MOR22870807: (Unit 3) Rehearsal Venues

13/10/23

Unit 3 - Rehearsal Venues

Venue One: Sound Haven Studios

The first venue I've chosen is Sound Haven. It's a music studio which offers three different, spacious rehearsal rooms in Unit 25 SA1 8DB. As stated on their website 'each room is acoustically treated and soundproofed'. Each individual room contains a three microphone PA system and a drum kit is available too, albeit without cymbals. The venue has a lot of different options costs-wise which can vary depending on peak hours and whether you're attending as a solo artist or a full band. It also contains a load-in which is stair free, making it easily accessible if you're bringing instruments also.
Pros
One pro of this venue is the stair-less load-in. This can make such a difference accessibility wise and make setting up much more efficient so no time is wasted out of the hours you've paid. None of the rooms are far from the entrance itself and if you arrive early with no participants jamming before you, you're often allowed to partake in your session early.
Another great aspect of Sound Haven is the varity of rooms, with three different options this ensures you're more likely to get a time slot instead of waiting days for your turn. This is a really positive aspect as you might need a rehearsal space short notice and with all their rooms, they are more likely to have space for you compared to perhaps other venues.
I also really like that it's so accessible. There's a big parking lot and it's in a close walking distance of many different public transports meaning even if you don't/can't drive, there are alternative ways for you to get there. The venue is also near a McDonalds and Starbucks so there's no issue for food or hydration.
Cons
A con that Sound Haven has is their lack of social media. As a business, online media is a great way to promote yourselves however Sound Haven only have Facebook and Instagram which they don't appear to use all that often unless it's to reply about booking a rehearsal time slot.
Another disadvantage to musicians is their strict rule of being tidyed up and out of the room on the dot. I can't say for sure how adamant they are about this rule however, whenever I've attended rehearsals there, I've seen multiple signs and a digital clock in each room stating you must be finished with the room on time, not 5 minutes after. I understand this as a business so they can keep a constant system however, as a musician this can prove to be slightly stressful in some situations.

Costs

For a full band rehearsal for an hour it would cost £12.50 during peak hours and £10 in off-peak hours. Alternatively, as a solo artist, it would cost £7.50 during peak times or £5 off peak per hour. I've included a photo of the full price list below.

Website Link: https://www.soundhavenstudios.co.uk/

Full Address: Unit 25, SA1 Business Park, Swansea, SA1 8DB.

Email: info@soundhavenstudios.co.uk

Mobile Number: 07482419458

Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 12PM - Midnight

Saturday - Sunday: 10AM - Midnight

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundhavenstudios

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundhavenstudios/

Venue Two: Future Blood Pontardawe Arts Centre

Pontardawe Arts Centre is the second venue I've chosen. They have a class on on Mondays where they welcome young people ages 14-21 to use their venue space as a free rehearsal place for 3 hours. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a band, all you need to do is contact the man in charge, Rich Thair. It's a great space to practice and build your skill without having to cash out loads of money, I've even personally been there and can say it's a great environment that pushes and teaches you to succeed.
Pros
An obvious advantage of Pontardawe Arts Centre is that it's free to rehearse. This makes it a great opportunity for young bands especially if you don't have your own money to regularly be spending.
Another pro is how Future Blood hosts an event about once a year where every artist within the group is given the chance to showcase their talent and perform their own set in front of an audience. This provides great experience especially if you're just starting out on what gigs can be like but in a supportive environment.
A final positive note that I've noticed is how sociable it is in the venue. I've attended many times knowing no one except one band yet by the end of the session I find myself talking to all different kinds of people. it's a great way not only to make friends with common interests but to also begin making connections within the local music scene.
Cons
One clear con with this venue is that you have set rehearsal times. This means you can't have any last minute jam sessions before performances and you have to make the most of the short time you have once a week as that's the only chance you'll get.
Another con I'd like to comment on is that due to the amount of musicians who attend, you sometimes have to wait your turn for the rehearsal rooms. This means for a good chunk of your time attending you could simply be sat talking to others meaning once you're in that rehearsal room, your limited time is very valuable.

Costs

To use the Pontardawe Arts Centre it's free as long as you contact the centre and let them know you, as a professional artist, would like to join their sessions.

Website Link: https://pontardaweartscentre.com/take-part-classes-activities/music/

Full Address: Pontardawe Arts Centre, Herbert Street, Pontardawe, SA8 4ED.

The centres email: pontardawe.boxoffice@npt.gov.uk

Future Bloods email: futureblood@outlook.com

Mobile Number: 01792863722

Future Blood Opening Times: Monday 6 - 9PM

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PontardaweArtsCentre/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PontardaweArts/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ponty.artscentre?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr0m-Dl5B1T_4wSThi69IWA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FPontardaweArts

Venue Three: Hot Jam Studios

The final rehearsal venue I've chosen is Hot Jam Studios in CF31 3EB. It's a music studio in Bridgend where they provide rehearsal rooms, recording studios, music lessons and services for your instruments. They have two different rehearsal rooms to choose from called the 'Live Room' and 'Studio B' with the former being preferable for bigger bands. What I love about this venue is the website states that they provide free parking, wifi and accept different payment forms which can often be an issue when in a group. Online you can use their website to access their convenient calendar that shows the times and availability of each upcoming day.
Pros
A great aspect of this venue is the variety of activities they offer. Not only do they provide rehearsal rooms but also things like music lessons should you want or need them. It's great having so many opportunities in the same place as something like an emergency instrument repair can be vital to maintain the rehearsal.
Another pro is the free parking and wifi, whilst many others venue offer these commodities as 'add-ons' Hot Jam Studios provides it alongside your rehearsal at no extra cost. The free parking makes the venue accessible and let's be honest, no-one wants to sit for hours with no wifi.
A final pro is their online calendar. I really love this feature of their website as it's simple and easy to use. It shows each day and what times are taken or free. You can then book your chosen time from there. This is especially great for those with anxiety or just don't enjoy texting as you don't have to book through those who run it personally.
Cons
My first con for this venue is it's location. As I live in Swansea, a venue such as this in Bridgend could prove to be difficult to commute to routinely. As a student who doesn't drive also, getting to the location and back could prove to be even more difficult.
My other issue is the price. Despite not being unreasonable, compared to other, closer venues, the price to use this venue is slightly less cost efficient than its competitors. When you revise the costs to get to the venue plus how to hire it, it appears inconvenient in comparison to others.
Costs

The 'Live Room' is better suited for large bands and is £15 per hour meanwhile 'Studio B', their other room, is perfect for groups of up to 4 and only £13 per hour.