First Off-Axis gig this weekend

Joining the Dots winners Off Axis hit the ground running this weekend with the first giant step in pioneering new project.

For the last two years award winning music organisation, Un-Convention, has been working to develop a new kind of live touring network for the UK. It is inspired by a Brazilian system called ‘Fora do Eixo’ which sees tens of thousands of artists from over 200 cities working together to circulate musicians.

This new UK system, called ‘Off Axis’ (the translation of Fora do Eixo) is set to revolutionise live music by allowing great artists to play to new audiences, in more places than ever before possible. The system works with independent artists, enabling them to host one another and bring nationwide talent to local audiences.

This Saturday, June 7th sees the first ever Off Axis show, held at The Venue on Abbey Street, Derby. Manchester’s ‘Black Lights’ alongside ‘The Panoramic’ from Stockton-on-Tees will join local band ‘The Sons’ for this groundbreaking show.

Having already toured the UK and Europe, ‘The Sons’ have recently released their third studio album ‘Heading Into Land’, and will be celebrating the release of their latest single ‘Relic.


Meanwhile, ‘The Panoramic’ are currently regarded as one of the best bands in Teesside and have played alongside the likes of ‘We Are Scientists’ and ‘The 1975’.

Added to that ‘Black Lights’ are becoming one of the most talked about bands on the current Manchester scene, coming off the back of a string of sold out shows including the 450 capacity Manchester Academy.

Jeff Thompson, co-founder of Un-Convention says: “We’re really excited to be having the first Off Axis show in Derby. Having worked with bands for the last fifteen years I know one of the biggest challenges they face is being able to find opportunities to play in front of new audiences in new places.

To see a line up like this makes us really excited at the prospect of Off Axis; here’s three incredible bands that I think will make for a truly stunning and memorable show for Derby’s music fans.”

The show takes place at The Venue, 47-49 Abbey St, Derby DE22 3SJ on Saturday 7th June 2014.

Tickets are £3 in Advance, available from www.the-sons.com, or £4 on the door