Sheffield's DIY music scene is thriving despite financial challenges

Sheffield's renowned underground, DIY music scene is FINALLY getting the recognition it deserves, even during a nationwide economic crisis.

In 2023, TimeOut magazine rated Apricot Ballroom- a funky event hosted by DJs Joi La Frique and Nonna Fab- as the 9th best night out in the UK. They were one of only two Yorkshire-based events to be included in the top 25 list (along with Mixtape Project of Leeds).

In fact, they were so impressed with what the city has to offer, that they have named it 'The DIY capital of the UK'. DIY is described as being a community-driven independent music scene, filling the gaps left by bigger, commercial bodies.

Co-founder Joi La Frique said, "We don't go huge with promoting the party, it's the way we run it- we like people to find out by word of mouth, so when an outlet like TimeOut recognises us, it's a pretty crazy feeling. It's weird that they've actually heard of us!"

In the article, Apricot Ballroom is characterised as managing to "cultivate a vibe that manages to feel both laid-back and fruity." The event takes place at Bal Fashions on Exchange Street.

But at first glance, you might think you've got the wrong address. Hidden inside the abandoned stores and boarded-up shops is a lively bar and dancefloor oozing with character- a rather fitting representation of Sheffield's DIY music scene as a whole.

Joi La Frique said, "For the 12 years I've been DJing, it feels like the best time for the Sheffield underground music scene. There's this really strong network and community of promoters, DJs, and friends."

But it doesn't stop there. The Guardian recently published a feature on the legendary party 'Jive Turkey' run by Winston Hazel, which was said to rival Manchester's iconic Haçienda.

TimeOut mag once again praised the South Yorkshire city, specifically the event Groundwork which is held in the traditional old-man's-pub Shakespeare's.

The buzzing and loyal community that return month in-month out to these lesser-known venues is something to be envious of, and firmly puts Sheffield on the map for it's independent music scene.

Booker and programmer of the new, state-of-the-art nightclub Førge which is based in an old steel works in Attercliffe, Dan Sumner said, "I think we're very, very lucky- you see the same sort of counter-culture here in Sheffield as you do in places like Berlin- the DIY ethos runs really strongly through both."

It appears as though people are finally catching on to what Sheffield has to offer. But, in an economic climate that has seen the UK's nightlife gradually deteriorate- as well as the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many to close- how are these venues still thriving?

I had a conversation with Dan Sumner about the importance of the community amidst the cost of living crisis and how the DIY music scene has "gone against the grain and stuck it to the bigger venues."

However, this is sadly not the case for all the DIY venues across Sheffield.

Mondo Radio- a community arts organisation formed in 2022- broadcasts their own DJ sets on a weekly basis, as well as hosting events such as club nights, workshops, panel discussions, and much more.

Since November 2022, they have been fundraising from the community in order to secure a safe and appropriate location to move to.

In an Instagram post from 2nd December 2022, they wrote, "We are in need of funds to help us with our next move. It's an incredibly uncertain time given the rising costs of utilities and rent. Our current space isn't secure, and soon we will have to find a new home." [@mondo.radio]

They used to share their venue in Kelham Island with queer group Gut Level, who also put on their own club nights. However, with rising rent and landlords prioritising housing in an increasingly-popular area of Sheffield, they were forced to move to a new location.

Mondo Radio co-founder and DJ, Ed Malus, said, "I think the whole country but Sheffield in particular is facing a crisis in terms of available space for community arts activity. Both Gut Level and Foodhall have faced eviction due to uncapped rent costs and wholesale development of luxury accommodation."

Furthermore, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, less and less people are making club nights part of their frequent routine. In a report conducted by the Night Time Industries Association, nightclub numbers peaked in 2006 and almost 1 in 5 have shut since the virus first broke out.

Dan Sumner said, "In order to preserve Sheffield's DIY future, it comes down to a UK-wide policy debate about preserving these spaces and prioritising this sort of culture that perhaps not everyone understands."

Regardless of the future of venues like Mondo, one thing is for sure, as Mr Malus said, "everyone that is involved, from the volunteers to the guests, help prop up these venues and allow them to flourish."

Dan Sumner said, "If we were to ever lose it, we would realise how lucky we are now. It's very easy to take it for granted, but it really is an integral part to Sheffield's culture and community as a whole."

In a time of growing financial uncertainty, people like Joi La Frique, Dan Sumner, and Ed Malus remind us of how important and rewarding it is to support local, independent, and community-driven venues.