It could be argued that a small store, nestled in The Hidden Lane of the West End, is possibly the most important new addition to Glasgow’s music scene.
New Hellfire Club is a shop dedicated to unsigned musicians, stocking records and merchandise, as well as friendly staff with excellent advice.
Under the slogan “Feed the music – not the corporations”, New Hellfire Club helps unsigned musicians in many ways; offering free promotion and distribution, with a website bursting with advice, reviews and interviews.
The shop is also used as a small venue hosting acoustic acts, and welcoming anyone with a love for music and art through their door.
New Hellfire Club co-owner, Alex Main, explains how what was once just a website has expanded into something much bigger.
He said:
“It was originally Jamie McDermid that started NHC. He was previously in a band that had supported bands like Glasvegas and Dirty Pretty Things and from his time playing on the circuit had become somewhat disillusioned with his experiences. So he decided that instead of sitting around complaining he should do something more proactive and the NHC was born. It’s now grown to be a collective of like-minded people tipping at windmills.
“Alongside the shop we aim to open an ethical venue. The shop was considered a pipe dream at one point and now it is a reality and incrementally getting busier by the week. So who knows what the future will hold.”
The presence of New Hellfire Club in the city has had a welcome response from musicians, who may have struggled to find the support they need from the industry. Due to NHC being not-for-profit, all money made in store goes straight back into the local music scene. As expected, the shop has became hugely popular, with many bands registering to the club, meaning that they receive in-store airplay, extra promotion, and first refusal of gigs that NHC hosts.
New Hellfire Club are also the go-to group within the city if musicians are seeking help. They offer backline if it’s needed, and the club kindly took over a recent event at the 13th Note after the venue had to deal a rather dubious promoter.
Glasgow musician, Laura Murphy, spoke about why New Hellfire Club is such an important place for aspiring artists.
She said:
“New Hellfire Club always put their heart and soul into every gig. From making sure the bands complement each other to making sure they have everything they need and taking time to appreciate the music – which it’s clear they have a true passion for. You are never just a number with NHC.”
New Hellfire Club has remained resolute in its aim to provide artists with a fairer way to do what they love.
Mr Main said:
“I think we are part of a cycle. The music business is often willing to push everything to destruction and then as it does scenes rise in opposition and then they jump on that to exploit it. Punk, grunge, dance. We are seeing it coming to an end again and the underground is in many ways rising to the challenge. We are part of that. The yellow movement too. It’s certainly interesting times.”
One thing is for certain, the New Hellfire Club is only going to get bigger.
Featured photo credit: New Hellfire Club’s Facebook page
