A Slot At Bloodstock. An Album Launch On The Horizon. LOWDOWN Make Their Stand To Protect Grassroots Metal

[photo: Lowdown]

"If we haven't got venues, we haven't got shit," LOWDOWN main man Dave tells me before their set tonight at Club 85, Hitchin, guest headlining a heat at this year's Metal 2 The Masses Competition.

The competition sees bands fighting for a slot on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock Festival, and is a key pillar in shining a light on grassroots bands.

For the past two years, Hertfordshire-based Lowdown themselves took part in the competition, though never quite got the coveted prize. "I wouldn't say we were beaten," guitarist Ant humbly tells me, "We were just matched up with some amazing bands."

"It's an honour to be invited directly"

However, this year sees Lowdown on the festival bill, sharing a lineup with bands like Gojira and Trivium. "It's an honour to be invited to play Bloodstock directly," Ant continues, "And it's an even bigger honour to come back here and guest headline."

"It's a bit sort of surreal not being in the competition this year," Dave adds, before reflecting on the nature of the competition itself. "It's hard not to enjoy it, so coming back to headline one is, well, fucking awesome."

Lowdown play Bloodstock on the 7th August. Limited day tickets are available [photo: Bloodstock]

As Ant describes, the band view the Hitchin venue as a "second home": forming in 2021, the band have made many an appearance at the venue, building a strong following: "We love the people here, we love Bob [Mardon, Club 85 owner]."

"It's a way we can feel that we can contribute to this place that has housed us for two, three years"

In addition to playing Bloodstock, the band are also preparing to unleash their debut album to the world: "Alpha Omega" releases on the 25th July, and will be celebrated with an album release show at Club 85.

As Ant describes, the band are using this as a chance to give back to the venue, which is currently in the process of being saved - a not-for-profit Community Interest Company is being set up to purchase and run the venue, but funds are understandably needed for this.

"Alpha Omega" releases 25th June [photo: Lowdown]

"We've always had such a great following from this place," Ant tells me, "So it was one of our decisions to let all the door money go back into Club 85's pocket. Obviously going toward the Save Club 85 fund. It's a way we can feel that we can contribute to this place that has housed us for two, three years."

Club 85's fate reflects a critical nationwide problem, with grassroots venues facing closure and leaving new bands with less and less options. "There's going to be hundreds of venues in this situation around the UK," Dave warns, "So whoever does see this, wherever you are, go and support local music. Go and buy a t-shirt. Go buy that extra shot."

"You know, all venues need to stay. You need the venues to play the music in."

"Alpha Omega" is available for pre-order now. Tickets for the release show are available here.

If you are interested in supporting the Club 85, more information can be found here