Free local platform connects musicians, bands, DJs, comedians and magicians with venues and event hosts – no subscription, and performers keep their full rate
A new Stourbridge-based startup, GigHive, has launched to make it easier for pubs, venues and event hosts across the West Midlands to find and book local live entertainment – and to put more paid gigs in the diaries of local performers.
GigHive (www.gighive.co.uk) is a free online platform where musicians, bands, DJs, comedians and magicians can create a profile, list their rate and get booked directly by local hosts. There is no subscription for anyone: GigHive takes a small fee only when a booking is made. Crucially for performers, the rate they set is exactly what they receive, with GigHive’s fee added on top for the host.
Venues and event hosts can also create free showcases to hold a date and attract performers, making it simple to fill an open mic, a function or a regular live night. Logged-in users can also see banner promotion for local businesses and partners.
Founded by Jonathan Belcher in Stourbridge, GigHive is in its early days, with around 200 users signed up so far. The focus is firmly local: building a stronger, better-connected live scene across Birmingham, the Black Country and the wider West Midlands.
Jonathan Belcher, founder of GigHive, said: “The West Midlands is full of brilliant performers and great venues, but finding each other is still harder than it should be. I built GigHive to make booking local acts simple and fair – it’s free to join, performers keep their full rate, and hosts can book directly. We’re at the start of the journey, so the more local acts and venues that join, the stronger the scene becomes for everyone.”
Performers and hosts can sign up free at www.gighive.co.uk. Local acts are encouraged to share GigHive with fellow performers and help build the local scene.