Flint helps spark the buzz

Photo: -DARREN ROBINSON

Dave Flint runs successful music and rehearsal studios Shure 5 in Royton.

MUSIC EXTRA: 

THERE can’t be many people doing more for the buzzing Oldham music scene than Dave Flint.

The 46 year old owns and runs the Shure 5 Studios, based on Moss Lane in Royton since 2012.

A welcoming, purpose-built set-up that features four rehearsal rooms, Shure 5 has never been busier. From having just one band in to practise at its inception, Shure 5 now has a list of around 50 bands who use the terrific facilities.

Shure 5 also has recording equipment and organises regular showcase nights in its 90-capacity concert room.

“When I was made redundant just over three years ago I wanted to do something for me as well as for other people,” explained Dave. “There didn’t seem to be many facilities around Oldham. The places I went to with my band were always damp, dirty, smelly and not very bright. There was no atmosphere in any of them, so I thought I could make a business out of it. It’s awful getting mould on your shirt while you’re practising, so I opened up here!

“Kingpin was the first band to come. They’ve actually gone their separate ways now, but they were brilliant. They helped us by saying what a decent place this was, and what with Facebook and one thing and another, a few bands started to get interested.

“It probably took about a year to get regular business in. Now we’re getting that many we’re having to turn bands away sometimes because we haven’t got room.”

Those early, lonely days and nights must seem like a lifetime ago for Flint, who now talks with an almost constant grin and is clearly loving being a small part of the barn-storming local scene.

“It’s brilliant, what’s going on at the moment,” said Flint. “It gives me goosebumps when I think about it. We get these musicians in here for rehearsals and gigs, and when you just see what they’ve created themselves, sometimes it’s brought tears to my eyes. They’re passionate about the music, as I am – it’s just wonderful to see.”

Some cracking Oldham bands are regulars at Shure 5.: Ok Broken, 5ft Fez, the Crash Mats, the Visitors, the Velocetas, Zombie Woof, Moose Patrol and the Recreation are just a few of the big local names who swear by the spacious rooms.

The next monthly showcase night comes up this Saturday, when solo pianist Rachel Grey is sure to produce another unforgettable night.

Grey is a multi-talented performer and tutor, who offers wonderful sounds from genres ranging from classical piano through swing and jazz to more modern tracks.

“Rachel’s brilliant,” added Flint. “She can sing, play the piano, and she’s doing a one-woman show that’s going to be great.

Dave is in a band himself — Lie Ability: “Even back in my school days I enjoyed singing, but I was in my 40s when I saw an advert for a singer for a band, so tried out. I did okay and we got on great, and in the end we were together for about three years.

“However, our guitarist left to go to Australia and we didn’t do anything until he came back last year. We got back rehearsing and the plan is to do a couple of gigs.”

For details of Shure 5 and showcase gigs, visit www.shure5studios.co.uk