Mesi-Media
There is something amazing happening in the world of music right now, and MESI-MEDIA are one of the good guys, doing there best to support local talent as best they can. Not only do they put on an annual festival, they also host an online radio station and they've just recently opened up a rehearsal studio to help local bands. We caught up with Emily, founder of all things MESI to find out how all this came about and why she did it in the first place.
EVO4: We're intrigued... A radio station, a studio and a festival... What made you start all this?
Well it all started in march 2012, I had finally found my love of music again after being a little lost... and I saw so much talent in such a short space of time in and around Ayrshire, I decided to start up MESi Radio to give these musicians a platform for their music to be heard online through radio. I wanted to help as many musicians I could, and help them gain the recognition they deserve. Music brought me back to life and has kept me going through the tough times. It's important to me that local music doesn't die because the mainstream scene to me is a complete farce... same sound, same lyrics just put in different places and I know from experience that independent musicians put everything they have into every song.
At the moment the scene in Scotland is booming and a lot of independent scottish bands have more opportunity to be heard with more gigs happening and folks like Tenement TV who do live sessions and video interviews. so there are alot of things happening in the industry in Scotland just now which are enabling more independent musicians to be heard.
I'm awaiting the music revolution where real music will come back to life like it used to be
EVO4: So how did the radio thing come about? Is this something you funded yourself?
Well the radio started in my home, just me doing shows and a few of my MESI family doing pre-recorded shows, it didn't cost much just the usual server, website nonsense but it has been a labour of love for the past 18 months and will continue to be. Red Door Records advertised through the station the first year which helped us get properly started with everything... It hit a few speed bumps along the way, but what business doesn't!
EVO4: So was the studio after the radio? And how did that come about?
I have just funded the new MESi Studios myself, it opened on Thursday last week, 1 rehearsal room at the moment. It will eventually be 2 with recording room going along with that. We have a tracking room for the time being. It is going well though, just another way for me to help the music grow in Ayrshire... If musicians dont have anywhere to practice there won't be gigs... I have funded a purspose built, high spec rehearsal room to enable musicians somewhere to feel free and to keep them ready for their gigs.
I did alot of research to be sure it was do-able, something that was wanted and needed in the area, which it was, and we have had quite a few musicians and bands who think its a great thing and thats all I want. As long as I can help musicians - even if its just a little - I will be happy
EVO4: And so finally to the festival question! How did that start, and do you have a team of people working with you?
Well, last year it was in McCabes in Largs, with the help of one of my dearest friends and colleagues Amanda Robinson. She was managing the bar at the time and let me put it on there, she helped with everything: booking of bands; running of the event; promotion. We both worked together really well and in my eyes it was a complete success. I didn't spend alot of money last year as I wasn't really in the position to do it but it was a free event for people to enjoy a full day of live music, had 12 different bands playing last year. This year I've had to downsize a little, and it's happening in Bakers in Kilmarnock this year, with 7 bands playing, but I'm paying them all and getting Smalltown Audio to do the sound for the evening as they are amazing guys who know what they are doing. The running of the event will be down to me and my partner Jordan, it is ticketed this year but at only £6.50 for so many wonderful bands is - I think - great value. It's also a secret but it's kinda a little belated birthday celebration to myself... from myself! 25th september is my birthday and having the festival on the last Saturday every September has been my little birthday secret! Well it was until now!
We'd love to thank Emily for taking the time to talk about MESI-MEDIA and we urge you to check out all the great things they are doing.
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