Youngsters On The Scene

[Guest rachel]

Cant wait, will they be dark, young and handsome?

link

Of course Err.. leave it with me...

[Guest]

No younger faces on the scene and its dead within ten years. Simple as that.

How do attract them? Well, one answer is to stop acting like a bunch of dancing Victor Meldrews !

Seems for some it's about 'the scene' and not the music.

[chrissie]

Of course  Err.. leave it with me... 

link

Rachel - and one for me, although I am too old to need to be accompanied - I wouldn't mind one anyway

QOF

XX

[Guest]

No younger faces on the scene and its dead within ten years. Simple as that.

How do attract them? Well, one answer is to stop acting like a bunch of dancing Victor Meldrews !

Seems for some it's about 'the scene' and not the music.

link

Spot on Simon.

Steve

[Paulb]

So most people agree that new blood needs to be brought through, so the question is are promoters willing to get a younger crowd in. At the moment the only people being targetted for do's are the soulies already on the scene.

As for young un's taking the piss then I think thats rubbish. Never had one of my mates laugh or dance silly. I have, however, seen a gang of four blokes at the queens hall in stoke standing on the dance floor with pints, talking and generally taking the piss out of the dancing. So i dont think its fair to immediately presume that a gang of lads or lasses in their 20's are going to be hard work!!!

I really do feel that the time has come to start branching out in order to keep the scene alive. One person that i feel can do this is Chris Waterman. What better venue is there than CIS for your first all nighter! It somewhere that already attracts a younger crowd so it wont be off putting, ie, twelve fat blokes in vests "quick, sup up lads, we're off", and it really is a fantastic venue with a cracking atmosphere.

And if someone starts dicking around then all it takes is a quick word and it will soon stop. And lets face it, only someone with something about them will turn up to a northern night anyway. Cant see your average townie being interested in such an event!

[Little-stevie]

I think we should have youngsters on the scene otherwise it will eventually die.  My mate Emma who is just 22, she loved the music - which she got into through a friend, once she didnt see that friend anymore she didnt know where to go but she visited Vivo and coz of Dave Greenhill's friendliness and others chatting to her, made her feel at home, not many other scenes do that.  She is now popular on the scene and I believe thorough enjoying herself - even though she has to put up with me!  We do need more people like that so our music and clubs can live on, and so can the people, who are no longer with us, who brought us this can be remembered so what they gave us. 

Now we will sing verse 101! 

P.s. dance floor courtesy - us who have it, have respect for others,  them who don't are just selfish idiots!  :angry:

link

Not tooooooooo bothered about young guys coming onto the scene..More young ladies please Only joking.... love to see new blood,it takes me back to when i fell over after two pints and thought with my d"ck and not my head(sounds like this year at Prestatyn )...Bring on the young folk but not tooooooooo many at once,it will upset SOME SEASONED VETRANS...Good post Paul....Its all about the music aint it..or is that you don't feel cool dancing next to a bloke who looks like you're dad

[Guest]

As for young un's taking the piss then I think thats rubbish.

Paul,

Assuming that your above comment relates to my post, read it again mate. I was being sarcastic and commenting on the double standards that exist on the scene.

The post was pro new blood, not against it, but I was giving my opinion as to why

some people may not favour it.

As other posters have said there is no long term future for NS without new blood, be it venues or collecting on the current scale.

Dave Abbot posts about him approaching 40 - imo there aren't enough people Daves age around to sustain the scene, let alone 20-25 year olds.

Promoters in general should be looking at this, if they are in it for the long term, but the main problem is the attitude of some of the older set and which Simon White commented on so succinctly in his post.

Steve

[Paulb]

Wasn't reffering to you mate.

[Dave]

So most people agree that new blood needs to be brought through, so the question is are promoters willing to get a younger crowd in. At the moment the only people being targetted for do's are the soulies already on the scene.

As for young un's taking the piss then I think thats rubbish. Never had one of my mates laugh or dance silly. I have, however, seen a gang of four blokes at the queens hall in stoke standing on the dance floor with pints, talking and generally taking the piss out of the dancing. So i dont think its fair to immediately presume that a gang of lads or lasses in their 20's are going to be hard work!!!

