Music In Devon Initiative Presents... MIDI TV

Presented by local artist Abbe Martin from the Sound of the Sirens, MIDI TV promises a fun, modern and highly entertaining series of shows to be released each month, starting with the first episode launching on Saturday 20th February at 8pm.

Viewers can head to MIDI TV socials and YouTube to tune in, and can subscribe and comment to let the team know what they’ve enjoyed and want to see more of – giving a real community input to what audiences want to see and hear. Coupled with this is some real ‘90’s fun, with their own MIDI TV PacMan challenge which will see artists go head-to-head in true Top Gear style!

The organisation behind this new project is Music in Devon Initiative (fondly known as MIDI). A non-profit community interest company, founded by a group of local musicians and music industry professionals, with the aim to develop emerging talent, increase opportunities for musicians and audiences and generate business for the music industry in Devon. MIDI’s primary goal is creating county-wide networks for musicians and music industry professionals, through the delivery of various projects and events.

They have successfully brought the city centre streets of Exeter to life each year for the last four years with the ever- popular Exeter Street Arts Festival. But then, COVID hit and plans for their 5th birthday celebrations came to a halt.

Nick Hall, Director of MIDI said: “Like many, MIDI had to completely stop almost all of its community music projects and sessions when the global pandemic hit back in 2019.

"But with the drive, determination and skill of our small team of freelancers and directors we were able to write a successful funding bid to Arts Council England’s Cultural Recovery Fund. This crucial support has helped MIDI to create a response strategy that will continue creating opportunities for musicians in Devon regardless of the possible post- COVID- 19 landscapes.

"I am thrilled to be able to launch this project as part of that response strategy – it’s going to make a big difference in supporting local artists who have had a year of seeing work cancelled.

"A bit like MTV (when it was good!), MIDI TV will be a brand new, online platform, delivering original art, music and educational content to audiences across Devon, bringing together hosted shows, live streamed gigs, artist interviews and more. All filmed locally at Tazma Studios in Pinhoe, Exeter, we’ll be releasing these live music shows monthly, starting with episode one coming Saturday 20th February at 8pm! Please do tune in and help us support local artists”.

MIDI TV will be a place for community; growing its own network in order to help promote artistic growth. With a shortage of venues even in post covid times (particularly in smaller towns) for original, independent live music to be accessed, MIDI TV will give people the ability to have fresh new music broadcast straight into their home. As a social enterprise, MIDI has always existed to create opportunities for musicians and the potential to achieve even more through showcasing local artists on MIDI TV is the driving force of this project.

MIDI TV can be watched through its official YouTube and social pages, so keep an eye on the MIDI TV platforms below and join us on Saturday 20th February at 8pm for episode one!