I was lucky enough to see Keiza Gill and Charlotte Carpenter take the stage as part of Independent Venue Week—an annual celebration of independent artists and small venues that are the backbone of grassroots music in the UK. The independent venue in question was The Brunswick in Hove, proudly hosting hundreds of shows per year showcasing local talent.
Independent Venue Week At The Brunswick
Charlotte Carpenter opened the show singing original tracks ‘Like a Hurricane,’ ‘Secret Second,’ and ‘You’re My Reason Why.’ Throughout these tracks, she made occasional interjections of hilarious anecdotes of her experience of being a small artist, such as when she went on stage to play her biggest venue at the time only to be met with a crowd of three people. Her love for the highs and lows of independent music shone throughout her performance.
Next, Keiza Gill took to the stage with an acoustic guitar and absolutely incredible boots that she made sure we knew were £25 from ASOS (a girl’s girl from the second she stepped on stage).
Despite being from the Midlands, Gill sang with a warm country twang in her voice and started the show with a fan favourite, ‘Whisky Over Ice,’ later treating us to classic blues covers of Ray Charles and Patsy Cline.
Gill left her heart on the stage, talking of the importance of Independent Venue Week, as it was these independent venues that started it for her, from singing in the pubs at 14 years old to finally being in the rooms she’d dreamt about for so long. She reflected on all the rejections she’d gone through and wished that her late father could see her now. It was truly an emotional performance.
Independent Venue Week will return in early 2026 after finishing this year’s run in February.
Address: The Brunswick, 1 Holland Road, Brighton and Hove, Hove, BN3 1JF
Website: The Brunswick Hove | Events Venue & Pub | United Kingdom