I really do feel that the time has come to start branching out in order to keep the scene alive. One person that i feel can do this is Chris Waterman. What better venue is there than CIS for your first all nighter! It somewhere that already attracts a younger crowd so it wont be off putting, ie, twelve fat blokes in vests "quick, sup up lads, we're off", and it really is a fantastic venue with a cracking atmosphere.

And if someone starts dicking around then all it takes is a quick word and it will soon stop. And lets face it, only someone with something about them will turn up to a northern night anyway. Cant see your average townie being interested in such an event!

link

That's a very good summary, Paul.

You are right...the real question is - how do we actively go about attracting more youngsters to try and avoid Dave Abbot's vision? (and I happen to think Dave will be proven right if things don't change quite drastically)

I said on another thread that the most youngstersI have seen has been at the CIS nighters and you have mentioned the quality of the venue. Is that the major factor that has attracted yourself and other youngsters?

Thinking about it, I have taken my sons to certain well appointed venues but there are other places that I go to without giving it a thought, where I know they wouldn't want to go.

Look at the difference between the social club/hall type places that we all attend from time to time and the multitude of plush music bars/clubs that are available to the early 20's and you can see which is going to be the most attractive to anyone with no great musical preference....chicken and egg situation cos if you don't get em in they aint gonna hear and grow to love the music!

Promoting venues and indeed the scene with free CDs is another good idea....god knows they are cheap enough to knock out.....so why not take the risk of giving a few out with flyers IN ADVANCE of an event, not just on the door

Dave

[Guest Baz]

Maybe if there were more 20 - 35 year old Soul d.j's around more young people would follow....................it's just a thought, I follow the more mature d.j's such as Steve Guarnori

link

Ain`t no 20year old millionairs,or not many!so that counts them out,plus they aint gonna put up with all the brown nosin that go`s off to get a set in the first place,plus they`ll still be payin` for there education,not like most of us oldies

link

im 25 do a bit of spinning every now and then and no f**kin way would i brown nose to get a spot i would rather keep my records to myself and not share them out loud i would hope you get to spin records for whats in your collection not how far you can get you nose up a promoters rear

[Guest]

Wasn't reffering to you mate. 

link

[Guest Baz]

im 25 do a bit of spinning every now and then and no f**kin way would i brown nose to get a spot i would rather keep my records to myself and not share them out loud i would hope you get to spin records for whats in your collection not how far you can get you nose up a promoters rear

link

forgot smilies

[Paulb]

These nice venues are ten a penny round manchester Dave. Most people would rather go there than to a social club and listen to northern. But id put money on there being more than a few who are sick of these commercial clubs, full of idiots accusing you of looking at their birds, etc.

There's a northern, motown, 60's night in town thats packed every week. Reason why, its something different. You dont get a chance to hear these sounds anywhere so people go there to have a dance etc.

I dont think the only reason my mates like CIS is because of the venue. but its always nice to be at a big, tidy venue.

Took them down to the twisted wheel the other friday and they loved it there too and thats a million miles from CIS type of venue.

They love the music and the friendlieness of the people. This is a topic i feel very pasionately about and know that there's a market for this.

As the line in the film goes..."if you build it, they will come!"

[Dave]

These nice venues are ten a penny round manchester Dave. Most people would rather go there than to a social club and listen to northern. But id put money on there being more than a few who are sick of these commercial clubs, full of idiots accusing you of looking at their birds, etc.

There's a northern, motown, 60's night in town thats packed every week. Reason why, its something different. You dont get a chance to hear these sounds anywhere so people go there to have a dance etc.

I dont think the only reason my mates like CIS is because of the venue. but its always nice to be at a big, tidy venue.

Took them down to the twisted wheel the other friday and they loved it there too and thats a million miles from CIS type of venue.

They love the music and the friendlieness of the people. This is a topic i feel very pasionately about and know that there's a market for this.

