What is First Timers?
First Timers is about getting new faces and voices in bands, and doing something about the lack of diversity in the make-up of the DIY music community. The criteria below aren't intended to exclude anyone, but are a direct way of addressing this. As such bands as a whole need to be able to say YES to at least TWO of these statements:
- One or more of us has never played in a band before.
- One or more of us identify as one (or more!) of the following: disabled (visible or non-visible), trans*, queer, non binary, LGBTQIA+, a person of colour, a woman.
- One or more of us is playing or doing something in this band that they have never played or done before.
Helping us fund First Timers 2018 will mean that there will be more workshops, socials and other events than ever before!
Why do we need money?
We're hoping to raise £1500 so that we can do the following...
- Pay workshop coordinators - We want to make workshops as cheap as possible so that they're accessible to everyone, we also want the coordinators to be paid fairly for the work. Money raised will be used to cover this gap in funding
- Offer more free tickets - Money is often an issue for those that want to learn a new skill, by raising money we will be able to pay for more people to come to the workshops for free
- Contribute back to DIY Space for London - It costs over £200 a day to run DIY Space for London. We want to make a contribution to keep this vital space going.
First Timers History
First Timers was started by Bryony Beynon in Summer 2013, inspired by similar initiatives in North America, like Not Enough Fest in New Orleans and Portland, and First Times the Charm in Philadelphia. The first FT took place in Nov 2013 in London and over twenty new bands incl. Big Joanie, Primetime and ‘Kin Shot formed through it. The first night took place in a squatted venue in Hackney, the second night at Powerlunches (RIP.)
The second one was at DIY Space For London, a volunteer run social centre, in April 2016 over two full days, with three workshops happening and more than twenty amazing bands like Charmpit, Scrap Brain, Slags and many more forming for it. In 2017 there were over ten workshops and again over twenty bands such as Whitelands, Cysta Cysta and Panic Pocket. We want 2018 to be the biggest one yet!
What If We Don't Reach The Target
First Timers will still happen in some capacity, the event takes place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May 2018.
Other Ways You Can Help
Times are tough and we appreciate not everyone can donate, here are a couple of other ways you might be able to help...
- Form a band! Sign up to play First Timers 2018 here
- Spread the news! Please share this with your pals!
- Speak to your rich uncle ;-)
Any questions? Email us firsttimers@diyspaceforlondon.org
Facebook
Twitter
