MSYP Matthew Quinn: 'Clear gap in market for Inverclyde music venue'

The post-pandemic years have led to an influx of new local bands who are ready to take on the world.

The talent of Inverclyde’s young people can be seen at sold-out shows for current bands such as The Wits (pictured), Bride, The Sketch and Ivory.

These unforgettable gigs almost always take place outside of Inverclyde. Glasgow venues such as Broadcast, King Tut’s and SWG3 have played host to many nights of Inverclyde entertainment over recent years.

Edinburgh has also seen representation from Inverclyde in venues such as Mash House and Sneaky Pete’s.

Whilst supporting many of these bands every step of the way, I have found myself questioning why young people who live in Inverclyde have to travel so far to see local talent.

Matthew Quinn (Image: George Munro)

Close relatives and those from older generations who I meet often speak of their nights at iconic Inverclyde venues such as the Cragburn or Janey’s.

Some of the musical acts they saw went on to become well-known across the globe.

This may have given the people of Inverclyde a claim to fame then but in modern times, Inverclyde’s young people can’t help but feel jealous of previous generations who were able to stay local to enjoy their favourite acts.

It begs the question, why couldn’t attractive music venues right here in Inverclyde thrive just as they used to?

The answer is they could. There is a clear gap in the market for a music venue made in Inverclyde, for Inverclyde’s young people to enjoy and if someone is prepared to build it, we will come.

Rather than spend money on train tickets to the big cities, entry to venues in the big cities and inevitably, food in the big cities, Inverclyde’s young people would be prepared to spend their money locally. This would undeniably benefit the local economy and create local jobs.

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I applaud Inverclyde Council’s investment in music services, protecting the service from cuts has allowed the talents of young people to prosper.

I also applaud the Scottish Government for making music lessons in schools tuition-free.

These decisions have allowed the up-and-coming generation to leave our mark on the music scenes of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Scotland as a whole.

Inverclyde lacks many things but the one thing we do not lack is talent.

It is time to harness that talent and bring the music scene back to Inverclyde.

Let us be the envy of the big cities rather than simply being a feeder for their tired music venues. Let us develop home-grown talent and present it to the world just as we did previously and let us make our presence known.

The worst thing young people can say is ‘that will never happen’ because if we work together nothing is out of our reach.

So let’s start reaching for the musical stars of the future because the musical giants of the past have played their part and now it’s our turn.