A new project kicking off at Talking Heads in Portswood on Saturday aims to provide more exposure for Isle of Wight bands in Southampton, and vice-versa – writes Adam Radestock. 
Pic: Headliners 'Born in a Barn'

The first of a series of events in Southampton and on the Isle of Wight begins this Saturday at The Talking Heads, with headliners Born in a Barn, who bring their rustic rural rap charms, and Pleasurade, one of the best funk/punk bands on the Island, along with support from great local Southampton acts.

Solent Switch is an initiative aimed at getting more exposure for local bands and artists by providing opportunities to play outside of their usual local scene. Acts from the Isle of Wight are invited to play with support in Southampton with local acts supporting, who in turn get to play on the Isle of Wight.

Adam Radestock, event organiser and manager of Isle of Wight band The Ohmz, said “I’m hoping to create a circuit for local bands, so that they find it easier to get out of their local scene and get exposure. I know from experience that it can be difficult, especially for bands from the Isle of Wight, to get gigs outside of their local area as people just don’t know about them, or don’t know how good they are.”

“This event will expose them to new venues, new fans and new opportunities.”


Where and when


The event at The Talking Heads starts at 8pm on Saturday March 23, and tickets for the event are on sale now via the website.

For more information or to get involved in future events, check out Solent Switch.

By Adam Radestock - as published on OnTheWight.com

Image: © Used with permission of Lucy Boynton