Our beating heart
Hannah Harte
Patreon: HRMNZ @hannah_harte_
There are three live music venues in Ōtautahi I hold especially dear. Within those walls, Marlon Williams and Yumi Zooma introduced themselves to the world, and I first saw the spellbinding Aldous Harding perform. Thanks to this precious trinity, I debuted as a musician, engaged in delightful quiz nights (no sports questions!), revealed the world of live music to my sons when they hit 18, saw my favourite Aotearoa and international bands perform, made new connections, danced the night away, and celebrated life with my dearest friends.
Darkroom, Space Academy, and 12 Bar, all within 50 metres of each other on St Asaph Street, are the beating heart of Christchurch. Without them, the cultural thread of the city would unravel, leaving nothing but shredded detritus in its wake. No band ever emerges stadium ready, gleaming with polish; they need places that provide the anvil on which the iron is forged, their instruments sharpened. The three venues play host to these raw, emerging acts, alongside EP and album tours from local and national legends, the renowned Darkspace multi-venue mini-fest featuring dozens of bands, and above all else, any genre of music is welcome. Famous international acts seeking a deeper emotional connection between artist and audience seek out the intimate setting these venues provide.
The demand for places where musicians from Christchurch, Aotearoa, and the rest of the world can perform continues to increase, with the St Asaph Street trio hosting over 450 events every year. Many more acts are turned away as supply cannot meet demand. Darkroom, Space Academy, and 12 Bar contribute immensely to Ōtautahi’s night-time economy, employing musicians, front-of-house staff, sound and lighting engineers, and event promoters, not to mention creating income for transport, accommodation suppliers, and restaurants. They are a significant drawcard for local and national engagement and an invaluable contribution to the growth of Christchurch’s cultural infrastructure, vibrancy, and desirability as a place to live.
Yet, right now, these essential venues face the greatest threat they have ever been up against. Greater than earthquakes and a pandemic that destroyed the capacity for these venues to remain open for months on end, a disaster that closed the doors of many forever. Shockingly, that threat is from our own City Council, with major residential housing in development adjacent to Space Academy. The rush for urban density in previously industrial areas and building consents near music venues without thought for appropriate noise level standards or protection for the right of venues to host live music could destroy the one thing that makes this city so crucial to the musical community.
Venue representatives, alongside Save Our Venues and John Wardle from the Live Music Office of Australia, have made passionate submissions to the Christchurch City Council. With countless devoted supporters behind them, we wait anxiously for a response.