Welcome to the latest edition of Six Questions With..., a regular short and sharp interview with a live music figure. Email jhanley@nbmedia.com if you would like to take part or recommend someone for inclusion.
This week's Q&A is with Andy Carr, co-promoter of Twisterella, Middlesbrough's multi-venue music festival for emerging artists. The next edition will take place on Saturday, October 13, with headliners The Blinders, Estrons and Bryde.
What was your first job in music?
Aside from paying in some dodgy indie bands as a kid my first real role is the one I still have now and that’s as a promoter. I also book for other events including Stockton Calling.
How long have you been in your current role?
I set up The Kids Are Solid Gold with my business partner Phil Carey back in 2007. Phil deals with the financial aspects and I handle the bookings. We then teamed up with Henry Carden to set up Twisterella Festival & Conference. Twisterella is now in its fifth year and it’s going from strength to strength. It’s built up a particularly loyal following and that brings with it great expectation which is something we’re very comfortable with. It’s such a great event with an incredible buzz about it.
What is your favourite thing about working in the live music industry?
Live shows and all that goes with them. From welcoming the acts and working with the venue teams to ensuring that the show progresses smoothly. I then love it when acts and the crowd make that connection followed by the post-gig buzz from exhilarated punters at a busy merch desk at the end of the night. Can’t beat it.
What is the one thing you would like to change about the business?
Secondary ticketing and all that goes with it.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Catfish & The Bottlemen and me getting turfed out of a local pub for putting flyers out before their first Westgarth SC show. Aside from that, seeing Mumford & Sons joined on stage by First Aid Kit and The Vaccines for their headline set at Glastonbury was a proud moment after having previously promoted a number of shows by each of them earlier in their careers.
What's the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Grandaddy. The Sophtware Slump tour at Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Absolutely life-affirming. To then get the opportunity to promote a date on their most recent UK tour was a dream come true.
