Tiny labels such as Fierce Panda were especially vital for the development of young bands during this period. Major labels had huge clout and resources, but getting a “foot in the door” there was much more difficult for an unknown.
Indie labels could throw their enthusiasm behind acts that they genuinely loved and there was far less pressure to ensure huge sales. Fierce Panda’s passion and ear led to them being instrumental in the careers of untold numbers of bands, including Supergrass, Keane, Ash, Placebo and Death Cab For Cutie.
Just as the label and the EP release were the epitome of the indie scene, so too was the venue. The Bull and Gate, like most venues the band were playing at the time, was a sticky-floored, smelly backroom of a pub. Every night in venues like this all over London and indeed the world, countless bands would blast their tunes off the black walls in the hope of launching themselves into the wider world. Sadly, the venue was closed in 2013.
The odds seem inconceivable. Things were beginning to fall into place though. Coldplay were on their way.
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