Joe Doonan – LLIVELY Music

In a world as unpredictable as the one we live in currently everything is a gamble, which is even more the case for promoters within the creative industry. However, the creative industry is home to me, so I got myself some nerves of steel and a no-stress attitude to deal with it. Ahead of our first LLIVELY Showcase I checked ticket sales nearly every five minutes, and when we were finally nearing a sell out I started to relax a little. That was right before one of our three performing acts called in sick… Luckily my network of incredible professionals came to the rescue and helped us complete the line-up once again.

We started the year at a small and intimate space, ran by one of our regulars, The Gait Clinic, a space you wouldn’t usually expect live music in but that worked incredibly well for our first showcase. The evening was kicked off by Manchester-based singer songwriter Cameron Yorke, who’s recently joined NAME Sunderland and has been working with Dan Donnelly on his original material. Bringing in-depth song writing and a fun performance, Cameron was the perfect opener for the evening. Up next was an artist I’ve known and been working with for about seven years, Harrison Rimmer truly knows how to entertain, with both his music and his stage patter. He played songs old and new, including his new single ‘Better In Fiction’ which is due for release this May and will be followed by a nationwide tour!

Last of the evening was brilliant singer and songwriter Joe Doonan, he brought his heart-wrenching sad songs and I didn’t bring enough tissues, I should’ve known better. ‘Joel’s Song’ and his upcoming single release ‘before you leave’ both nearly had me in tears, take what you will from that but as Doonan mentioned; music is cheaper than therapy, so really I just got a free therapy session!

A very heartfelt thanks goes to my wonderful friends, team of sound engineers, photo- and videographers, and those that bought tickets to the first LLIVELY Showcase, because I wouldn’t be able to pull these events off without any of them! Our next showcase is taking place on the 25th of January from 1pm at The Movement Clinic, and I already can’t wait.