Live Lounge: one of Cardiff’s infamous venues that is well-known for only booking the best bands in the industry.
*The Long Weekend enters chat*
When we got the call asking us to play Live Lounge we didn’t hesitate for a moment. This is where we have seen some of our favourite live bands play, this is a pretty big deal! Any touring band knows that a gig in the city centre poses a fair few logistical questions but the biggest of all is… LOADING. We’ve spent a lot of time (and money) recently on streamlining our equipment to make set ups and pack downs as easy and quick as possible. But even after doing this, we still have around 25 bags, cases, etc to bring into a venue. And this is with us using house pa and lights. At weddings and private functions you can almost double that figure. Luckily Live Lounge is obviously kitted out with the best equipment going so we were bringing the minimum gear, however Cardiff has changed somewhat in the last few years with the majority of the centre now pedestrianised… and after our experience playing one of our favourite regular venues Brewhouse, on the night local lads Stereophonics were playing at the stadium (hence roads being closed), we had some questions as to how we could make Live Lounge work.
We were stupid to even question it. It’s accessible from the side street and they even have private gated parking around the back. One of our easiest loads EVER (shoutout to Heidi’s which is also a pretty easy load), it could not have been easier! Not only that, the staff there are INCREDIBLE. Super friendly, helpful and fun. The sound technician was unfamiliar with our particular set up (it’s not for your average joe) but he took the time to get to know it and give us a thorough soundcheck. Also a massive bonus: THE FOOD. We were all provided with a meal of our choice off the menu and we were not disappointed!
The gig itself was a slow starter; we started at 10pm but with it being a student night we didn’t expect a full house until the second half. However, the people trickled in during our first set and we had the place banging by the interval. A nice short break kept the momentum high and the second set was exactly the fun, high-energy, fast-paced performance you have come to expect from The Long Weekend.
Let’s talk about the photos. We have worked with some of the best in the business: wedding photographers, events photographers, live music photographers, and we are always impressed by their creativity and ability to capture a mood in one snap. But… Viktoria Falusi needs to take a bow. We’ve showcased her work here; those pictures speak for themselves.
Overall, our first Live Lounge experience was incredible. They have the whole process perfected down to a fine art and their status and longevity in Cardiff city centre is testament to that. Live Lounge, you were a dream and we can’t wait to come back!
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