Music Venue Trust and Drowned In Sound launch live music
A new chapter in UK music journalism is arriving on paper, offering a vibrant, deep dive into the live scene. The Music Venue Trust has partnered with Drowned In Sound to launch Shownotes, a brand new print publication dedicated to celebrating the raw energy and depth of live music across the United Kingdom.
Beginning in November, this highly anticipated publication will reach an audience of 50,000 copies. It will be distributed across more than 500 live music venues nationwide, ensuring that the celebration of the live music experience is as accessible and grassroots as the gigs themselves.
The launch is a testament to the power of grassroots support, made possible through a grant from the MVT, which champions the UK’s vibrant music community and is itself supported by the LIVE Trust.
The vision behind Shownotes is anchored by a team of accomplished creative minds. The title will be edited by writer and author Hannah Ewens, who brings deep experience from publications like Rolling Stone U.K and Vice. Overseeing the visual direction will be Raissa Pardini, a designer known for her work with legends like The Rolling Stones and Blur, alongside an all-female editorial team, including Edinburgh-based Arusa Qureshi and Negativland founder Kate Jeffrie.
The creative team believes there is a vital need for long-form, immersive storytelling in an era dominated by short-form video. Hannah Ewens noted that the concept of a magazine using the live experience as its lens is a perfect antidote to the often static and drained nature of current music journalism. She emphasized that beautifully written, intimate profiles and curious investigations still matter, offering fans something they can genuinely use to plan their next show.
Sean Adams of Drowned in Sound expressed hope that the content will inspire readers to look beyond their immediate algorithmic bubbles. His mission is to push fans to discover local scenes and explore diverse genres across the UK, encouraging more people to go to more gigs and experience the breadth of the live music world.
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