As the line in the film goes..."if you build it, they will come!"

link

I'm sure you are right Paul, about there being plenty who are sick of what goes with commercial clubs....thing is, unless they've got a soulie mate such as you, how do they get to know about our scene?

Edited May 12, 2005 by Dave

[Guest]

Tell your mates to ask if they are unsure of etiquette, rules, records, titles etc. The scene has always been the friendliest and most people would be pleased to be asked for their advice from a young 'un.

link

[Guest ShaneH]

You have to remember that SEX plays a big part in most young people's lives on a Saturday night. This is not something the Northern scene can offer in the same way city clubs can.

Can someone confirm to me the average age at Wigan in its heyday?

Also, can a casino regular inform us what the attitude would have been towards people the same age has their parents sharing dancefloor space?

Shane

[Len]

Being one of the younger soulies im all for a younger crowd coming onto he scene. This is happening at new century and steve cato's out of sight night but i think that in order to get them interested promoters need to look at their target areas. The only way you can find out about a soul night/all nighter is by picking up a flyer at another night, or through websites like this.

Last sat me and a friend flyered for Chris Waterman for the once uopn a ..... night and we gave them to people we thought would like it.

The flyers weren't the best but we managed to get a few coming in. I watched a group of four lads in their mid 20's just sit down with a pint and didn't take their eyes off the dance floor as though they could'nt believe a night like that existed. I had a chat to them later on and they loved it and said they'd be down for the nighter.

But on the flipside, do the older gang want this to happen, ie, people getting in the way and not understanding the unwritten rules of the dance floor, or are the same people willing to show them the ropes and explain the do's and donts in order for the music to live on.

All my mates love the CIS and now come every month and thats just through me telling them about it. So if the younger crowd were targetted with flyers or posters IMO it would benefit the world of northern soul and give people the chance to hear the best music in the world.

What

does everyone think?

On the whole the Soul scene has never been welcoming to younger people ie 'Didn't go to Wigan' etc etc Now at last people are realising that is just what it needs. I hope its not too late...

Len (At 34 years old still one iof the yougsters!!!)

[Paulb]

I'm sure you are right Paul, about there being plenty who are sick of what goes with commercial clubs....thing is, unless they've got a soulie mate such as you, how do they get to know about our scene?

link

My point exactly Dave. How are these people ever going to find out about northern soul?

[Paulb]

You have to remember that SEX plays a big part in most young people's lives on a Saturday night. This is not something the Northern scene can offer in the same way city clubs can.

Can someone confirm to me the average age at Wigan in its heyday?

Also, can a casino regular inform us what the attitude would have been towards people the same age has their parents sharing dancefloor space?

Shane

link

But thats where the soul scene is different. Its about the music. Not birds, or beer!

Can you imagine the look on a girls face when you're having a chat, things are looking good, then the moment you've been dredding happens...... a song you love comes on! "Just wait there for 2 1/2 mins love"

[Guest uroffal]

That's a very good summary, Paul.

You are right...the real question is - how do we actively go about attracting more youngsters to try and avoid Dave Abbot's vision? (and I happen to think Dave will be proven right if things don't change quite drastically)

I said on another thread that the most youngstersI have seen has been at the CIS nighters and you have mentioned the quality of the venue. Is that the major factor that has attracted yourself and other youngsters?

Thinking about it, I have taken my sons to certain well appointed venues but there are other places that I go to without giving it a thought, where I know they wouldn't want to go.

Look at the difference between the social club/hall type places that we all attend from time to time and the multitude of plush music bars/clubs that are available to the early 20's and you can see which is going to be the most attractive to anyone with no great musical preference....chicken and egg situation cos if you don't get em in they aint gonna hear and grow to love the music!

Promoting venues and indeed the scene with free CDs is another good idea....god knows they are cheap enough to knock out.....so why not take the risk of giving a few out with flyers IN ADVANCE of an event, not just on the door

Dave

Venues are cetainly going to be an issue with a younger crowd along with a number of other factors.

