Editor Hannah Ewens unveils Drowned In Sound x Music Venue Trust's new music magazine Shownotes

The UK’s live music community has gained a new dedicated print publication with the launch of Shownotes, a quarterly magazine designed to spotlight grassroots venues and live performances across the country. This innovative title emerges from a collaboration between online music platform Drowned In Sound and the Music Venue Trust, aiming to reconnect fans with local live music scenes through a physical magazine distributed directly at venues.

Shownotes is positioned as the first national print magazine focused exclusively on celebrating the UK’s live music culture. Its premiere 64-page issue, released on November 2, 2023, will see 50,000 copies freely available across 500 grassroots music venues. By offering this to fans cost-free, the magazine hopes to encourage attendance at smaller shows often overlooked in the current digital landscape.

The editorial helm is led by Hannah Ewens, a seasoned editor with a background that includes Rolling Stone UK and VICE. Ewens developed the magazine’s concept from initial ideas by key figures at Drowned In Sound and the Music Venue Trust, emphasizing a publication that not only provides interviews and features but also delivers a curated gig guide listing over 500 upcoming live shows. This listings section is integral to the magazine’s mission to make local live music more discoverable and accessible.

The title 'Shownotes' was carefully chosen to evoke both music analysis and the live show experience, reflecting a playful yet purposeful approach. Ewens highlights the challenge of naming a music magazine in the contemporary era, particularly one that intends to endure in the digital age while fostering a tangible connection to live music.

Distribution logistics were supported by the Music Venue Trust, which facilitated placement in venues across diverse towns and cities, ensuring broad geographic reach. While most venues were enthusiastic about hosting the magazine, some faced spatial limitations. Plans are underway to expand availability to select retail outlets from the second issue onwards, aiming to increase accessibility even further.

The first issue boasts a genre-spanning lineup, featuring the Deftones on the cover alongside interviews and articles on a wide array of artists including Manic Street Preachers, Nia Archives, Chvrches, Horsegirl, Audrey Hobert, Charli XCX, and PISS. This eclecticism underscores the magazine’s commitment to showcasing performers who deliver compelling live experiences, regardless of genre.

Beyond artist profiles, the magazine offers in-depth editorial content such as essays on live performance dynamics, explorations of concert culture, and a feature called Craftnotes, which delves into how albums are adapted for the stage. Contributors include respected writers and photographers, with a creative direction that embraces a zine-like aesthetic, combining vibrant typography and experimental visuals to capture the energy of live shows.

Ewens notes that the magazine serves as a platform for artists to discuss not only their music but also the nuances of live collaboration and performance. This focus provides a fresh perspective within music journalism that complements digital media by offering a tactile, reflective experience aligned with the communal nature of live concerts.

Looking ahead, Shownotes plans to maintain its quarterly schedule with forthcoming issues scheduled for February and May 2024. The editorial team encourages music industry professionals to engage with the magazine as a venue for promoting live tours and supporting artist narratives beyond traditional album campaigns. The magazine’s independence from standard promotional cycles allows it to explore live music culture with greater freedom.

The initiative also carries a social mission to highlight affordable live music options, particularly important given the rising costs associated with stadium and arena shows. By championing grassroots venues, Shownotes aims to foster inclusivity and sustain the ecosystem of smaller live music spaces.

Among the grassroots venues celebrated by the team is London’s MOTH club, praised for its innovative programming and recent preservation from redevelopment threats, as well as The Joiners in Southampton, a venue with personal significance to Ewens. These venues exemplify the kind of community hubs that Shownotes seeks to support through its focused coverage and free distribution.

While details on future expansions remain limited, the launch of Shownotes marks a notable development in UK music journalism, marrying the immediacy of live performance with the enduring appeal of print media. Its emphasis on grassroots discovery and artist storytelling positions it as a vital resource for music fans eager to engage deeply with the live music experience.