‘One of the UK’s best starter venues’

When you’re renowned as a brilliant eatery, just how do you make the step to cutting-edge live music venue? And why would you even want to? We spoke to James Koch at The Gallimaufry to find out more…

In 2012, Bristol promoter James Koch took set up The Gallimaufry on the site of one of Gloucester Road’s popular late night spots, The Prom. He said: “We took this place on and we really made up as we went along. The music was quite an immediate issue when we took over. You’re inheriting a team of staff and regulars who are traumatised of the thought of The Prom going and everything changing. We soon decided that we were going to continue the live music, working our way to a steady offering.”

He said: “We are getting busier and busier. It’s all managed in house and has just been an organic growth,” and despite spending 4-5 years putting on gigs at venues which no longer exist, he’s keen to avoid the external promoter route here, dubbing at a ‘rent-a-crowd’ concept. He added: “We just want to do it right, consistently.”

Monday nights remain Open Mic nights, Wednesdays host From the Forest folk/roots night and Thursdays see Bristol’s music ambassador James Morton taking to the stage with his band for a varied range of sets. This approach has led to a broad demographic of punters. “James Morton nights get old 60 and 70-year-olds in velvet jackets and flat caps having a dance with their partner along with students and artists. On Fridays the focus is on Northern Soul, with DJ sets from Ben Somers and guest slots from Bristol’s most famous Northern Soul girl, Levanna Mclean, whose video of herself dancing through Bristol to ‘Happy’ went viral. Saturday’s vibe is funk/soul and accessible hip-hop.

“The quality’s there,” he said. “I believe in Bristol and promoting what we have here. We start working with someone to create something. If we get someone in for a support slot, that can progress into a headline slot. Working with people again and again who we like and respect. It’s always a collaboration.”

Koch often finds acts of interest at other open mic nights in the city. It creates a real sense of discovering and helping develop new talent. Take George Ezra, the now international star who just a few years ago played a residency at the Gallimaufry. The Bristolian contacted James via his manager, then popped in for a chat and went on to play a handful of intimate gigs there. “When it first happened, he really was very fresh. By the last gig, it was clear he had outgrown us and I was standing on the door turning people away.” said James.

Despite securing some of country’s hottest young talent, the Gallimaufry is committed to free entry gigs. James said: “It’s a combination of necessity, as we are serving food and also we are trying to make it an accessible, democratic model. People can come in and out. We’ve got lots going on – food, bar, live music.”

When asked about how the Gallimaufry fits into the live music scene in Bristol, James replied: “I think everyone’s doing their own thing. There are other venues I like going to and I support and respect them for what they are doing. We are doing something that’s really unique, or at least we are attempting to – running the kitchen and opening 7 days a week with all the added entertainment and people don’t see it as a split business. It’s evolving all the time. 

The Galli takes a pretty holistic approach to relationships with musicians too. “I get demos sent through, people pop in and I hear great stuff at other venues – such as The Left Bank open mic. We always pay musicians, except on open mic night, and keep them well watered and if they’re hungry, we feed them,” said James. They also work with them to develop their performances. James said: “This isn’t a quiet music venue. It’s a buzzy, boozy venue.

In recent years, the Galli has played host to a number of gigs by exciting new artists – it’s a favourite haunt of Henry Green since playing a Figure 8 Festival benefit gig there in 2013. He returns there to play a gig with Alice Jemima on February 25.

Up-and-coming London artist Alex Burey plays the second of his two-date residency at the Galli tonight (Jan 20), similar to that of George Ezra’s. He’s managed by Bristol-based agency Stay Loose, which has dubbed the Galli as ‘one of the UK’s best starter venues’. Matt Brown from Stay Loose said: “The Galli as it’s such an awesome space and offers such a unique atmosphere.” Influenced heavily by Devendra Banhart and King Krule, Alex’s gig on January 20 went down a storm with the Galli audience. “It’s so cosy here.,” said Alex, who had never been to Bristol before. He added: “This bit reminds me of Brighton.”

Read The Gallimaufry’s top music tips for 2015, here.

(Photo by James Koch)