INFO

Noise, experimental sound, free music is a huge refreshing change, more than a reaction against bland, manufactured non-music, tv, the web, city noise and the inner monologue; exploring and experimenting with sound and noise with whatever's at hand is not stuck at art or music either. Good, soulfelt noise reveals the excitement and immediacy of this being human, beyond culture and taste; we aim to engage with more immediate, urgent and freer sounds.

At our launch in Jan '06, 17 artists were showcased on the (now sold out) 'Fusion' CD and the live launch night had a full page in Wire magazine of March 06. We have a number of releases and more are planned to accomodate a growing network of talented artists. In our first year we hosted visiting acts such as Psychic TV, Whitehouse, Smegma, Hair Police, Damo Suzuki and many great local ones. A unique feature is the filming of local free music events and placing clips on the internet for all to watch. Artists and other promoters, when possible, are always given a DVD copy of the full show and a review on the site. We are working on a DVD compilation of highlights from 2006 (NOW AVAILABLE!), a very busy year for live free music in Sheffield, in conjunction with a number of other promoters

This website is updated every few days and as well as snippets of news and information brings news of our new season of events at Bar Abbey. This is a really exciting and atmospheric new venue with room for 150, a raised stage, a large PA, good stage lighting, a big, late bar, main road access (secure car park and bus stop outside). Although 1.5 miles South of Sheffield's town centre along the main arterial A621, the Bar Abbey is in the middle of Nether Edge and Heeley, the two main artisan / cultural residential areas, laden with cafes, galleries, continental shops, healing centres and great pubs. From here we are only 3 miles from the beautiful Peak District too. Attendance numbers have been better for us here than at any of our town centre venues over the last two years, an interesting discovery. The all-important aspect of community spirit is also evident in the number of local people coming forward wishing to be involved and bringing strong, positive ideas and input as well as musical and artistic talent. National tour promoters and promoters and musicians from abroad are increasingly getting in touch so word is spreading fast; we have had to turn down an unprecedented number of excellent artists as this year's monthly gigs are already booked up and we want to take things steady for now; you can't rush a good thing! But the future is bright and if things continue the way they are then 2008 should be even better with more regular gigs and hopefully events of other kinds.

Freenoise is run on a voluntary basis and we are not funded, as yet. No one takes a wage and all gig money goes to the musicians and the venue. We are pleased to be supporting the renovation of the Abbeydale Picture House which is a Grade II historic building and owned by the Friends of Abbeydale Picture House, a registered charity. Please follow this link for more details of the building itself.