MUSIC MATTERS by Pete Chambers: Museum launches label - The Coventry Observer

MUSIC MATTERS by Pete Chambers: Museum launches label

Coventry Editorial 23rd Sep, 2017   0

The British Music Experience

If you are ever in Liverpool, I can recommend a visit to The British Music Experience based in the iconic Cunard Building. The exhibition was once based at The London Dome, but recently reopened in Beatles City.

We were taken on a guided tour by the very affable Curator Kevin McManus. Step into the main building and you are greeted by a cavernous ‘live area’ with stage and promotional film. Every so often though Boy George appears and it’s like he was there on the stage, very clever.

Explore either side of the stage area, and you will find the history of British music on display in the impressive glass cases. From 1945 and the trad jazz days, skiffle days, rock n roll, British blues, the birth of beat music. There’s lots to explore, glam rock, Queen, reggae, brit pop, rock and so much more. The whole story is here, with many wow-factor, one-off exhibits.




Gibson has supplied guitars and keyboards, so you can try your hand with them in the interactive studio. The BEM is an impressive project and well worth a visit.

Museum launches its own record label


The Coventry Music Museum is well known for its innovations. It knows it has to continue to grow and to prosper.

So no surprise that it is about to launch its very own record label, and when we say records, we mean just that.

The very first release from Coventry Music Museum Records (or CMMR for short), is a four-track EP on vinyl, featuring four very different local artists.

The ‘Alternative Sounds EP’ features tracks by Roddy Radiation and the Skabilly Rebels, the Primitives, Attrition and Crokodile Tears.

Each of these artists has kindly given their songs to help the EP, and ultimately the museum. “We do struggle paying the rent on occasion”, said label administrator Nigel Meffen.

He continued: “Some people think we get money from the council, this is definitely not the case. So we thought starting our own label would be a great way of bringing in much needed revenue, and so far the pre-orders have been amazing!”

Label manager Andy Holdcroft said: “Once the EP has whetted your appetite, CMM Records will be releasing a further series of full albums, available on CD or via download with the ‘Alternative Sounds’ title. Each will feature the cream of the fantastic music produced by Coventry & Warwickshire artists.

Tracy Tracy lead singer of The Primitives had this to say: “Really pleased and very proud to be asked to be one of the first bands featured, on the first release of The Cov Music Museum’s own record label , Alternative Sounds EP. Thanks again and good luck! Tracy Tracy.X.”

The EP is available at the music museum, Vinyl Destination in Coventry Market, Seismic in Leamington, Head in Leamington and Just For The Record in Rugby.

Orders are possible at https://cmmrecords.bandcamp.com/releases

Competition Winner

Congratulations goes to Mark Reilly who wins a pair of Neville Staple tickets for his forthcoming Leamington Assembly show on Friday (September 22). The answer was C: Shack Records.

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