Free is the magic number...

Until the start of last year, I used to be a bit of an enforced big-gig goer.

When I say "enforced", it wasn't that I didn't want to go to them, it was more that I couldn't find anyone to come with me more than once every couple of months (and even then, a very trusting friend) to the smaller, bit more random gigs. When I say "big-gig" I mean relatively well known bands/artists in venues from about the size of the HMV Forum, Kentish Town upwards. Even "goer" needs a bit of clarification - I would say 2-3 every couple of months.

But...my live music life has changed since discovering meetup.com last year and I've found a really fun, lively bunch of people who have no problem going to see unknowns, unsigneds, indies, little bit biggers in pubs, bars, clubs, record stores as well as the Imogen Heaps, Jay-Zs and Hot Chips of the world.

It's led to the discovery of some of London's tucked away treasures in terms of venues that run free nights alongside their regular paying events, and even venues that pride themselves in being prolific providers of free live music, no exceptions.

Aside from the not-so-hidden Rough Trade East :

Pure Groove Records host free gigs pretty much every night of the week (or some sort of music-related event) and some lunch times - some of my favourites have been She Keeps Bees, Marina & the Diamonds and a DJ set from Hot Chip's Joe Goddard.

Free Fridays at 93 feet east have been the showcase for Smoke Feathers and Fenech Soler (sequins and gold lamé jackets, anyone...?)

The "free-entry-every-night" Flowerpot have seen artists like Bombay Bicycle Club, Golden Silvers & The Drums grace their stage - and they also have a fair few surprise last-minute announcements for bigger acts (so they don't get too rammed).

Other favourites: The Old Queen's Head (also a great pub), Notting Hill Arts Club and the Saturday Daylight Music Sessions at one of the most beautiful gig venues London has to offer - Union Chapel.

Catch 'em, before they were famous...

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