Owners of Real Time Live, Niki and Mark Stevenson, have spent the last 27 years developing and supporting musical talent in the town. As musicians and performers, as well as big advocates of the power and value of music, they were keen to get involved in the Creativity Pays campaign.
Their town centre venue hosts a wide variety of live music gigs and events, covering all genres from rock and blues to metal, ska, pop and retro nights. Recently, they have also supported students on our music courses to enhance their musical abilities and get practical experience of working in a professional venue.
They told us more about their passion for music, why they believe it is so important to invest in the creative industries and to encourage people to see the opportunities it offers.
Why do you think it is so important to encourage people to develop musical skills?
Niki: Someone once told me, regardless of the music you enjoy, you’ll never forget the way it makes you feel. That is truly important because without developing people into the creative industries and music in particular we won’t have anything to make us feel.
Not only are things like music and other creative outlets good for the mind, whether you play, listen or take part; when we are given the chance to practice them they develop all kinds of skills and co-ordination.
For example, drumming uses every single part of your brain because you have to co-ordinate your movement, read music and keep count. It’s a whole body workout!
Mark: Teaching has been the most solid part of our business for the last 27 years. We have taught adults who want to create something for themselves and young people who are just starting out. Sometimes, I have come across students who have little academic ability at school but have a talent and a gift for music and adults who never thought they would be able to play. What matters is the sense of achievement they get from playing and instrument, regardless of their ability.
What opportunities are there for people who want a career in the music industry?
Niki: If someone is dedicated to what they do, the opportunities are enormous. There are apprenticeships in the BBC, a whole range of courses available and a raft of Arts Council grants for start-up businesses.
Before lockdown there was a major growth in demand for festivals. Therefore, job opportunities for sound engineers and a range of other associated creative careers linked to the running of these type of events, from musicians to graphic designers and merchandise producers, were on the increase.
How do you think the industry will bounce back from the last 18 months?
Niki: I used to work in the stock market so I am familiar with the boom or bust situation. What goes around comes around. I believe the bounce-back might take people by surprise. I think there is a demand and a need for live music and entertainment so that will push it forwards.
Mark: I agree. Our own regular customers see this venue as an extension of their lives. They’ve even been in touch over lockdown offering us their own money to make sure we are still here when it is all over. Luckily support from the Arts Council and the Recovery Fund has meant that we have been able to diversify and we have started to reopen. People cherish what we offer so we know they’ll come back.
What do you think we need to do to encourage creativity and support creative businesses?
Niki: It is important to fund creative education. People who have an appreciation of creativity and creative arts are generally better rounded people, emotionally and all the rest. That starts in schools, colleges and university as well as in the community.
We also need to teach creative business skills. This will help people have legitimacy in the services they provide. Otherwise they plateaux at a certain level and find it hard to develop their business past a certain level.
Creatives are usually supportive people because they are a small community. We need to show people what opportunities are available in the community and the difference we make to day-to-day life make by being here.
