Why independent venues matter: Punk duo Big Special on the role of grassroots spaces in music

Independent venues are where many artists take their first steps. They provide a stage, build music communities and help grassroots talent reach wider audiences.

Independent Venue Week (IVW) exists to celebrate these spaces and the people who run them. PPL supports IVW as part of its commitment to championing music creators. Without independent venues, many artists would struggle to get their start.

At this year’s IVW, PPL hosted a Q&A with Birmingham duo Big Special at Hare & Hounds, King’s Heath. The venue has welcomed many a local legend – including UB40’s first ever gig in 1979 – and in its current form has been a thriving live music space since 2007.

Big Special, made up of Joe Hicklin and Callum Moloney, spoke about the role of independent venues in their rise, the Birmingham music scene and the challenges emerging artists face today.

Why independent venues matter

The duo know first-hand how important these venues are. Before gaining national attention, they built their name playing small venues across the UK.

“I never went out of Birmingham playing music for the first 13 years [of my music career], so if those weren’t there… I wouldn’t have had gigs,” Joe said, reflecting on his career before forming Big Special in 2020. The pair were friends growing up but played in separate bands – Joe as a poet/frontman and Callum a drummer.

Callum added: “Venues are closing all over the gaff – ones we played as kids when we were struggling. It’s important to remember the ones that are there and still going. They are pushing through the best bands on the scene.

“People thrive to the local cool thing that isn’t just a brand being thrown at them – people want to be a part of it.”

Big Special are no strangers to Hare & Hounds, where they’ve played multiple times. They’ll return on 27 March as part of their UK tour.

The Birmingham music scene

Birmingham has long produced great artists, but many feel the city doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

“Anyone from Birmingham would agree that [new bands] don’t seem to be pushed outwards as much as other places, but it’s still there, it’s bubbling away,” Joe said.

Despite this, independent venues in the city continue to support emerging artists. Places like Hare & Hounds, The Sunflower Lounge and The Victoria remain key to keeping the local scene alive.

“This week isn’t just to mourn the venues we’re losing,” Callum said. “It’s to drive people and remind them they exist and to get going.”

Making an album, building momentum

Big Special also spoke about their debut album, ‘Postindustrial Hometown Blues’, which was released to widespread acclaim in May 2024.

“The most important moment was putting this album out,” Joe explained. “We came up with this Big Special idea and worked on it for a long time… now we get to put out the full vision, and the people got it – both locally and further afield.”

With national tours, critical acclaim and a growing fanbase, Big Special are a band on the rise. But, as they made clear, none of it would have been possible without the independent venues that gave them a start.

Independent Venue Week shows take place in various venues nationally until 2 February.