The future of a Glasgow music initiative has been left uncertain following recent funding issues.
LayLow is an initiative born out of the Southside of Glasgow, which essentially hosts events that give new as well as established creatives a space to show their work to an audience.
The initiative looks to build confidence in emerging artists and allow established creatives to collaborate with fresh talent - while bringing financially accessible concerts to the community of Govanhill.
But after the funding application, which LayLow founder Mateusz Sobieski hoped would secure the initiative’s future, failed to come through, he has admitted his uncertainty for the future.
The 31-year-old said: “We want to keep a space going for young musicians in the city.
“There are not a lot of venues like this that cater to young people, newcomers and different creative forums. It would be a big loss for Glasgow.
“Securing funding means the initiative stays alive and guarantees fair pay for our talented artists.
“Getting funding back would mean we could continue to pay artists and provide a space for those who want to share their creativity with others.”
Creatives who have been part of previous LayLow events have also spoken out amid funding concerns as they shared the importance of keeping the initiative afloat.
Rebecca Vasmant DJ and producer said: “The potential funding for LayLow would undoubtedly have a profoundly positive impact on the music scene in Glasgow.
“It would provide invaluable support and resources, allowing LayLow to continue fostering a nurturing and dynamic environment for artists and audiences alike.”
Brodie Jarvis, a Scottish bass player said: “Having an inclusive platform like LayLow is of utmost importance to the music scenes in Glasgow and Scotland.
“It provides a much-needed space to experience jazz and improvised music of exceptional quality, all within the accessible and welcoming confines of Glasgow's Southside.”
READ NEXT: 'No point': Glaswegians torn over demolition U-turn of former Vogue Cinema
Katie Doyle (Kitti) who won best vocalist at The Scottish Jazz Awards 2020 among other accolades added: "Collaborating with some of Glasgow's finest and most talented jazz musicians (at LayLow) was an absolutely magical experience for me.
“It’s thanks to LayLow's innovative platform that these artists can showcase their hard work and creativity."
Mateusz also said that students and teachers at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland often perform their own material at LayLow events.
To help keep the initiative alive until the further funding is secured, Mateusz has launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe – which has already raised over £1,300.
He said: “I’m re-applying for funding as we speak, but I’ve launched a fundraiser just to help in the meantime.
“I wasn’t expecting to see that much money come in so quickly. I’m taken aback by the support so far, to be honest.
“It’s so great to see people supporting LayLow and the community.”
You can support the fundraiser by clicking HERE
READ NEXT: Glasgow families reveal heartbreaking impact of social care charges
LayLow events mostly take place at The Rum Shack in Pollokshaws, where audience members can sit on the floor with a selection of pillows and rugs or on chairs provided.
Events are ticketed at a low cost, with discounts available for students.
To find out more about LayLow and the events on offer, click HERE
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article