Tenement TV launches fundraiser ahead of tenth anniversary

By Jenness Mitchell & Polly Bartlett

After almost a decade of supporting new music, Tenement TV has launched a crowdfunding campaign ahead of its ten-year celebrations next year.

The DIY music platform was founded out of a tenement flat in Glasgow by a group of music-loving friends back in 2011.

Flash-forward nine years, the team has since shot hundreds of live sessions, covered almost 2000 gigs, and showcased some of the best new acts from 112 festivals.

It’s own multi-venue festival – Tenement Trail – has featured Scotland’s very own Fatherson, The Van T’s and chart-topper Lewis Capaldi over the years.

Editorial director Nadine Walker told STV News Tenement TV has supported the Someone You Loved singer since the start of his career.

Chart-topper: Brit Award-winner Lewis Capaldi. <strong>GETTY IMAGES</strong>”/></div><figcaption aria-hidden=true>Chart-topper: Brit Award-winner Lewis Capaldi. <strong>GETTY IMAGES</strong> <cite class=hidden></cite></figcaption></figure><p>Speaking about Capaldi’s Tenement Trail appearance a few years ago, she joked: “I think he was really low down on the poster and we paid him £50. I don’t think £50 would cut it these days.</p><p>“We loved his music. He’s a great guy, we know him quite well.”</p><p>Walker said it was “amazing” to see performers go on to become worldwide names.</p><p>Past Tenement TV acts include Bastille, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Sam Fender.</p><figure class=

Walker said: “The likes of Bastille, they weren’t big really when we had them up here, and then a couple of weeks later they went to number one, so it was incredible for us.”

Walker described Tenement TV as the “heartbeat of the music industry”.

She said: “It’s non-for-profit, we only do it for the love of music really. And we don’t ever slate bands. I’ve never written a bad review in my life – if we don’t like the music, then we just wouldn’t cover it.

“We’re just all about championing music – supporting them, giving that platform. It’s really difficult to make it in the music industry.

“It’s just a lovely, lovely scene in Scotland. We’re absolutely spoilt for choice, with the music and the venues.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the team have had to cancel this year’s Tenement Trail.

They are now looking at ways on how they can reintroduce music in the live format across Scotland.

Walker stated: “We’re hopeful as the restrictions start to ease again and hopefully when coronavirus is a bit more under control that we will be able to do really great things in the live music circuit.

“It’ll just be different, but people are desperate to have the return of live music, so we’re looking at ways to do that.”

The team hope to raise £10,000 via a crowdfunder, with packages starting from £10.

The money raised will then be put towards ten “incredible experiences” in 2021, celebrating “ten years of mud, sweat and beers together”.

Speaking ahead of the festivities, Walker said: “I’m so proud of what Tenement TV has become. What we have achieved over those ten years is incredible.”