Kings of Despair live at the No Sign wine bar, Swansea
Buttonsville live at The Chattery, Uplands
Venues
The Adam & Eve: Two bands every Saturday in this proper, Brains pub on the High Street. Covers rather than originals, you'll see the likes of Pure Floyd and The Trembling Knees and an older crowd singing along. First band at 5.30pm, second at 8.30pm. Free entry. Also bands one Friday night a month and audition nights for new acts on Wednesdays.
Location: 207 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1PE
Open: 11am to 11pm
Tel: 01792 646529
Brangwyn Hall: The Brangwyn Hall is one of the principal cultural locations in Swansea, and is regularly used for functions, award ceremonies and concerts. It houses the Brangwyn Hall panels, also known as the British Empire Panels. The Guildhall was opened on 23 October 1934, and has played a central role in the lives of the people of Swansea ever since. It has functioned as the focal point of local government and justice and is the centre of civic ceremony. They run a choral and classical orchestral programme of concerts throughout the year.
Location: St Helens Road, Swansea
Open: Varies.
Tel: 01792 635432
Crowley's Rock Bar: “So what can you expect from a night out at crowleys? How about non stop rockin mayhem from 1pm till late? With The best local DJ's Playing the best rock and
metal anthems from 1960 to 19000, We'll keep you up all night!”
Location: 7 Cradock Street, Swansea
Open: 1pm `til late.
Dylan Thomas Centre: A permanent exhibition on Dylan Thomas and his life, as well as a bookshop and cosy cafe stuffed with books, posters and memorabilia. The Centre is also home to many music and literary events throughout the year, including the annual Dylan Thomas Festival during October and November. It also has an excellent restaurant, and the beautifully refurbished building provides a great setting for weddings, functions and conferences.
Location: The Dylan Thomas Centre, Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR.
Open: Daily 10am to 4.30pm and evening performances, free.
Tel: 01792 463980
Mozart's: “We are a friendly, family run, relaxed café/wine-bar, placed on Walter Road, between City Centre and Uplands. The kind of place for those seeking refuge from those cavernous, `big-name' pubs that we all know and loathe. We are open from 10am Tuesday - Friday, 7pm Saturday and 6pm Sunday. During the week we serve tea, coffee, hot and cold café style food and all manner of alcoholic drinks. We only ever play non-mainstream music, and have a live music licence. Open Mic is every Wednesday from 9pm, and we offer students deals on alcoholic drinks every day (with NUS) 'till 11pm. We have a back bar that opens from 10pm which is always candle lit, has plenty of tables and comfy sofas.”
Location: 76b Walter Road, Swansea
Open: Tues (11am - 11pm), Wed & Thurs (11am - 2am), Fri and Sat (11am - 4am), Sun (Noon - 11pm).
Tel: 01792 649984
Pontardawe Arts Centre: “Pontardawe Arts Centre has gained a reputation as one of the finest cultural venues in South Wales. The exquisite theatre hosts professional work of the highest calibre, from classical music to drama and dance, literature and children's theatre to blues and world music; something for everyone to enjoy. It boasts a 450 seat theatre, dance studio, cinema, snooker hall, meeting rooms and art gallery.”
Location: Herbert Street, Pontardawe
Tel: 01792 863722
Sin City: “Sin City is our Brand New Alternative Club and Live Music Venue in the heart of Swansea city centre. Brought to you by Alternative Swansea and Swansea University, the venue will bring you the best in named and local bands & artists, catering for all tastes in alternative music.
The club has 2 rooms, both with uber-cool DJ facilities, a great stage, awesome lighting and a huge sound system! Live shows so far include: the thills/the holloways/gwar/paul oakenfold/killa kella/pendulum/skidrow/pigeon detectives/terror/napalmdeath/brant bjork/the dykeenies/nine black alps/alabama 3/faster pussycat/we are scientists/scouting for girls.
For room hire, bands, promoters and booking agents, email our Entertainments Manager on bookings@alternativeswansea.com”
Location: Dillwyn Street, Swansea SA1 4AQ
Open: Varies.
Taliesin Arts Centre: Based on campus at the University of Wales Swansea, this popular arthouse venue presents an innovative programme of music - mainly world, classical and jazz.
Location: Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PZ.
Open: Monday to Friday: 10am - 6pm, Saturday: 12 to 3pm & 3.30 - 6pm, Performance evenings: 6pm - late.
Tel: 01792 296883
Bar'Co: Doing something different on the chain-bar, hen night Wine Street, Bar'Co has regular live music and Battles of the Bands. In their words: “Bar co will also bring you the very best in fresh live music three times a week - (Sun/Mon/Wed) - with the wednesday show recorded here for broadcast on thevoltsshow.com ...”
Location: 8-9 Wind Street, Swansea SA1 1DF
Open: Until late, also hosts late drinking for Wind Street bar staff.
Tel: 01792 460658
The Brunswick: A proper pub and a favourite amongst locals and art students alike, this boozer doubles as a changing exhibition space curated by local artist Bruce Risdon and is also the most likely post-art opening drinking destination. Music on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Location: 3 Duke St, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1 4HS
Open: Normal pub hours.
