In an exclusive interview with Exmouth Nub News, local musician Laurie Ward lifts the lid on Exmouth's music scene and what he thinks can be done to improve it.

Laurie, 27, spoke with Exmouth Nub News editor Joe Bulmer about his career, the best live music venues in the town and the challenges young musicians in the area face when trying to make a name for themselves.

Tell us about yourself. What bands are you involved with?

My main project is a new-wave dub reggae band called The Barefoot Bandit. I also regularly perform solo shows, in a duo called Air Head (with John McLoughlin) and I perform in an indie dance rock band called Audio Farm.

When did you start your musical career?

I started playing guitar and making music at the age of six, but I started performing live as a young teenager. I went to Brighton to study music and I've been a full time musician since I graduated!

What's the music scene like in the Exmouth area?

The music scene is brilliant in Exmouth, despite a lack of original bands/artists that perform. There is a thriving pub scene, which on the whole, is well attended.

Is there a certain genre that is more popular in Exmouth?

There are a variety of bands performing classic hits from all decades covering most mainstream genres but sometimes I do wish that I didn't have to travel to Exeter to get my original fix.

Where are the best places to watch live music in the town?

In terms of nights/events that I'm involved with:

-I promote and perform at an annual reggae boat party with my band called 'The Boat That Dubbed.' (Details of this year's event will follow shortly on social media).

-I have also put on events at The Railway Club, which is equipped with a great stage and dance floor, ideal for bands and artists.

-I perform regularly and book musicians for Queens Drive Space on Exmouth Seafront. This is a stunning venue especially in the summer when the sun is out.

-I book bands/artists for The Merchant, which is on the last Saturday of each month.

I'm sure the majority of people in Exmouth are aware that there is live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in lots of different venues across the town. But there is also a lot going on in the week too.

I run an open mic night called Acoustic Gallery with John McLoughlin, which is held at The Grapevine Brewhouse every Wednesday night.

I'm always amazed at the sheer volume of talent that come to perform each week. It is a great venue to showcase your songwriting and musicianship.

It's always a great night and we are always keen on welcoming new and young musicians to the stage – please get in touch via the Acoustic Gallery Facebook page. We have just started Acoustic Gallery Exeter too, on Thursdays at The Oddfellows.

On Mondays there is a full band jam night at The Bank pub run by Barclay Wood and hosted by a different musician each week.

The Bicton Inn is the place to be on Thursday evenings with various live music nights occurring over the month.

What would improve the music scene in the town?

A huge element that would improve the scene in Exmouth would be an easily accessible rehearsal space.

This is detrimental to any band or young musician's development as not everyone lives in an appropriate environment to make noise.

I was involved in a project with local musicians Martin Weller, Alex Binks and John McLoughlin to create an arts hub including practise rooms, studios and an art gallery and we were given permission to use the old Rolle College building but it was quickly taken away again when the building was sold. So if anyone has any ideas please put them forward.

Another idea that I think would only improve the scene is that if each venue/pub played a 'local artists' Spotify playlist through their in house sound systems. This would involve a playlist entirely made up of local artists' material.

Can you recommend some local bands for our readers to check out?

It would be interesting to find out if there are more young bands in Exmouth. Telstar are one young band who are involved in the scene but there doesn't seem to be much more (that I know of anyway).

Is it easy for young musicians in the area to make it onto the scene?

Young people are more than welcome to come and perform at any of the jam nights or open mics too. We just need to know in advance.

I suppose if they are a young act writing their own original material, gig opportunities in Exmouth are limited. However, events such as the Exmouth Festival and Manor Fest are great for this.

It would be great if Exmouth had its own dedicated traditional live music venue which would cater for up and coming bands.

If we compare Exmouth to other Devon towns for example Bideford has the Palladium Club, which is a small music venue and welcomes original bands/artists. Then again, I could not guarantee that the people of Exmouth would be interested in that kind of thing. It would be great to try it out though.

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