Are you part of a group, or a solo singer seeking to raise your profile?
If you’re looking to play more gigs nearby, check out the 10 must play places for bands and musicians in Southampton. From historic pubs to trendy bars and recording studios, there are so many great venues to target around the city.
10 must-play places for bands and musicians in Southampton
#1 The Frog and Frigate
Once referred to as Southampton’s legendary spit ‘n sawdust pub, this popular venue began life as a wharf building in the 1800s. It served as ships’ stores and chandlers amongst other things, before becoming a well known live music pub. Situated in Canute Road, opposite Southampton docks, in 1981 it became The Frog and Frigate & Dock Brewery Co. brewing its own real ales.
Affectionately known as The Frog, this small green pub quickly gained a reputation as a great live music venue. Customers are welcome to sing their heads off and even dance on the tables. Many well known local artists have performed at the Frog, with its friendly, fun atmosphere.
#2 Orange Rooms
Known locally as a bar and cocktail lounge, Orange Rooms hosts local musicians as well as live performers from around the world. Including Clean Bandit, Groove Armada and Ellie Goulding. It also features some fine DJ’s. The garden, known as Outside Orange, is a great place to enjoy a cocktail outdoors on a summer night while listening to live music. Lying in the heart of Bedford Place, it’s popular with students and a late-night young crowd who want to party and dance to house music. But it’s equally great as a place to chill out with one of the classic cocktails.
#3 River Studios Live Music Thursdays
An open mic and jam night that welcomes singers and musicians of all levels to perform acoustically, is a great way to be seen and to meet other singers and bands. Hosted by Ryan Saunders it takes place on a new outdoor stage on Thursday evenings. Presented by River Studios and MAS records, this gives an opportunity to showcase your music. And to network with other musicians.
#4 The Joiners
A former pub that makes for a great intimate gig, This is a gem of a live music venue featuring many new artists. Atmospheric with excellent music, The Joiners is known as one of the best live music venues in the south of England. It hosts some of the best bands and music acts, both long-established and new, up and coming artists. The pub, The Joiners Arms on St Mary’s Street, started having live acts in the backroom in 1968. Since then many notable bands have played at The Joiners. Including Arctic Monkeys, Band of Skulls, Muse, Oasis, The Kooks, and many more.
Southampton Music Scene
#5 Loft
A relatively new music venue, The Loft opened its doors in 2017 with performances from five local bands. It soon became well known in Southampton’s music scene, giving local performers a platform and attracting bands and singers from around the country.
A buzzing venue with a variety of music genres, and a 450 person capacity, The Loft has a relaxed approach to its gigs. It puts on some great shows and has an enthusiastic, lively customer base.
#6 The 1865
Located in Southampton’s city centre, this is a super destination venue for live music, comedy, DJ sets, and cabaret. It also holds private functions, so is perfect for EP and album launches. It has two bars and a mezzanine from which you can view the stage and dance floor. The 1865 is a major venue in the city. A full concert PA system, with a house sound engineer and top lighting rig, ensures that bands and performers can deliver great music and concerts.
#7 Music in the City festival
Founded over ten years ago, this has become a prestigious annual festival. Spread across twenty-two venues citywide, it presents all music genres, from pop to jazz, rock to classical, bands, singer/songwriters, brass bands, choirs, and soloists. Under the subheading of ‘music in unusual places,’ it gives musicians the opportunity to play in historic and iconic venues. Entrance to the festival is free.
#8 The Stage Door
In the heart of the city’s cultural quarter, the fringe theatre serves up live music, cabaret, burlesque, musicals and comedy. A unique and original entertainment venue, situated opposite the Guildhall and Civic Centre, The Stage Door brings a fresh approach to entertainment and regularly features local musicians.
#9 The Hobbit
The iconic pub is undergoing a huge revamp and transformation. This will include a new sound system, making it a great live music venue. The Hobbit will feature bands every Saturday and Sunday when it opens in June 2021. It used to be the Portswood Hotel but was later named after J. R. R. Tolkien’s book but the same name.
#10 The Platform Tavern
This thriving pub has built up a reputation for live music. The team bring acts from far away but strongly support local musicians, with a focus on original music. Situated opposite the Town Quay and dating back to 1873, the pub would have had a direct view of the Titanic in berth 44, and was the setting for a scene in James Cameron’s film.
Check with venue social media for open mic nights, or contact the person in charge of booking to see if you can arrange a gig. We hope to see you performing at one of these fantastic must play places for bands and musicians in Southampton soon.
Related Questions
How do I get involved in a local music scene?
Network with other musicians where possible – both online and in person. Use forums and Facebook groups to do so digitally. And look for opportunities to play at open mic nights, as well as signing up for competitions and events.
Where can musicians perform?
Open mic nights, pubs, festivals, busking and live streaming channels are the most popular ways for musicians to perform. This year you’ll find more outdoor venues like cafes, looking for live musicians too. So keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities.