Independent Venue Week has come once again. With the recent closure of The Moon Club, DempseyÔÇÖs, and Glam nightclub up for sale, celebrating the week surely seems to be more important than ever. However, the music lover should not be too downbeat, as Gwdihw, Clwb Ifor Bach, Buffalo, Undertone, and its newly developed adjacent establishment, The Big Top have got a wide range of events in store, celebrating and exhibiting all that makes their independence wonderful in the music scene.

┬áKicking off the week alternatively on a Tuesday, Gwdihw are supported by the independent promoter label Luckyman Records, who are presenting the headlining band ÔÇÿFossetteÔÇÖ. With a promoter like Luckyman, expect a lot of entertaining and catchy indie-rock, a great way to start the week.

ÔÇÿBeans On ToastÔÇÖ are playing Clwb on the Wednesday as part of their non-stop week-long tour to celebrate the week especially. A cautiously optimistic folk band, guaranteed to keep feet tapping, heads nodding and cheerful sing-alongs with chorus. If folk isnÔÇÖt really your thing then Undertone are promoting a more pop-punk genre with ÔÇÿAmerican GraffitiÔÇÖ. Alternatively, Gwdihw are holding the EP launch of the up and coming producer ÔÇÿ5^th SpearÔÇÖ. His sharp, electro beats promise to deliver slow, enchanted grooving. Perhaps a great warm up for the brand new night Buffalo are launching: ÔÇÿEntropyÔÇÖ. It is described as an ÔÇÿall-encompassing tribute to some of the very best dance & electronic music Planet Earth has yet producedÔÇÖ. Maybe Entropy is BuffaloÔÇÖs answer to a demand for an independent and alternative Wednesday club night.

Thursday is another jam-packed music night covered by all venues. Clwb boasts to hold ÔÇÿJim Jones & The Righteous MindÔÇÖ, formed after ÔÇÿThe Jim Jones RevueÔÇÖ. A must-attend for anyone who wants to have a head bang and jump around, especially with the hiphop Brooklyn Zoo club night taking place afterwards. Gwdihw promote ÔÇÿThe WolfhoundsÔÇÖ, a brassy indie band with a nostalgic heart, a great compliment to the ears, while Buffalo have their biggest Shelter DJ night yet, Number 06:Fish. Meanwhile, The Big Top is breaking into the Independent Venue scene with ÔÇÿDream WifeÔÇÖ holding a sleek, seductive sound.

Friday starts with ÔÇÿTempleÔÇÖ at Undertone, and ÔÇÿCirque du SambaÔÇÖ at The Big Top. Clwb finish their week here with hard hitting lyrics and rhythm from ÔÇÿFuture of the LeftÔÇÖ followed by their classic and popular Zerox club night, while Buffalo is going garage with the club night Bassline. Yet it is Gwdihw which claims the most exciting night this Friday. Dr Syntax and Pete Canon take to the stage, a deluxe hiphop duo which will be undoubtedly provoke the biggest grooves of the week.

┬áBuffalo are open until 4am with their ÔÇÿShake UpÔÇÖ club night, guaranteed to fulfil any R&B, funk, and soul needs. Yet Undertone seem to be the bigger pull, theyÔÇÖre going house with ÔÇÿHoney DijonÔÇÖ a Chicago born artist, while upstairs The Big Top are holding ÔÇÿJohnny Cage & The VoodoogrooveÔÇÖs Rock nÔÇÖ Roll RevueÔÇÖ, very different genreÔÇÖs but both a delightfully intriguing. Gwdihw, too seems to be shaking up their Saturday with ÔÇÿTypesunÔÇÖ and ethereal electro producer, influenced with jazzy notes.

At the end of a musically stimulating week, I would recommend heading over to The Big Top on Sunday and finishing Independent Venue Week there. With music from voices such as Benedict Benjamin, Rhain, and Joseph J Jones, expect to be soothed and mellowed with their exquisite sounds. Rounding off a fantastic week in store, Independent Venue Week in Cardiff should be a fantastic display of all the best the city has to offer.

Post by Eleanor Stephens, Head of Music.