We had such a year of highs and lows, looking back at 2023 seems like a decade rather than just one year. In January the Unglamorous Project started again with a new set of women ready to be in bands. This attracted to a lot of media coverage, local interest like Leicester Mercury and BBC […]
When you first start out rehearsing and performing on stage, there’s a ton of new words to get your head round. We thought we would write a glossary to get you started. Please feel free to message us with any other words you think we should add to the list Equipment Combo – short
Recently I have been to shows to see local bands and I have noted one or two singers that would benefit from singing lessons. Not that they are bad, they have been really good singers; but a bit of tweaking could make them really great singers. To say to someone they would benefit from singing
The Benefits of Singing Lessons Read More »
Here at Stayfree we have a wide range of amps to choose from because every band is different. But how do you know which amp is right for you? Sometimes this comes down to the types of amps available. The most commonly known is the valve amp. So called because it uses vacuum tubes to
Even if you are in a band, you may want to spend time rehearsing by yourself. In our experience we get a lot of drummers who like to get a few extra hours in between band practices. So if you are by yourself, do you need to hire a rehearsal room? Well we are bound
Rehearsing by yourself? Read More »
We set up our unique Black Room to help bands prepare for live shows, with a raised stage, lighting and monitor-style vocal pa. It’s definitely got the Wow! factor when we show visitors around, and many professional-level bands hire it out for a couple of days prior to national tours. Recent clients include Prolapse, Calm
National Media Love Stayfree’s Black Room Read More »
As 2022 started, we knew it was our 30th anniversary since starting at Friday Street in 1992. It would be great to celebrate in some way, plan some events and tell the story of how Stayfree Music has grown and developed through the decades. But there were also lots of challenges as January approached. It
2022 – Stayfree Music’s 30th Anniversary Year Read More »
I thought I would do a quick blog about our new acquisitions in 2022. ‘m not talking about the 12 mics, 20 mic cables, 20 guitar cables, 4 guitars, 10 pieces of drum hardware and countless audio leads, I am talking about the sexy stuff. Not that they are not important but lets talk about
Review of amp purchases Read More »
Thirty years is a long time for anyone to stay in business – especially a local independent music organisation- so it was important for Stayfree to have a big event as a centrepiece to the year’s celebrations. In that time, Stayfree has promoted events, managed and supported bands and, most importantly, converted huge old buildings
Stayfree Open Day – 30th Anniversary 1992 – 2022 Read More »
When preparing for a gig, we obviously all spend as much time getting our songs to be the best we can – so what about the gaps between the songs? There’s the obvious ones that you can prepare for like swapping out or changing the tuning on your guitar for example. Some things you will
Rehearsing the gaps Read More »
Everything you need to know. We have been an exam centre for Rockschool since 2018 so I thought I would do a blog post answering some regular questions we get asked and giving a bit of general advice and information. Rock School book us roughly 2-3 times a quarter, as soon as we have the
RSL Award Exams at Stayfree Read More »
The great thing about rehearsing at Stayfree is flexibility! You can bring ALL the kit or NONE of the kit and our friendly staff are here to help. We have 30 years experience in helping bands get started quickly, and we know how annoying it is when you’ve forgotten something. If you are complete beginners,
Based in the heart of the Leicester community, Stayfree aims to help non-musicians and less experienced players develop confidence and skills. With a little instruction, coaching and support, it’s possible to get started towards your dream of playing in a band, writing your own songs or getting up on stage. Our forthcoming programme of workshops