Punk band offers youngsters a peek behind the scenes of the music industry

A Manchester punk band is giving fans a chance to sneak a peek behind the scenes of the music industry.

Loose Articles, who have recently enjoyed high profile support slots with the likes of New Order and Foo Fighters, are inviting female and non-binary people aged 14-25 to a special access all areas event. 

Called Kick Like a Girl Extra Time!, it is coming to The Vale in Mossley, on Saturday, February 22.

As part of a tour of grassroots venues across the north of England, the all female quartet will be opening up access to the behind the scenes world of live music before they take to the stage that evening.

Youngsters will be given the opportunity to shadow the band and their female crew at the Tameside arts centre during the set up and sound check. There will then be a Q&A where participants can put questions to the band and crew about the reality of the music industry.

There is also the chance to bag a support slot for the gig for one lucky band or solo artist. Everyone who takes part in the soundcheck session will be offered free entry to the show that evening.

Participants will continue to be part of the band’s journey with early invites to tours, the opportunity to join a gig buddy scheme, attendance at special events, and  signposting to local music industry opportunities.

The scheme is funded by Arts Council England and aims to share the secrets of what it’s like to be a part of the Loose Articles touring team, which includes female booking agents, crew, promoter, and management. 

Nat, Erin, Abbi and Anna from Loose Articles said: “This is the second Kick Like a Girl tour and from the reaction we had during and following the last one, we feel more than ever the importance as a band to be doing tours like this.

"We feel passionately about making changes in the music industry to address inequality. We want to create a shift away in the industry we operate in from being white male dominated.

“Across all the job roles that exist—from being in a band to being a sound tech, promoter, manager etc—we want to encourage young female and non-binary people to get involved and feel like they can succeed in this line of work. 

"As a band our song topics touch on gender roles and overcoming the struggles of being a gender minority in a male dominated industry, so why not actually practice what we preach about in our songs and really try to make a difference? We want all of the gigs we play to be a safe space for all regardless of gender identity. Everyone is invited to get involved with the party!”

Johnny Clifford, programming manager, The Vale, said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for a behind the scenes look at the mechanics of a successful gigging band.

"Grassroots venues such as The Vale are the lifeblood of the music business, and this tour takes the band back to basics, after their recent high profile support slots.

"We love Loose Articles and were privileged to open up our building to them last year when they filmed the video for Mr Manager with us.

"We know that everyone who takes part will have an excellent time and will learn a lot."

To apply for a place on Kick Like A Girl Extra Time! at The Vale, complete this form before Friday 21 February 2025. Any queries can be sent to alison@almaisonproducers.net