Much-loved live music venues, XOYO in Shoreditch and Camden Assembly are to return to their independent roots after being acquired by the newly-formed Propaganda Independent Venues. Propaganda’s Dan Ickowitz-Seidler, along with Richard Buck, announced the acquisition of both venues as part of their acquisition of TEG’s UK venue estate. This also includes XOYO Birmingham, and Tramshed and The Globe in Cardiff.
XOYO is known for its legendary residencies, welcoming the likes of Andy C, Mike Skinner, Goldie, and The Blessed Madonna for extended runs and intimate shows. Camden Assembly has a storied musical history and was formerly known as the legendary Barfly, a stage that has hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran, Adele, Oasis, Amy Winehouse, and Coldplay in the early days of their careers.
The change in ownership marks an exciting moment for the venues and live music in London. Propaganda is the UK’s biggest indie night, and Propaganda Independent Venues is committed to supporting grassroots venues, artists and music fans. The new company aims to ensure that XOYO continues to thrive under independent ownership and becomes a cultural hub for the area, offering opportunities and support to local artists and businesses.
PIV composite (3).png
XOYO London / Camden Assembly / Camden Assembly – credit Propaganda
Propaganda Independent Venues plans to open a submissions page on its website, www.propagandavenues.com, where local bands and artists can apply for a slot to play on the hallowed XOYO and Camden Assembly stages in support of bigger-name artists appearing at the venue. The new owners are also keen to work with local artists and creatives outside of music.
Dan Ickowitz-Seidler said, “I am really excited to have acquired XOYO and Camden Assembly, venues with reputations as two of London’s best venues. 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.”
Richard Buck (left) and Dan Ickowitz-Seidler (right) – credit Propaganda
Propaganda brings considerable experience to both venues, as co-owners of The Warehouse in Leeds, one of the UK’s oldest venues. Dan and Richard previously owned and created Tramshed in Cardiff, Wales’s premier live music venue, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Richard also previously owned The Globe and The Mill, which became XOYO Birmingham. Further experience comes in the shape of a partnership with Ghostwriter, who will support the operational delivery of the venues.
Local promoters will benefit from a new, fairer ticketing allocation model, and artists will not be charged merch fees, all of which will help support the local creative community and provide a positive experience for everyone involved in bringing music and the arts to XOYO and Camden Assembly.