I'm also not sure that a niter is the ideal event for bringing younger people onto the scene. I do think one of the major problems is that there is now no 'natural' breeding grounds for new blood. Many of the 'younger' people currently on the scene (late 30s early 40s) will have come from the Mod revival and Scooterist movements of the late '70s early '80s where by '81/'82 the music policy was almost entirely 'northern', but these events tended to be 8 - 3am at most with a late bar. There were fewer senior 'scene' members and, perhaps a less cliquey atmosphere, which allowed the music and the event to be enjoyed by a younger crowd not concerned with whether they 'fitted' in or not. Many of those people, certainly in London, started to attend 100 club niters and beyond thereafter.

Perhaps we need to find a formula for a new 'natural' breeding ground for young people to be introduced to the music first and foremost and then target those who are genuinely interested in taking it further to niters?

link

[Dave]

You have to remember that SEX plays a big part in most young people's lives on a Saturday night. This is not something the Northern scene can offer in the same way city clubs can.

Can someone confirm to me the average age at Wigan in its heyday?

Also, can a casino regular inform us what the attitude would have been towards people the same age has their parents sharing dancefloor space?

Shane

link

Fair points there Shane.

Surely they are not all out on the pull though....some must be in couples and perhaps prefer not to have the "chatting up" business.

I would guess that most of the Casino punters mid 70's were 17-23 and obviously it was easier to fit into that sort of scene, but we've got to accept that's no longer the case by a long chalk and find a way for it to happen.

Like we've said it's happened at CIS

[Guest uroffal]

My point exactly Dave. How are these people ever going to find out about northern soul?

link

This would require marketing and media attention. The problem then will be that most of the scene will complain about the media and about the number students/ trendy wannabes at events because they read about it in [insert name of favourite 'trendy' magazine here]!

[Guest rachel]

But thats where the soul scene is different. Its about the music. Not birds, or beer!

Can you imagine the look on a girls face when you're having a chat, things are looking good, then the moment you've been dredding happens...... a song you love comes on!    "Just wait there for 2 1/2 mins love" 

link

It is different.. so it will never appeal to the majority but will to people looking for something different from the mainstream, as someone already said, people who are more interested in music, friendship etc than in a quick sh*g and drinking themselves silly every weekend.

ps if it was a fellow soulie the look on their face would be understanding

[Guest ShaneH]

But thats where the soul scene is different. Its about the music. Not birds, or beer!

Can you imagine the look on a girls face when you're having a chat, things are looking good, then the moment you've been dredding happens...... a song you love comes on!    "Just wait there for 2 1/2 mins love" 

link

exactly Paul. Its not about birds as you say but would you have the same opinion if you was single? Would you be happy to go to a soul do every friday and Saturday and go home alone? I know its the music that counts most but you have to strike a balance in life imo. I love the soul scene but we all know that sacrifices have to be made. Its a very demanding scene and takes a lot of dedication to participate on a regular basis. The travelling, the lack of sleep, spaced out at work on a Monday are all factors that have to be considered. Its not as straight forward as trip to the local on a Friday night.

Shane

[Paulb]

This would require marketing and media attention. The problem then will be that most of the scene will complain about the media and about the number students/ trendy wannabes at events because they read about it in [insert name of favourite 'trendy' magazine here]!

link

Im talking about getting people flyering in town or putting up posters, not having a northern special on granada tonight.

You might get the odd trendy coming in, but they wont hang around long.

If nothing is done and people dont change their ways then like Dan said, it will be dead in ten years. Thats the bottom line!

[Dave]

This would require marketing and media attention. The problem then will be that most of the scene will complain about the media and about the number students/ trendy wannabes at events because they read about it in [insert name of favourite 'trendy' magazine here]!

link

Then does it need a promoter to set out to attract new blood and make it clear that's what a given event is about?.....and if the once-a-month oldies brigade don't like it....they can stay away.

Certain promoters have had the courage of their convictions and approached music policy in this way.....why not "audience policy"?

