It's Independent Venue Week in Southampton, and last night, four-piece reggae Londoners, The Skints occupied The Joiners as part of their Nice Time UK Tour.
Since 2007, The Skints have thrived on a smaller stage. Despite headlining Lion's Den at Boomtown Festival over the summer, The Skints still make a name for themselves supporting local venues and local artists.
Humility drives this band to new heights as their drive to stay connected with their fans is paramount. Visiting Brighton's, Hope & Ruin earlier in the month for a Beer Launch. Attendees were able to meet the band whilst downing a signature pint in a local independent music bar. All in celebration of the launch of The Skints own Signature Brew, Nice Time Pale Ale.
Over the past couple of years, The Skints have become regular residents of Southampton, playing The Engine Rooms last year for the release of their latest album, FM.
The Joiners was added to the tour at the last minute, however, their relaxed reggae vibes failed to push them under the radar this time. With only 800 tickets released for this intimate gig, fans were shocked when it sold out within 48-hours.
Independent Venue Week started in 2013, dedicated to keeping the spirit of independent live music venues alive. IVW promotes the survival of these niche cultures, they believe the indie-scene is a vital life-source for upcoming musicians in the UK.
Seven nights of live music brought to you by artists, taste-makers, promoters and media outlets (such as, Total Scoop) are all it takes to restore Southampton's faith in live music every-year.
"It's amazing how many of you showed up here tonight. We sold out in a matter of days, so thank-you. It's the fans, you guys are the reason why we get to do this here tonight"
The night was full of opportunity for everyone involved. Due to the nature of this small music venue, the musicians were forced to make themselves at home - by the bar. In-fact, anyone who attended this gig got the opportunity to meet members of The Skints - a rare opportunity indeed.
We spoke to Daryl, drummer of support band, The Ohmz, he told us all about why this particular gig was so special to them, as we cooled off outside after their set;
"The weird part is that I actually bought tickets for this gig! I'm only from Eastbourne... so yeah, on a whim I decided to email the promoter. Didn't think we'd get it, but a couple of days later I got a email giving us the go-ahead. We were all really shocked, our guitarist almost didn't make it."
A one-of-a-kind Frisbee, up-cycled by Skints drummer Jamie Kyriakides, was also on display at the merchandise table. For a meagre £30, this relic was snapped up by an elated student. He was then able to get the item signed by the band themselves, leaving the rest of the bar, jealous but sated at the very least.
Showcasing a multitude of talents, IVW has found the diamond hidden within the beer-soaked independent music industry, and shared it with us for nearly five years now! So far, everyone seems to love it.
We talked to Georgia Balson, a local university student about why she got to join in for free, "Shadowing one of the promoters today, there's no better way to learn. Live events is what I want to do, practice like this is invaluable, I don't think a lot of people realise that."
Nice Time was also on tap during the gig, selling out well before The Skints even hit the stage. The brew helped to create a well-deserved buzz among the audience. It didn't take long before the crowded bar started musing,
"I wonder how much revenue they've created for The Joiners, I bet their January books will be heaving."
The brew itself is made by Signature Brew, based in East London, founders Sam and Tom take their concepts from internationally renowned bands and musicians only. Each beer they make is inspired. Nice Time is a 3.9% Tropical Pale Ale, full of fruity flavours such as Passion Fruit, Pink Guava, Papaya and Blood Orange.
The gig was a night full of rocksteady reggae beats, a post-modern twist brought influences from bands like Black Flag into play as Ska and Punk vibes shone through each act. It seems as though reggae music is on the rise as the audience took it upon themselves to create just enough space on the cramped floor to step and jive.
The Ohmz held their own, brushing the cold away with warm brass grooving a beat into the stepping of the crowd. Riddled with collective sounds, the seven-piece introduced themselves with confidence, bringing a fresh soundscape as their classic style rocked through the crowd, to much appreciation. Many were surprised that this 'unknown band' could stand-up straight in the shadow of The Skints. A congratulations is in order - we thoroughly suggest you go check them out, you won't be disappointed if Ska is you're thing.
The Skints began strong with their usual FM set, with popular songs such as, This Town building the moment. As time went on, the electric power held within their first two albums, Part and Parcel & Live. Breathe. Build. Believe came to life once-more. Culture Vulture and Mindless were played live by the band, who received loud seals of approval, as the words were screamed back in their face by most of the fans in the crowd.
After all was sung and danced, the crowd and bands piled back into The Joiners bar for one last Nice Time brew, autographs were signed, the overall picture told a story of a great night, had by all.
If raw and intimate gigs are your thing, Independent Venue Week was made for you. To find out more about the next gig, or to find out about next year's plans, visit https://www.facebook.com/independentvenueweek/?fref=ts/
Or, to see a gallery of pictures from the gig, visit Total Scoop Photography, Flickr or Instagram.
Total Scoop has also got exclusive footage from the gig itself, stay tuned for our video review; The Skints @ The Joiners IVW | Total Scoop