“Put it on the map with all those other cities and its punches way above its weight.”
As one of the many musicians says in Jon Spira’s 2010 documentary, Anyone Can Play Guitar, Oxford’s small town size in comparison to its global reaching music scene is extraordinary.
Named after the Radiohead song Spira’s documentary looks at the city’s music scene from 1984-2007 with over three hundred hours of interviews with local musicians whittled down and compiled into one and a half hours.
The likes of Radiohead, Supergrass and more recently Foals and Stornoway have taken this city of 150,000 citizens and projected its music scene’s prowess to the world.
While only one record shop exists in Oxford at present the city continues to produce breakout music acts.
Just as Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs is one of the more famous producers to breakthrough from the area in the past two years, NME’s feature on the city’s Blessing Force scene from 2010 demonstrates how Oxford can cultivate and foster interesting and dynamic music communities.
The Blessing Force scene is described as a “mysterious cult of musical souls” and included acts like Trophy Wife, Fixers, Solid Gold Dragons, Pet Moon, Rhosyn and Chad Valley.
Oxford might be small, but without important music venues, like the ones listed below, the above acts would never have been able to make a name for themselves.
Obviously though, the university that the city is more famous for is also partly responsible for its strong music scene.
While a strong student population generally hit up nightspots more frequently than most, the university’s music programs and its student’s willingness to make music is obviously an important contributing factor.
Without the university a city of this size may not have been able to compete on the same level as the likes of Manchester, Brighton or London.
With a constant groundswell of new young people you never know when the latest Radiohead or Foals could crop up out of Oxford on their way to international recognition.
Shop
Truck, 101 Cowley Rd
Recognised by many as one of England’s best record stores, Truck has a reputation, not only for a great selection of new and used vinyl and CDs, but for helpful staff and good coffee as well. You’ll find genre specific sections such as the classics, Latin and Beyond, Americana, Electronic, Experimental, Hip-hop, Indie, Reggae and more.
Blackwell’s, 23-25 Broad Street
Since Oxford really only has one record store (see above) Blackwell’s is the only other real destination for music fans to find music goods in. The store sells a large variety of books and DVDs. You can also find printed music, music books and classical CDs here.
Listen
O2 Academy Oxford, 190 Cowley Rd
Another member of the O2 Academy Brand in Britain this venue was once known as The Zodiac. Radiohead’s Creep was also filmed here, with the 1995 refurbishment of the venue partly funded by the band. It has since become the foremost venue in Oxford for hosting international bands.
The Cellar, Frewin Ct
As its name suggests this venue is situated underground and it hosts its fair share of rising acts. With a particular bent towards electronic, reggae and dub The Cellar is small but open long into the night. Located in the city centre in a student populated district you won’t have any trouble finding this venue.
The Port Mahon, 82 St Clement’s St
It’s small, but as the locals will tell you this Oxford venue is the place to catch the city’s up and coming acts. If the local acts and local audience dosen’t draw you in their menu selection and reasonably price alcohol should do the trick.
Held over three days every year and seen as Oxford’s Glastonbury the festival brings together an eclectic lineup of acts. With both camping and ‘glamping’ options available the festival has become an important part of the community with various charity organisations benefitting every year. In 2013 the likes of Van Morrison, Keane, The Proclaimers and Squeeze headlined the event.
See
Jericho Tavern, 56 Walton St.
If there’s any building that is synonymous with Oxford’s music scene it’s this establishment. Opened in the late 80s the Jericho Tavern became famous for helping launch some of the city’s most revered acts. Radiohead first performed here under the name ‘On A Friday’, while Supergrass signed a record deal after a gig here in 1994. In 2012 the band appeared at a heritage plaque unveiling at the music venue.
The Bate Collection, Saint Aldate’s
Taking its name from Philip Bate, who gave his extensive collection of European woodwind musical instruments to the University of Oxford in 1968, this museum now has the largest collection of European woodwind, brass and percussion instruments in Britain. With over 2000 instruments from several periods the museum is opened primarily to students and visiting researchers.
The Holywell Music Room, Hollywell St.
Established in 1748 this room is said to be the oldest purpose built music room in the continent and is formally seen as England’s first ever concert hall. While recitals and music events are held here to this day, its historical importance is strengthened by Hadyn’s performance here.
Oxford Acts You Should Check Out
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Soundcloud
Orlando Tobias Edward Higginbottom is the man behind the equally long moniker officially abbreviated as TEED. Releasing his debut album, Trouble, in 2012 Higginbottom found acclaim and audiences worldwide. While a steady stream of remixes has followed since we’re still awaiting news of album #2 to surface.
Chad Valley – Facebook
Hugo Manuel is the sole man behind this blissed out electronic pop moniker. Responsible for two EPs and 2012’s debut album, Young Hunger, Manuel collaborated with Twin Shadow, TEED and Active Child for his first LP. With album #2 on the way 2014 is likely to be another big year for the musician.
The Black Hats – Soundcloud
Formed in 2008 this three-piece have taken the long road towards releasing new music. With their first EP released four years later the band have built a solid reputation in their hometown. Playing an electronic blend of indie guitar rock it should only be a matter of time before the group release a full length album.