Tel: 01792 465676
The Chattery: The acoustic and Americana haven of the Uplands, this family-red café has music on Saturday nights from the best of the local (Boys From The Hill, King Of Despair, Boatbar To Hamburg, Rag Foundation, The Storys) to excellent national and international acts like Chris Mills, Duke Special, The Handsome Family, Ox and more. Entry generally ranges from £4 - £10.
Location: 59 Uplands Cres, Uplands, SwanseaSA2 0EZ
Open: 10am to 5pm, event evenings 7pm til late.
Tel: 01792 473276
The Cricketers: “We have bands most week ends ranging from mellow folk to raunchy rock, it's free entry so come and check us out! Or visit our What's on page for updates. If you're in a band ya self, and wanna play here, call into the pub and ask to speak to Amanda.”
Location: 83 King Edward Road, Swansea
Open: Noon `til Midnight.
Tel: 01792 455220
Grand Theatre: A venue for touring dance, theatre, musicals, tribute acts, comedy and exhibitions complete with arts wing.
Location: Swansea Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ
Open: Mon to Sat, 9.30am to 8pm, exhibitions are free, shows vary in cost.
Tel: 01792 475715
Monkey Café: This quirky café-bar-club exhibits the work of local artists and photographers upon the walls and has many live music nights alongside their club night programme.
Location: Monkey Café, 13 Castle Street, Swansea, SA1 1JF
Open: Daily from coffee-time `til late
Tel: 01792 480 822
The New York: The New York, complete with Big Apple Skyline mural, has live bands all weekend, plus a rock DJ on Thursday nights.
Location: 6 Princess Way, Swansea, SA1 3LW
Tel: 01792 475587
No Sign Bar: A cosy independent hideaway on Wind Street, No Sign offers plenty of wine choice and a regular live music programme with the likes of The Amigos and King of Despair on the bill.
Location: 56 Wind Street, Swansea SA1 1EG
Tel: 01792 465300
The Office: A rough and ready rock pub in the centre of Swansea with cheap drinks and regular heavy acts.
Location: Castle Square, Swansea
Tel: 01792 645063
Pontardawe Inn: Family-run pub, restaurant and live music venue.
Location: 123 Herbert Street, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4ED
Tel. 01792 830791
Queen's Hotel: Traditionally the hack pub for journalists from the Evening Post, The Queen's is a friendly local in the Marine Quarter. A proper pub with real ales, live music and its very own stuffed bear.
Location: Gloucester Place, Swansea
Open: Traditional pub hours, extension at weekends.
Tel: 01792 521531
Rock & Fountain: Pleasant local with regular local bands.
Location: 147-149 Newton Rd, Newton, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4ST
Tel: 01792 369142
Siro's: “A place of unique and extraordinary character Siro's Bar & Bistro offers a relaxing and warm ambience, comfortable surroundings and a welcoming atmosphere. At Siro's we're passionate about food - We have a diverse and flexible menu offering something for everyone, from light, tapas style dishes to more hearty 3-course meals, with ample vegetarian options.” Regular live music and drinks promotions.
Location: 136a St Helens Road, Swansea SA1 4BL
Open: Normal pub hours, midnight closing Fri and Sat nights.
Tel: 01792 410903
Swansea Jazzland: Wales' premier 'Live Jazz' Club featuring the best of local, national and international musicians in an intimate setting.
Location: Swansea Jazz Club St. James Social Club, St. James Crescent, Uplands, Swansea.
Open: Every Wednesday 8.30pm - 11 pm. Doors open 7.30pm.
The Uplands Tavern: Busy hangout for students and locals alike with regular live music and free entry. Somewhat over-hyped these days, you can still expect to queue at weekends. Open Mic Night on Tuesdays and New Band Night on Wednesdays. There are two pool tables but no sports TV. Big sheltered and heated beer garden. Individuality-friendly.
Location: 42 Uplands Crescent, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0PG
Open: Normal pub hours, then `til midnight Fri and Sat, 11.30pm Sunday.
Tel: 01792 458242
Music Shops, Studios and Rehearsal Spaces
Derricks Music
Location: 221 Oxford Street, Swansea.
Tel: 01792 654226
Mighty Atom Studios (and record label)
Tel: 07771 546772
The Music Station
Location: Phoenix Way, Swansea Enterprise Park.
Tel: 01792 775751
Musiquarium
Location: Unit 61, Swansea Market.
Tel: 01792 465256
Rowlands Music
Location: 31 St. Helens Road, Swansea.
Tel: 01792 522020/600269
Speed Music
Location: Lion Way, Swansea Enterprise Park.
Tel: 01792 772299
Spider Music
Location: 109 High Street, Gorseinon.
Tel: 01792 892005
Splinter's Studio
Location: 207 Oxford Street, Swansea.
Tel: 07811 371 267
Sullivan's Record Centre
Location: 59 High Street, Gorseinon.
