In a significant shift for the capital's nightlife, two of London's most iconic music venues have changed hands in a move that promises to reinvigorate the city's independent music scene.
A New Chapter for Iconic Venues
XOYO in Shoreditch and the Camden Assembly have been acquired by the newly formed Propaganda Independent Venues. This acquisition marks a return to UK ownership for the venues, which were previously under the control of the international MJR Group for six years.
The new ownership group is led by Dan Ickowitz-Seidler, the founder of the popular UK club night Propaganda, and Richard Buck, the founder and former chief executive of the global live entertainment company TEG.
Boosting the Grassroots Music Ecosystem
The purchase comes at a critical time for London's independent venues, which have faced immense pressure from a combination of the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living crisis, and licensing issues stemming from noise complaints over the past five years.
In a public statement, the new owners outlined their commitment to helping these cultural hubs thrive. Their vision for XOYO, a venue that has hosted legendary acts like Skepta, Fatboy Slim, and Jamie XX, is to transform it into a cultural hub for Shoreditch, offering increased support and opportunities for local artists and businesses.
In a direct move to support the wider live music community, Propaganda has announced that all ticket sales will include an optional customer donation to the Music Venue Trust, a pivotal organisation that works to protect grassroots music venues across the UK.
Commitment to Community and Artists
Dan Ickowitz-Seidler expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating: "I am really excited to have acquired XOYO and Camden Assembly, venues with reputations as two of London’s best venues."
He acknowledged the challenging climate, adding, "It is a challenging time for grassroots venues, and we want to support the touring ecosystem as much as possible. We also want to engage with the local community to bring the events they want to see to XOYO and Camden Assembly. We are committed to bringing more artists to Shoreditch and Camden as well as larger acts whenever we can."
The deal also includes several other significant venues, extending the group's influence beyond the capital. XOYO Birmingham, along with Cardiff's Tramshed and The Globe, are also part of the acquisition, signalling a strong investment in the UK's wider independent music infrastructure.
