Forres musicians set to kickstart post-Covid live music scene with free private gigs
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A LOCAL band hopes to bring their brand of raw post-punk rock directly into people's homes and garages once Covid-19 restrictions ease further as a way to kickstart a local live music scene flattened by the pandemic.
Dave Martin and Steve Simms, both aged 50 and from Forres, are the forces behind alternative duo I Will Take You Hunting. The two previously played together in the band Hed Swim.
Full-time musician Dave and singer Steve, who runs Hellygog textile art and gift shop at Logie Steading, came up with the private live-gig idea after being buoyed by the response to their recent self-titled debut album.
The 14-track album was recorded remotely in three months from December last year as a way to get through lockdown. It has received some radio airtime since being launched online.
Guitarist and drummer Dave said: "We had so much pent-up energy and frustration, and a bit of stress I think. We just poured it all into the music – and it turned out to be something we were really happy with. The music has that punk backbone.
"We put it online and started getting interest from radio and a record label has been talking to us, but for us it's about having fun, getting some gigs and connecting with people. People have missed that big time.
"It was something positive that came out of a worrying time, like therapy."
Passionate champions of live music, the duo are ready to "blow off some steam" after having nowhere to play and no audience to play to for more than a year.
To this end, Dave and Steve are offering to stage completely free, one-hour live gigs in people's living-rooms, garages or gardens once it is deemed safe to do so.
Dave said: "Covid has really annihilated the music industry. It's a really sad time. The forecast for a lot of venues is really bleak.
"In Forres, a little music scene was starting to happen and bringing some really positive energy before Covid-19 put a stop to it.
"However, I do wonder if we're going to see a burst of activity in the arts after all this. We have to be optimistic and look for solutions.
"That's why we thought that, when restrictions allow, we could go to people directly and put on one-hour live gigs in their homes just for them – no cost. Our music is fun and you can dance to it."
He added: "Who knows when live gigs are going to start happening again in Moray? Festivals and gigs and live performances and theatre just haven't been happening – and will it all be the same when it comes back?
"We are a two-piece so don't need much space. And it doesn't have to be loud either – just a two-hour, contained live original set for a bit of fun.
"People want to see and hear live music and we want to play."
To get in touch with Dave and Steve, message through the band's Facebook page.
You can listen to the album at Bandcamp here or click here for a video.
