Former Woolston High School student Lee Harman champions the town’s grassroots music scene through his platform, Warrington Music [WAM]. Below, he talks about the latest edition of the [WAM] magazine and why he was determined to publish it despite the challenges of the pandemic

I AM very happy to announce that the fourth issue of the Warrington Music [WAM] magazine is available now.

However, of all the risks and hurdles to get this far, ‘lockdown number three’ as people have called it has had the biggest impact on the current issue.

With all non essential shops, cafes, bars and entertainment venues closed, this spring’s free 40-page glossy magazine is currently only available online.

But the interest in it has been incredible, especially as we are posting them out for cost price only, although when you have a pallet of 6,000 copies heading your way as restrictions are tightened, you do worry where they are all going to go.

The summer 2020 issue was due to be our fourth issue and was unfortunately cancelled, so as you can imagine, it was mainly sheer force of will and determination that got this issue out.

It could be our best yet. But truth be told, the main reason we knew we had to get this edition out was a story close to our hearts – Viola Beach.

It’s almost five years since we lost the ‘boys that sing’ and their manager Craig Tarry.

We will always miss them, so it was important that their memory was celebrated.

As well as a write up on their legacy, the magazine looks at many of the bands and artists who have continued to write their own part on the beautiful tapestry that is music in Warrington.

Some of these are reflected on the front cover. They talked to us about the terrible impact that coronavirus has had on what some call their passion, others their livelihood.

The cover is made up of five different artists and we thought this year it was really important to have our first female musicians on the cover.

Below, they are from left to right: Liam Rimmer (Filthy Tricks), Cal Bate (sound engineer and producer), Jessica Luise (singer-songwriter), Kyle Richardson-Nickle (Passionflower) and Holly Minto (Crawlers).

[WAM] front cover

[WAM] front cover

All are proud of their hometown and we should be of them.

These musicians are ambassadors for our town and their music inspires and brings joy to thousands.

What else is in the magazine? There are great interviews, reviews and features and I’d like to thank all the companies and individuals who have helped make it happen, from helping fund the issue, writing pages or proof reading (they are the true heroes).

This magazine is not the only way we will be paying tribute to Viola Beach.

As well as an album playback in February on the ‘[WAM] Exposure’ show on Radio Warrington next month, we have a very special bit of news we are bursting with pride to tell you about.

More on that next week I hope.

While Viola Beach are part of Warrington’s recent history, we must also look to our future.

So we are very excited that this week we will be bringing to you our first acoustic session of 2021 which you will be able to watch on our social media pages.

We’re really excited for you to watch all these over the next few weeks and hopefully discover some great new music.

There is, of course, sadness for the future of live music in the town.

We discovered last summer that a Warrington music venue/bar had closed and that somewhere people had made lifelong friends, met their future husbands/ wives on the dancefloor would soon be getting converted to apartments.

This town needs somewhere where the next Viola Beach or the next Ian Brown can develop and thrive.

Regardless, when it’s safe to venture outside again the world will be a different place.

Music is a lifeline to many and it will be up to us to ensure that the light never goes out for live music.

  • Order [WAM] Magazine at warringtonmusic.bigcartel.com