the blog

Communication Breakdown

Unconvention’s Jeff Thompson flags up the importance of good communication and how it can make all the difference to a musician or band’s career. Next week Off Axis heads to Hastings for our first show on the south coast, which we’re really excited about. Once again we have some fantastic artists working together to make opportunities for […]Read More

First Off Axis gig brings new fans for out of town bands

It’s just after 9pm on Saturday night in Derby when Manchester’s Black Lights take to the stage. They’re the second band on of a three band line up, and spend the next half an hour delivering the kind of faultless, beautifully crafted songs that has seen them build a loyal and passionate fan base back […]Read More

Un-Convention: Off Axis Touring Network

Off Axis is a new touring network which Un-Convention hopes will help artists tour further afield to guaranteed audiences. Founded in 2008, Un-Convention takes best practice models from independent music networks around the world and applying them in new places. Their new touring network, Off Axis, uses a centralised website to allow artists to ‘trade’ […]Read More

Eventbox: Live music discovery app

Eventbox is a mobile app and website that lets you listen to listings to discover music events happening nearby. So within one kilometre, or any distance, of where you are, you can listen to music from musicians, bands and DJs performing tonight, or on any night, to figure what you and friends want to go to. […]Read More

Daredevil Project – Duel: a mobile social game

Games development outfit Daredevil Project have created an image-based social app called Duel. Now they want to change the way people approach social media. Dubbed the “illegitimate child of Draw Something and Snapchat” by its creator, Paul Archer, Duel revolves around pairs of images, with a game-like element that requires at least two people in order […]Read More

Cafe Oto: digital subscription service

Cafe Oto wants to make the unique and adventurous music it presents live available to all Cafe Oto is the UK’s only dedicated space for the performance of experimental music. It’s also one of nicest, friendliest and intimate venues you’ll come across. Oh, and they run a brilliant little label too. No wonder musicians from around the […]Read More

Joining the Dots

Joining the Dots was a support programme for entrepreneurial artists, promoters and others working in independent music in England. Through the programme we sought to support game-changing ideas, share know-how and connect people.Read More

First Off-Axis gig this weekend

The first ever Off Axis show takes place this weekend. One great idea, three great bands and only three quid in advance. One of four pioneering music projects funded by Joining the Dots. Read More

Jeff Thompson of Un-Convention

How to guarantee an audience in a city you have never played before

Joining the Dots winner Jeff Thompson explains how his Off-Axis project, inspired by a hugely successful system in Brazil, will enable bands to play to packed houses across the UK. Read More

Joining the Dots game changing winners announced

Four game changing live music projects have been chosen for Joining the Dots funding and support. A pioneering gig-swap network, opening up a digital music archive, a mobile game for gigs and a location based app for "listening to listings". Read More