A new Manchester-based creative venture has officially launched its flagship venue, FTM Manchester on Cross Street, with the backing of drinks brand Camden Town Brewery.
Fuel The Music (FTM) has been launched for the creative industries in the UK to support emerging artists and drive their development and success.
As well as plans to open a chain of venues nationally, Fuel The Music will actively create funding streams for bands and solo musicians, alongside a programme of development and touring opportunities with the aim of breaking down the barriers for emerging musicians.
Through outreach, bands and musicians will be able to take part in the many events being held in-house at FTM Manchester, as well as use the venue for their own events and performances, free of charge, and artists who work with FTM directly will also bank 100% of their ticket revenue.
To support its ambitions, Fuel The Music (FTM) is partnering with a number of sponsors including with leading UK drinks company Camden Town Brewery, which will enable fans to directly channel financial support to bands through a ‘Donation Drink’ scheme. Each drink purchased will offer a percentage donation which is poured straight into a fund for FTM artists.
This ‘unique’ scheme is part of FTM’s focus on community and collaboration, where bands and artists are given platform to progress.
The launch of the first FTM venue in Manchester, based on 52 Cross Street, marks a ‘significant moment’ for the creative company with plans for a range of events and themed nights that include hand-picked independent bands and solo artists across all genres of music.
For Tony Porter, founder and CEO of Fuel the Music, choosing Manchester as the home for the inaugural FTM venue was a natural choice given the city’s rich music history: “At FTM Manchester we’ll take you through the gears of many genres of music. Reliving past sounds alongside discovering contemporary breakthrough music – it will become an iconic place where fans can say that they ‘heard that band first’ right here at FTM. And of course, we’ll be making a whole load of incredible memories and friends along the way.”
Fred Nesbit, head of marketing at Camden Town Brewery, added: ‘We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Fuel the Music and be a pivotal part of a much-needed cultural change for the British music industry. Whilst FTM are taking strides to support musicians, our focus within this project is making sure the lights are kept on and pints are pouring in the venues that give artists the platform to grow, learn and build experience and opportunity to play.’
