The Stevenage Music Scene
A new town with a surprisingly loyal live music following and venues hungry for talent.
For Artists
Stevenage has a dedicated live music community built around venues like The Oval Community Centre, The Chequers, and various social clubs and pubs across the town. The Gordon Craig Theatre brings in touring acts, but for local artists playing the pub and bar circuit, getting booked still means knowing the right people. GigXchange puts you directly in front of venues looking for acts.
For Venues
Stevenage audiences are loyal — when they find a venue doing live music well, they come back. But finding the right acts for your crowd takes time. GigXchange lets you see artist profiles, listen to samples, read reviews from other venues, and book with confidence.
Why Peer-to-Peer
For Stevenage's pub and bar gig circuit, agency fees don't make sense. Most gigs pay £150-£350, and a 20-30% agency cut eats into what makes it worthwhile for artists. Peer-to-peer means direct negotiations, fair rates, and no middleman taking a slice.
How Platforms Compare for Stevenage
We scored every major UK booking platform across 10 dimensions. Here's how they stack up.
Stevenage Booking Options at a Glance
What matters most for working musicians and independent venues.
| Feature | GigXchange | Encore | GigPig | Alive Network | Lemonrock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commission | 8% | 20%+ | 10-15% | 20-30% | Free listing |
| Direct contact | Yes — message before booking | No — agency controls comms | After acceptance | No — via agent only | Yes — email/phone listed |
| Secure payments | Stripe escrow | Via agency | Via platform | Via agency | No — cash/bank transfer |
| Auto contracts | Yes — digital signature | Agency contract | Basic terms | Agency contract | No |
| Reviews | Two-way verified | One-way (client only) | Two-way | One-way | No |
| Original music focus | All genres welcome | Covers/function bands | Mixed | Covers/function only | Strong original scene |
| Hertfordshire presence | Growing — Herts focus area | Established | Mainly North/Midlands | Established | Good UK coverage |
| Best for | Independent artists & small venues | Weddings & corporate | Regular pub/bar gigs | Large events & weddings | Band discovery & networking |
How It Works
From signup to getting paid — about 5 minutes to set up.
1. Create your profile
Artist, venue, agent, or promoter. Add your genre, location, availability, photos, and sample tracks. Your profile is your shop window.
2. Search and connect
Filter by genre, location, budget, and availability. Message anyone directly. No gatekeepers, no "request a quote" forms.
3. Book and get paid
Agree the fee, date, and terms. A contract is auto-generated and signed digitally. Deposit held securely via Stripe until the gig is done.
Ready to start gigging in Stevenage?
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