Small venues across the land are facing closure, leaving bands with less and less places to play.
In their place, though, fans are throwing parties in all manner of impromptu spaces: warehouses, sheds, garages, boats… you name it, if it supports a backline then it can host a show.
Fluffer Records are set to kick off their pit parties with a special show this weekend at a secret warehouse venue in East London. Taking place this Saturday (November 14th) the line up features Danish post-punk crew Baby In Vain and Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux.
The bill is topped by God Damn, a Midlands duo whose feral take on the disembowelled remains of grunge has resulted in one of this year's most gloriously fuzzed up debut records.
Clash caught up with the band for a quick chat about their year so far, and the importance of DIY promotion.
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What's the most unusual place you've played a gig in?
Ash: We once played a full volume set at a house party in Birmingham, anyone who has seen us before will know how ridiculous that is. It was rammed. People were crowd surfing in the living room. Crazy.
Does playing a show outwith the normal venue routine free you up in any way? Do you approach these differently?
Ash: I approach every show the same, as if it's my last. It will free us up in the sense that we can get up-close and personal with the audience, without any barriers between us. They will be directly involved and be part of the show.
Will you be approaching the Fluffer pit party differently?
Ash: I will just go nuts and take advantage of being that close to the crowd. I'm looking forward to the 'pit' set up though, that's gonna be pretty intense.
How vital are DIY shows to new music? Could you envisage God Damn existing in this form without them?
Ash: A lot of our early shows were DIY, and they were some of the most memorable we have played. We definitely have a soft spot for these type of gigs. I think they are very important to new music. They help bands to get known and open people's eyes to new artists.
Is the DIY explosion a nationwide phenomenon? Have you noticed this in towns and cities across the country? If so, which cities / towns are great to play?
Ash: I hope so. We have played DIY shows in the Midlands and London in the past, and they have been great. So I hope this is the same all around the country. Long live DIY!
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Fluffer Pit Parties kick off this Saturday (November 14th) – full details.