[Paulb]

exactly Paul. Its not about birds as you say but would you have the same opinion if you was single? Would you be happy to go to a soul do every friday and Saturday and go home alone? I know its the music that counts most but you have to strike a balance in life imo. I love the soul scene but we all know that sacrifices have to be made. Its a very demanding scene and takes a lot of dedication to participate on a regular basis. The travelling, the lack of sleep, spaced out at work on a Monday are all factors that have to be considered. Its not as straight forward as trip to the local on a Friday night.

Shane

link

Why do you do it week in week out then? Because you love it and its not like a normal night out Shane. It gets inside you and then its game over.

Rachel summed it up about wanting something different and my guess is there are a few people out there after that.

[Guest uroffal]

Im talking about getting people flyering in town or putting up posters, not having a northern special on granada tonight. 

You might get the odd trendy coming in, but they wont hang around long.

If nothing is done and people dont change their ways then like Dan said, it will be dead in ten years. Thats the bottom line!

link

Did you mean grandad tonite

Seriously, I wasn't suggesting that as such, but rather some smaller press (youth market) advertising and articles/attention - that way perhaps people who are interested in an alternative to beer/fags/shag nights might come along.

If simple flyering and posters will work then great!

[Guest uroffal]

Then does it need a promoter to set out to attract new blood and make it clear that's what a given event is about?.....and if the once-a-month oldies brigade don't like it....they can stay away.

Certain promoters have had the courage of their convictions and approached music policy in this way.....why not "audience policy"?

link

Yes, I think that is what's required to certain extent and I think its music policy would need to be tailored - to a degree - to that audience. They would have to hear at least a few things that would be familiar to them (okay, I know we'd all hate to hear the same old tried and tested 'oldies' and stuff that's been used on adverts, but if they half recognise some of the tunes it'll keep them happy whilst learning new ones). I think a lot of the stuff played is an aquired taste anyway and it takes a while at least to appreciate.

[Guest woolie mark]

what about nuns at allniters?

i'm in favour

[Little-stevie]

Don't need to be a millionaire to buy records (and as an aside, you don't have to buy records to be into the scene)... and all you need to get a set in the first place is some good tunes and someone to give you a chance, wouldn't want to DJ for anyone who required 'brown nosing' of any sort.

link

So the offer to sleep with me was not just to get a spot at the Ducie Only joking ....Keep the brown nosed gang away from me ...We have hold out the hand of freindship to young blood...When i was 18 i was given a chance to play some tunes for half hour and a pint of bitter..I was looked after by some real nice people,i will never forget that and do the same now...Aint got any bitter but i have some sweeties

Michael Jackson said "beat it".....I did and it worked

[Guest rachel]

So the offer to sleep with me was not just to get a spot at the Ducie   Only joking ....Keep the brown nosed gang away from me ...We have hold out the hand of freindship to young blood...When i was 18 i was given a chance to play some tunes for half hour and a pint of bitter..I was looked after by some real nice people,i will never forget that and do the same now...Aint got any bitter but i have some sweeties

Michael Jackson said  "beat it".....I did and it worked

link

In your dreams dear...

Actually had a 'discussion' last year with a fairly high profile mod DJ who claimed that women only got to DJ on the northern scene if they had certain 'attributes' or offered promoters certain 'favours'.. p*ssed me off a lot

Anyway, that's veering off-topic, it's great that there are people like you who give the same sort of chances and friendship that you were given

[Guest in town Mikey]

what about nuns at allniters?

i'm in favour

link

Well I always get nun.

Does that count??

[Guest Rowly]

Can't see a major problem with the ettiquette thing.... I'ts normally that they're just unaware of it.

Surely it's easy enough to print up a few posters and have them blue tacked round the walls.... or even some small flyers that can be left o nr the tables with the milions of others advertising forthcoming nights!

Something along the lines of

PLEASE NOTE - CLUB POLICY

out of respect for others can we politely request every one observes the following:-

1) No drinks on the dance floor

2) No smoking on the dance floor

3) No Loitering on the dance floor.... either dance or f*** off out of the way so someone else who wants to can!

