Newport entrepreneur & his DIY music store
It's commendable when someone recognises a gap in the market and has the initiative to develop a business, even more so when that someone is a 21 year old entrepreneurial music lover and musician stepping up to the challenge of opening his own music store!
Jacob Powell emerging as a notorious character in the unsigned underground music scene, opened 'Newport Chartists' this month to help independent bands showcase their talents and increase their exposure.
The shop in Market Arcade which was previously empty, is now filled with the musical creations of around 50 bands from South Wales and Gwent, with a selection of their music played every day from 10am.
Seeing the potential to take self-promotional social networking websites like Myspace that step further, Jacob is offering the chance for newcomers to promote their DIY music, stocking their CD's, band merchandise and clothing, tickets for gigs/events and even used instruments.
Jacob said "There's no reason that local and unsigned music shouldn't be as popular as the rubbish in the charts, it's just been a case of accessibility. With the shop, we intend to change that!"
Members of The Calling Card, who play at Newport venues Le Pub and Six Feet Under, have backed the inspirational project, along with Welsh bands The Decoy and Hundred Cannons. Jacob is also working directly with members of youth organisation Urban Circle and local hip-hop artists.
Linking with CLIC's Battle of the Bands, Newport Chartists will be included in promotion at the final at the free Skills Cymru event in the Millenium Stadium on Saturday 18th September where the winning band will be performing live on the pitch! Their music CD's will then go on to be available in store.
This Saturday 21st August will also be their first free 'in store' gig with John C, a local blues singer performing and Recovery Ring, a semi-acoustic duo promoting their album Following Fault Lines. Live performances start from about 2.30pm onwards.
