Last night Backstage Vancouver held an hour-long Round Table at The Railway Club to “discuss the various challenges we all face in our roles in the independent music industry, and how we can work towards improving it.”

For its very first run it was quite well attended and some great discussions were had. Topics included: audience turnout, promoting shows, the Vancouver music scene itself, venues… and there were some new and exciting ideas presented.

Opinions and suggestions were made regarding camaraderie between bands on the bill, consistency, variety and professionalism.

Heavy emphasis was laid on the idea of early shows (and although I did not speak on this at the time, it reminded me of THIS article) and how venues and bands can work together to bring in a bigger audience.

This is the first of MANY future round tables that will start in the new year, if you are a BAND, a VENUE, a PROMOTER or anyone involved in the music scene in Vancouver, it is highly recommended that you come out and join the discussion.

Keep an eye out for the next round table and the podcast of the last discussion, which should be out soon.

(all images copyright Christine McAvoy)