First Timers Fest

First Timers is...

…a celebration of demystification

…an excuse to make some noise

…a possibility explosion

…a season of workshops

…a gig where every band plays their first set!

First Timers started in 2013, inspired by similar initiatives in North America.  Since then, more than EIGHTY brand new bands have debuted at First Timers Festivals in London and Sydney.  Scroll down to learn how to start one where you live.

It's WORKSHOP SEASON 2023!

Want to start a band but don’t know where to begin? Come along to our workshops!

For the eighth time, First Timers will be running a programme of workshops on music making and performance in the run up to the fest itself. All of them are low cost or free events and open to all beginners –  this year’s workshops will be taking place at the Cavendish Arms.

Got a question about any of the workshops? You can tweet us @FirstTimersFest, join the FB group or email [email protected]

Check out what’s on and book tickets via our Eventbrite! Events will also be shared on Facebook.

Poster description:

‘First Timers Workshops 2023’ in friendly red letters. The dot on each i is an apple with a worm popping out to say hi. In the centre of the poster, two people are jamming on guitar and bass, surrounded by apples.

On the left, a banner lists the names and dates of the workshops (listed below). On the right, a banner reads “Fundraisers and Workshops – The Cavendish Arms, 128 Hartington Rd, London SW8 2HJ. First Timers Festival – 28th May 2023, The Victoria Dalston, 451 Queensbridge Rd, E8 3AS”.

At the bottom, a banner reads “£5 ticket per workshop www.firsttimers.org. Free/concession: [email protected]”

All workshops will take place at the Cavendish Arms unless otherwise stipulated.

WORKSHOPS:

12 Feb, 19:00, Fundraiser Gig

19 Feb, 13:00 – Rhythm Guitar with Joni

19 Feb, 15:00 – Drums with Christabel

12 March, 13:00 – Vocals Workshop

12 March, 15:00 – Ukulele with Mel 

2 April, 13:00 – Speed Bandmating with Ishani and Ripley

16 April, 13:00 – Sound Checking with Jemma

16 April, 15:00 – Stage Presence with Alex

7 May, 13:00 – Bass Guitar with Vanessa

7 May, 15:00 – Keyboard with Natasha

Introduction

In the evening and weekends the cheapest you will get is around £10 per hour as far as we know. During working hours it can be considerably cheaper.

Some places offer same day discounts so look out for that but don’t rely on it! Drummers, look out for solo slots and cymbal hire if you’ve got no equipment.

Many studios book up a week or two in advance during peak hours so try to book ahead or you’ll end up in the most expensive room far from home.

We recommend trying to do some song and lyric writing at home and fleshing out ideas in the rehearsal space. It really helps to play loud, with microphones, PA, proper drums and big amps ahead of performing live, so even if you’ve got all the gear at someones house, consider at least running through the set a few times at a practice space.

Pirate Studios Locations all over london 17 Lydden Road, Earlsfield, London, SW18 4LT Price: Variable depending on location, generally medium-expensive. They have good referral deals.

SOUTH EAST LONDON

Super Unison Studio Peckham 2a1, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd, London SE15 3SN Price: £10-16 ph

Notes: It can be hard to find first time, its next  to Sea Bass cycles through an unmarked blue door.

Music Complex Deptford 20 Tanner's Hill, London SE8 4PJ Price: £7.50-£15 off peak, £11.50-£18 peak

Notes: Worth getting membership for some discounts. You have to hire amps and drums etc  - so don’t be dazzled by the prices, still one of the better prices. They also have an decent house shops with most things you need at a good price. Same day discounts available

Overdrive Studios Deptford Resolution Way, London SE8 4NT Price: Cheaper

Music Room New Cross 116-118 New Cross Rd, London SE14 5BA www.musicroomlondon.com/  Price: Medium if you bring your own amps (about £15-20 an hour

Brockley Studios Brockley Arabin Rd, Brockley SE4 2SD Price: £8-£20 ph depending on studio size, time, and duration of booking

NORTH LONDON

Mill Hill Music Edgware Bunns Lane Works, Bunns Ln, Edgware, London NW7 2AJ Price: £5-20ph depending on size of room/time of day

Bally Studios Tottenham Unit 16 Millmead Business Centre, Millmead Road, Tottenham Hale, N17 9QU Price: £11-12ph Note: The studio is not where google maps or even the website says – it’s the first right as you get into the industrial estate and then the first big set of doors you come across (where London College of Law is on Gmaps) and then right down the corridor.

Storm Rehearsal Studios  Holloway Arches 6&7, 303 Holloway rd N7 8HS Price: solo £9-11ph. Group £12-£18ph

Strummer Studios Kentish Town Unit 8 Regis Road, NWT 3EW Price: £11-£20 ph. 2-4hr blocks

BonaFideStudio Muswell Hill 13-14, The Viaduct, St James Ln, N10 3QX www.bonafidestudio.co.uk  Price: £6-11ph. £3ph extra per amp and for cymbals

EAST LONDON

Blue Studios Dalston 160 Dalston Ln, London E8 1NG Price: £14-20ph Notes: Never been. Same day discounts available

New River Studios Harringay 199 Eade rd, E4 1DN Price: £7.50-£12.50ph group. £5 off peak solo

Gunfactory Homerton Floor 2, 2a Barnabas Rd, London E9 5SB Price: £8-15ph

Islington Arts Factory Islington 2 Parkhurst Road, London ​N7 0SF Price: £6-11ph

Audio Underground Leyton Railway Arches, 121-123 Beaumont Rd, Leyton London - E10 5GU www.audiounderground.co.uk  Price: £6-15ph

Sound Lab Studios Debden Unit 22 Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3TZ Price: £13-15ph

Pulse Studios Walthamstow Unit K, Blackhorse Mews, Blackhorse Lane, London, E17 6SL Price: £10-20ph depending on length of booking and room

Spectrum Studios West Ham Arch Number 9, The Arches, Cranberry Lane, E16 4BJ. www.spectrumstudios.org  Price: £8-14ph Notes: seems quite available

SOUTH WEST

Brixton Hill Music Room Brixton Unit 1, 126 Brixton Hill, SW2 1RS Price: £10-20ph

CENTRAL

The Miller London Bridge 96 Snowsfields Road, London Bridge, London SE1 3SS Price: £50 for a 6 hour slot

Vineyard (formerly Borough Studios) Borough 8c Vine Yard SE1 1QL www.vineyardstudios.co.uk Price: £16-20 ph