, The Denabys, The Hilder and Strange at The Hairy Dog

Time: 6.30pm doors open, performance starts at 7pm.

Cost: £11.25 (concessions available for students). Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Location: The Hairy Dog, 1 Becket Street, Derby DE1 1HT

Any profits once bands are paid will be going to charity Embrace Child Victims of Crime.