Red Stripe Guide to Live Music (Part 1): Intro - get serious about music

As any discerning music lover knows, Red Stripe lager has a long and illustrious connection with cutting edge acts over the years. From the reggae stars hailing from the beer's Jamaican homeland or stars closer to home such as The Clash's front-man Joe Strummer and Oasis' Noel Gallagher, the brand has become synonymous with great music.

Brewed under licence by Wells & Young's since 1976, the brand's profile has been greatly enhanced by a series of related music festivals and the famous Red Stripe Music Awards, which sees the winning band benefit from a range of support packages as they further their musical career.

This month will see The Publican in association with Red Stripe offering you a step-by-step guide to putting on music in your pub.

Venue

Do you want to put on music in your pub but are not sure if you have the right amount of space? Or the right kind of space? Not sure if you can put on music and still keep your neighbours happy? Our look at what set-up you'll need will help iron out any doubts, whether it's having enough room to house a group of musicians and their equipment as well as an audience, or getting the sound-proofing just right.

Legislation

As with anything to do with the pub trade, legal stuff plays its part these days and putting on bands is no exception. But don't worry! We will be offering advice on how to get that oh-so-important licence to host music nights and any other legal requirement that will leave you with the peace of mind you crave. The Red Stripe Guide to red tape!

Equipment

Having the best equipment you can afford will make all the difference to how the bands you put on in your pub sound. But you don't have to fit out your pub with walls of speakers and the most expensive mixing desk around. Our guide to the best equipment for your pub will steer you through the minefield of fold-back, backline, microphones and whether you need a stage or can get away with the floor in the corner of a room.

Promotion and marketing

OK, you've got all the gear and you've booked the latest hot act in town. What you need now is an audience. We will show you the best way to market your music events and promote individual bands so your pub gets the best audience, one that will recognise your venue as a centre for musical excellence - and keep coming back for more.

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Red Stripe has enjoyed a long and rich history with music; indeed, where there have been guitars and the will to rock n' roll, there has been the obligatory can of Red Stripe. From The Clash, to Oasis to The View, British bands have worn their association with the lager like a badge of honour, flaunting it on magazine covers and even in their own album sleeve notes.

Red Stripe's brand manager Paul Brazier says over the past three and a half decades Red Stripe has become clearly identified with good music and counterculture.

"Red Stripe has been associated with music since the emergence of reggae, punk and ska in the UK in the late 70s," he says.

"Red Stripe symbolises the discovery of something real and credible and is today used to signify that you are part of that youthful movement and spirit, recognising a brand that knows the 'cause' and, like them, wants to take on the majors with the attitude of a spirited amateur. 

"Distributed through great live music venues Red Stripe is name-checked by Kaiser Chiefs, Massive Attack and is requested at album launch parties by artists themselves."

Paul adds: "If you're serious about your live music experience then serving Red Stripe is essential due to it's rich and genuine history with music. At 4.7% it is provides a premium alternative to Stella, Kronenbourg and Heineken but is a bit more sessionable.

"Red Stripe draught and the can format, which is so iconic, are both showing good growth in the on-trade in a market that's down. The discovery of this famous brand across the UK is driving more and more loyalty."

As it is so synonymous with live music, Red Stripe is the perfect beer to accompany any music night. And with its help and through the pages of The Publican we'll show you the way to put on the perfect music event, building your pub's reputation as the home of great music - and great beer - in your local community.