Tel: 01792 893602
Groups and Organisations
BSc in Music Technology at Swansea Institute of Higher Education: “The course is designed to cover the major technical aspects of the music industry. Modules cover software and hardware techniques, acoustics and sound engineering for both recording and live performance, and supporting studies covering an appreciation of theoretical and performance aspects of music, business studies and the role of music in modern culture.”
Creative Industries Research and Innovation Centre (CIRIC): CIRIC is funded by The Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), Swansea Institute and private sector finance to re-invigorate the creative industries sector within Wales. For too long creative practitioners have been forced to leave Wales to gain access to the necessary resources that are needed to further their career.
Face Off: Weekly alternative club night on Fridays at Sin City.
Framework: An artist collective based in Swansea. On the first Tuesday of every month they host the event `Framework Social' at St.James Social Club, Uplands, Swansea. It is a space for artists, arts related practitioners and people from the community to meet and socialise where they show a consistently high standard of experimental live art, music, performance work, spoken word, video work, installation, drawing and work by multi-disciplinary artists from Swansea, Cardiff and other parts of the UK.
The Gig List: A comprehensive guide to who's playing, where in the swamp. Somewhat defunct at present, but still contains useful directories of bands and music-related links.
Ice Cream Social: “Monthly indie disco with live music and laptop djs @ Sin City, Swansea” run by the people at Pretty Shitty City
The Adam Walton Show: “Every Sunday night, join Adam Walton live from Wrexham for his unique take on the Welsh music scene. Three hours of non-stop new music and interesting chat.” Kicks off at 10.30pm.
Arts Council Wales: Their new look website offers a complete overview of the Arts Council of Wales' work, funding information and also a comprehensive arts database featuring some of Wales' foremost arts organisations and practitioners.
Welsh Gig Forum: “WelshGigs exist to support and help bands in many different ways. As of 2006 WelshGigs will offer new services to extend the means that WelshGigs has to promote and support Welsh bands. In short Welsh Gigs can offer many services to bands including online gig guides, gigs, radio promotion, pa rental and many others most for free.”
XFM South Wales: Alternative new music station launched on 29th November 2007 in South Wales on 106.8 - 107.3 fm.
Musicians Union: “The Musicians' Union represents over thirty thousand musicians working in all sectors of the music business. As well as negotiating on behalf of our members with all the major employers in the industry, we offer a range of services for professional and student musicians of all ages.”
MySpace: International networking tool for bands.
Slam on the Breaks: The DJs from regular breaks, beats and hip hop club night at Monkey.
Swansea Accordion Orchestra: “The Orchestra was founded in 1982 by a small group of accordion enthusiasts. Comprising not only of accordions but also an electronic accordion, keyboard, guitar, percussion and drums, the Orchestra's varied musical repertoire covers Modern, Light Classical, French Muzette, Latin American, Big Band, Jazz - over 250 pieces that are wide-ranging and suitable for all types of occasion and venue.”
Swansea City Opera: Professional mid-scale touring Opera company.
Swansea Classical Guitar Circle: Meets at the Sketty Park Community Hall on the first and the third Wednesdays of every month.
Swansea Organ Association: Promotes interest in the pipe organ and its music, with membership open to players and non-players. Monthly recitals are held from September to July.
Swansea Theatre Arts Register (STAR): Extensive directory of music rehearsal spaces, performance places, groups, studios, events and classes in Swansea.
Pretty Shitty City: Regularly updated blog spot on the arty happenings of Swansea with a more musical leaning.
Samba Tawe: Latin percussion and dance. Children 14+ and Adults. Samba Tawe is a community based percussion and dance outfit. There are currently 50+ members. They run an open access course every October and can be seen and heard at major outdoor events throughout southwest Wales, as well as at gigs and carnivals. Well known for their pounding rhythms and their infectious beats as well as a very visual and action packed dance team.
Women in Jazz: “A voice for Wales and the world, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of women in music - worldwide through education, integration, performance and exhibition.”
BBC Radio Wales: “The Sound of Today's Wales.”
Community Music Wales: “Music provides the soundtrack to people's lives. It can be educational, informative and empowering, but it should always be enjoyed. Creative music making is central to Community Music Wales and its objectives. Community Music Wales provides trained and experienced community tutors, equipment, advice and support to give people the opportunity to write, play, record or perform their own music.”
Kruger Magazine: “Kruger is an independent quarterly music magazine, combining idividual and innovative journalism with razor sharp, cutting edge design. Well that's what we put in emails to potential advertisers anyway. We now also have this lovely website, a promotions arm called Kruger Presents and our great new record label, The Kruger Singles Club. Issue one of Kruger was released on October 31st 2003. Issue 15 is out now.
The Volts Show: “This is The Volts Show, where we believe that music needs to be driven, not controlled. The Volts Show is all about the promotion of new talent through the medium of internet broadcasting. From our studios in Swansea, here in the UK, we have been able to broadcast music from bands and solo artistes from all over the world and subsequently, many bands on our playlist have been heard far and wide. We work in a very simple way - if you support us, we will work for you.”
YouTube: Lets your band videos of live gigs and more be seen by the masses.
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