The threat to the UK’s independent music venues has never been stronger. The cost-of-living crisis has made going out an expense that many live music fans can no longer afford; combine that with skyrocketing energy bills and a dwindling touring circuit, and venues are struggling to keep their doors open.
All of this was reflected in the Music Venue Trust’s 2025 annual report, which found that more than half of the UK’s grassroots music venues (GMVs) failed to make any profit in 2025. The impact on the industry has been stark: 30 venues permanently closed their doors last year and a total of 6,000 jobs (around 20 per cent of the industry workforce) were lost.
The Music Venue Trust has been working to raise awareness and support, most recently with Everywhere At once, a nationwide celebration of grassroots live music presented by Music Venue Trust and the National Lottery, which is running from 26-28 June (the weekend typically occupied by Glastonbury.
This summer, The Independent has teamed up once more with the Music Venue Trust, the charity organisation founded in 2014 to help protect and support Britain’s grassroots music venues, to relaunch its Main Stage initiative.
Initially running for a year in 2024, the Main Stage programme will see The Independent championing grassroots music venues across the UK. During this time, the campaign will highlight how small, independent venues like these play integral roles in shaping our future stars – having provided early stages for everyone from Lewis Capaldi to Stormzy, Adele to Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Olivia Dean – as well as how these venues are serving their respective communities.
Each fortnight this summer, The Independent will highlight one grassroots venue from the UK, speaking to the people who help to run them about the highs and hardships that come with being in charge of these vital music spaces.
Each of the eight venues selected will be the subject of an article in The Independent, £5,000 worth of ad inventory, and design assets that they can use in their comms and marketing, highlighting that they're a Main Stage picked venue.
Mark Davyd, MVT’s founder and CEO, said: "There’s a sense of real positive change being possible for the UK’s grassroots music venues, but times remain challenging. The Independent’s Main Stage initiative is an essential guide to that story, helping to chronicle the real experiences of live music communities across the country."
We’re kicking things off with the East Midlands delegate, Dubrek Studios, a performance venue, rehearsal space and recording studio in Derby.
Dubrek Studios
Like the area as a whole, the East Midlands’ scene and its cultural impact tends to get overlooked when talking about Britain’s DIY music communities. Yet one grassroots venue asserting its dominance is Dubrek Studios in Derby city centre, which first opened in 2001. Initially, Dubrek was more of an energy and ethos passionate about underground music than a rigidly set place. The venue was originally solely a recording and rehearsal studio, but started playing hosts to artists from the area’s vibrant underground scene some 15 years (and four location moves) later.
In its latest, most permanent version, Dubrek Studios has upgraded from putting on gigs in a not exactly built for purpose studio live room to a dedicated venue space. It’s a space that does a lot, with a café and bar in addition to the live music performance areas, and remains all the more welcoming to musicians and audiences alike because of it. “We’ve had artists from all over the UK and beyond play here,” Jay Dean, the venue’s director who was formerly a promoter at the nearby Victoria Inn tells The Independent.
Hi Jay! How would you describe Dubrek Studios to someone who has never been there?
Dean: Dubrek is a fully accessible, friendly space that is welcoming to everyone and open day and night. On entering the building, you’re greeted by a record shop and café, plus retail space for merch and guitar spares. Adding to the creative vibe, there’ll usually be some musicians floating around that have just used the rehearsal or recording spaces. The venue itself holds an audience of 100, has a well-stocked bar focusing on local suppliers and has an excellent in-house PA system.
What’s next on the cards for the venue?
Dean: We’re currently organising Derby’s newest festival, Invention. Happening on 19 September 2026, Invention is a multi-venue event focusing on new and emerging music in the alternative, indie, jazz & urban scenes. We’ve brought together the city’s grassroots music venues and promoters to deliver something that is really special.
What are some of the biggest challenges that Dubrek Studios is facing?
Dean: In common with many venues, our biggest challenge is audience engagement. The hangover from Covid and people feeling financially stretched have affected the decision-making process to go and check out a band or artist. Exploring ways of changing that mindset is ongoing, with the festival being part of that.
Running a music venue takes a lot of work; what makes it worthwhile?
Dean: The opportunity to show a room full of people some of the most exciting emerging music around absolutely makes it all worthwhile. Building communities and scenes around a common love of music is the best!
What's been one of your favourite recent gigs you put on?
Dean: We have a lot of memorable shows at Dubrek but Smote on Rocket Recordings really sticks out for me. A weird blend of folk and psych are welded together and delivered in the heaviest, mind melting way possible. Just when you think the guitars can’t get any heavier, everything steps up another level. What an experience! We’re having them back at Dubrek for Invention this year.
