When I was in my first year of university at Leeds College of Music I got offered some of my first ever paid acoustic shows, playing a set of my songs in small bars and basement venues around town. I remember a few months in I was asked to play a Wednesday night gig at a tiny venue called ‘Verve’. It had a postage-stamp-sized stage and room for about 25 people tightly packed together between the stage and the sound desk in the back corner. As I arrived at the venue with my acoustic guitar and a sore head from Bourbon Tuesdays the night before, I was greeted by Phil the sound guy who told me they weren’t expecting many more people so I may as well just get started. I looked around the room to see 4 guys huddled around one table (the headline band) and 2 more chatting in the back corner and immediately felt like I’d rather be back in bed. I took to the stage as directed and admittedly kind of went through the motions for 30 minutes, before thanking the sound guy, leaving the stage to sparse slow claps and packing away my guitar.
Next the headline band got up and something strange happened; they started to perform like they were headlining Wembley, giving all the energy they had and speaking to the crowd (Still just Me, Phil the Sound guy, and two guys in the back corner) like they were speaking to a room packed with their biggest fans - It was impressive and quite surreal to watch. When they finished their set, the only two actual audience members approached them enthusiastically and I overheard their introduction “Hey guys, really great set! We’re actually here because we’ve been following your progress online for a while now and we wanted to come check out your live stuff. We’re from Sony (records) and we’d love to chat.” Gobsmacked… in what was probably my 10th ever performance of my original songs I’d already managed to blow a private audience with two A&R scouts from one of the worlds biggest record labels. I ruminated for weeks on what an idiot I’d been to give less than 100% to a gig just because there wasn’t a room full of adoring fans to energise me out of my hangover. What a lesson to learn so early on and it’s stayed with me ever since.
The truth is, I was nowhere near ready for that opportunity at that point and if I’d turned up with what was my A-game back then I’m sure I’d still have been overlooked, as I had years of learning, practicing and songwriting still to do. But I learned a lesson I’ll never forget that night, no matter if there are 2 people in the audience or 2000 people in the audience, give your all! Leave nothing on the table. And thats what I’ve done in every show since, no matter how I’ve felt. Hangover or not. Which brings me to an idea launch that we’re very excited about…
Introducing the Belle Mt. House show;
Imagine having us come to play our songs for you in person, and in your own home? We're excited to bring our show directly to the living rooms, gardens, and unique spaces of our fans. Giving you a chance to gather together all of the people you think would love this experience and to collectively indulge in an intimate, up-close encounter that is free from the limitations (and sticky floors) of traditional venues.
In the lead up to the release of our debut album later this year we plan to get out on the road and meet as many of you as we possibly can, to play our music live for you and to make believers of some of your friends, family and neighbours along the way. Anyone who has been to a Sofar sounds show will understand the kind of vibes we’re aiming for; Stripped back performances in intimate spaces, a chance to share song stories with a room full of music loving people.
Are you intrigued? If you are and you'd like to host a living room (or garden) concert, it couldn't be easier! Simply comment something along the lines of “I’m interested!” with your approximate location and we’ll be in touch to discuss the finer details and the next steps to make this happen! Alternatively head to the contact page of our website to do the same.
So much love 🖤 - Matt, Ben & Chris [Belle Mt.]
New song coming 14th July: ‘LOST BOYS’
This Friday we’re releasing a new song ‘Lost Boys’ and we’d love your help to get the word out when it comes. We’ll be in touch this week sharing more details but for now, here’s a lyric tease…
“My town was meant to build the boys
We fell asleep to all the hammering, a lullaby of noise…
These boats are build to face the waves
And if no one’s gonna build them how the hell we ever gonna prove
our names on the river
There’s a toll on the river”
The Patreon fan community; It’s been a lot of fun to get know our fans more closely this year and to share way more of our process. Social media gets in-between us all and we’d love your help to keep on making music ✨
Click the picture below to find out more about our Patreon community👇 if you joins now, not only can you jump right in the discord chat and attend the live streams but you get the benefit of all the previous posts we’ve shared, including exclusive live videos and previously unheard song demos.
Belle Mt. Patreon membership comes with access to our community discord chat group, a monthly zoom hang concert with our community and other unique tier dependent perks. Most of all it helps us to stay independent and to keep making music🤘
Is there someone that you think would really connect with Belle Mt.? Share this email and let’s welcome them in! 🖤
I suggested this to Chris at Ben's gig at The Sherriff Centre, even if it's a coincidence I am going to take credit! 🤣
Need to check a couple of things but 100% up for this!
I’m interested