See? Simple innit!!?!?!

Edited May 12, 2005 by Rowly

[Bigsoulman]

Can't see a major problem with the ettiquette thing.... I'ts normally that they're just unaware of it.

Surely it's easy enough to print up a few posters and have them blue tacked round the walls.... or even some small flyers that can be left o nr the tables with the milions of others advertising forthcoming nights!

Something along the lines of

PLEASE NOTE - CLUB POLICY

out of respect for others can we politely request every one observes the following:-

1) No drinks on the dance floor

2) No smoking on the dance floor

3) No Loitering on the dance floor.... either dance or f*** off out of the way so someone else who wants to can!

See? Simple innit!!?!?! 

link

F****n spot on mate

[Guest Baz]

Can't see a major problem with the ettiquette thing.... I'ts normally that they're just unaware of it.

Surely it's easy enough to print up a few posters and have them blue tacked round the walls.... or even some small flyers that can be left o nr the tables with the milions of others advertising forthcoming nights!

Something along the lines of

PLEASE NOTE - CLUB POLICY

out of respect for others can we politely request every one observes the following:-

1) No drinks on the dance floor

2) No smoking on the dance floor

3) No Loitering on the dance floor.... either dance or f*** off out of the way so someone else who wants to can!

See? Simple innit!!?!?! 

link

while were at we can employ a load of mindless gorilas to make sure poeple stick to these rules

[Guest Rowly]

while were at we can employ a load of mindless gorilas to make sure poeple stick to these rules   

link

No need - self policing! If you see some one breaking the rules thrust a flyer in their hand or point to nearest poster - with a nice friendly smile on your face.

If the culprit doesn't get the message - drag them into a corner and kick the living shit out of them. In a friendly manner like, of course!

[Citizen P]

Can't see a major problem with the ettiquette thing.... I'ts normally that they're just unaware of it.

Surely it's easy enough to print up a few posters and have them blue tacked round the walls.... or even some small flyers that can be left o nr the tables with the milions of others advertising forthcoming nights!

Something along the lines of

PLEASE NOTE - CLUB POLICY

out of respect for others can we politely request every one observes the following:-

1) No drinks on the dance floor

2) No smoking on the dance floor

3) No Loitering on the dance floor.... either dance or f*** off out of the way so someone else who wants to can!

See? Simple innit!!?!?! 

link

Just like the Old Spiderman mural at The Carlton in Warrington

(OK Spiderman, If you don't wanna Dance-- Piss Off)

Who remembers that??

Tony

[Guest Baz]

If the culprit doesn't get the message - drag them into a corner and kick the living shit out of them.  In a friendly manner like, of course! 

link

[Reg]

But thats where the soul scene is different. Its about the music. Not birds, or beer!

Mmmm, to a certain extent Paul but I think your few weeks off the scene are affecting your memory...

[Guest Jamie]

I'm with you, Reg

[Guest Baz]

soul and beer go together very well in my book

[Guest kid mohair]

soul and beer go together very well in my book

link

beer?????????????

[Guest Baz]

beer?????????????

link

yes please

[Gary]

beer?????????????

link

Single Malt is the drink with soul my friends

[Gary]

But beer will do

[Guest Baz]

But beer will do

link

beer followed by a single malt

[Guest]

Can't see a major problem with the ettiquette thing.... I'ts normally that they're just unaware of it.

Surely it's easy enough to print up a few posters and have them blue tacked round the walls.... or even some small flyers that can be left o nr the tables with the milions of others advertising forthcoming nights!

Something along the lines of

PLEASE NOTE - CLUB POLICY

out of respect for others can we politely request every one observes the following:-

1) No drinks on the dance floor

2) No smoking on the dance floor

3) No Loitering on the dance floor.... either dance or f*** off out of the way so someone else who wants to can!

See? Simple innit!!?!?! 

link

communist!,twat

[Gary]

beer followed by a single malt 

link

Baz, you are almost a god

Edited May 12, 2005 by Gary

[Guest Baz]

Baz, you are almost a god

link

only almost