Championing Original Music In A Grass Roots Venue
Welcome to Pale Fire Music & Left for Dead, an independent Not-for-Profit Community Music Project established in 2018 in Oakengates, Telford, West Midlands to platform original music. We are committed to promoting touring artists from the UK & overseas, fostering creativity, and supporting local artists by offering support slots to perform their own original material. Join us in our journey to celebrate and share authentic musical experiences in an intimate environment.
Our Roots In Community Music
Born from a passion for authentic sound, Pale Fire Music & Left for Dead formed in 2018. We were offered a unique opportunity by Ann & Mark Johnson of Forge Urban Revival to use The Wakes in Oakengates, Telford, to host original music events and boost the local night-time economy. Our collective is built on the dedication of unpaid volunteers, bringing diverse skills and a shared love for music. In 2022 the project moved to the nearby Firefly, Oakengates, Telford a larger 200 capacity venue which had more potential as a Grass Roots Music Venue.
What we do for original artists
We are committed to providing a platform for original music across various genres, including Folk, Roots, Indie, Rock, Jazz & Electronica. Our focus is exclusively on original compositions, steering clear of covers or tribute acts, to ensure true artistic expression.
Live Events
We organise monthly events showcasing diverse original touring artists from the UK & overseas at The Firefly club in Oakengates, Telford thanks to the support of club owner Scott Adams (above). Scott himself was the frontman and lead vocalist for the internationally known touring band Envy of the State.
Artist Promotion
We help original artists gain exposure through our social media network. We design posters for their gigs, advertise their events, and provide online ticketing for free on www.ticketstelford.com & www.skiddle.com.
Community Projects
Our initiatives strengthen local economies and cultural engagement. We engage with local sound engineer James Hammond (Blue Spot Productions) & freelance lighting / film projection engineer James Townend to enhance our events at The Firefly club in Oakengates, Telford. We also offer Work Experience to Media Students on T Level Courses.
Left for Dead Records
Left For Dead is an Independent Book & Record Shop in Shrewsbury. The owner, Andy, is our Key Partner in scouting for new original touring artists to bring to our venue The Firefly club in Oakengates, Telford.
About Pale Fire Music & Left for Dead Records
From 2018 to 2020, Pale Fire Music & Left for Dead proudly held a monthly residency at The Wakes, showcasing original local performers. Our team are unpaid volunteers, comprising musicians, managers, trade unionists, and local business people, all united by a common goal: to nurture and promote original talent. Andy Haddon, owner of the Left for Dead Records shop, originally promoted original live music at The Wightman Theatre in Shrewsbury, staging the likes of Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band, New Candys, & The Hanging Stars to name just a few.
"We're delighted to be working with Pale Fire Music & Left for Dead to provide a platform for original touring artists and give local young musicians the opportunity to support them."
Gemma Duce (manager), Firefly Club, Oakengates, Telford
“There is a special ethos here that is to primarily encourage and give an opportunity for local bands to showcase their own songs and material. Nothing new in that, I hear you say. Well, in towns up and down the country where stand-alone music venues are closing, and where the plethora of pubs open their doors mainly to covers and tribute bands, it is refreshing for a promoter to say no, we'll have none of that here.”
Mark Johnson, Three Songs & Out Webzine
"It's great to see Not-for-Profit Music Promoters running a Community Music Project in Oakengates, bringing people into the town to support independent businesses and sustain the local night time economy."
John Ellis (landlord), Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford
“What a great night it was. Fantastic venue, great crowd, two amazing bands. Glad I went.”
Bob Stock, who travelled all the way from Norfolk to Telford & returned home on the same night, commenting on seeing The Black Helium & Sweetpool.
"More independent promoters are leading the way with local music activities in towns such as Oakengates with Pale Fire Music introducing new genres and independent music to the town.”
Telford & Wrekin Council, 2023 Culture Peer Challenge
"You're a beacon of light in the Telford Music Scene."
Rich Cornick (regular attendee)