A musician from Romsey is determined to provide other Hampshire artists the space to perform in an authentic and supportive environment.

Charlie Smith hosts gigs in both Winchester and Southampton where he encourages unsigned singers from a range of backgrounds, genres and ages to play.

His music is mainly punk or rock acoustic alternative and he has performed across the UK in cities such as Manchester, London and Brighton. He has also toured across the North of England with his 6-track live EP, ‘Southampton Sessions’.

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford and now living in Romsey, the 26-year-old felt there were no dedicated music venues for people to share their own music, due to the fact most pubs favour tribute acts and cover singers rather than independent songwriters with varied music styles.

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Charlie is most active in Southampton, where he has an upcoming gig on April 27 in which 5 acoustic musicians will be playing.

He remarked how “people just want you to play Wonderwall” and that there is a shortage of opportunities open to “the whole demographic”.

The community of singers Charlie is within is tight-knit and he hopes to increase the recognition of the more independent artists who get less of a chance to shine.

He said: “All artists are locals whom I met through open mic nights.”

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The Railway Inn in Winchester has become a local favourite for Charlie to visit and host open mic nights, which he returns to on May 26 to celebrate the bank holiday with an all-acoustic night of music, again showcasing four varied acts.

Charlie supports The Railway Inn also due to their commitment to providing a platform for newer, unsigned artists at their ‘Roots Night’ every Monday in which up to 16 acts take to the stage throughout the event.

For more information regarding Charlie’s upcoming activities and events, visit him at https://linktr.ee/CharlieSmithMusic