sTaNDbY.

Close-up of a piano keyboard and the hands of an emerging musician at a What Does Not music night, illuminated with purple and pink lights.
Black background with large white text that reads "BY WHAT DOES NOT".

INTIMATE LIVE GIGS – because BIG MOMENTS START IN SMALL ROOMS

There’s so much incredible talent, but not enough cosy venues for emerging musicians to make their mark with audiences who truly listen. We’re here to solve that.

We’re bringing genuine human connection to live music and the content that lives on after. Standby is our intimate live music series filmed up close for musicians who deserve better listening. It’s a professionally produced live show captured in the room and made for the screen, designed for human connection – and meant to be enjoyed long after the music stops.

LIVE MUSIC

CONVERSATION

STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS

LIVE MUSIC CONVERSATION STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS

ONE ARTIST. JUST 30 SEATS.

A person playing a saxophone in a dimly lit room with purple and blue lighting, and a colorful piece of artwork on the wall in the background at a What Does Not headline show for an emerging musician in London in support of grassroots music.

After years of working with grassroots musicians, we know the pressure of trying to build an audience one gig at a time.

Big online followings don’t always translate into ticket sales. And audiences aren’t always there to listen. What’s missing is loyalty and connection. As London’s storytelling collective, we’ve been using the power of stories to cultivate audiences who truly listen and care.

That’s why Standby is an intimate live music gig meets TV show, combining storytelling, live music, and conversation. The format commands attention, allowing musicians to slow down, share their story and connect with people who actually came to listen. We also film the performance and capture the encounter. That's how genuine community forms around artists. And that's how real fans are built.

A close-up of a cymbal from a What Does Not music event, illuminated by purple and blue lights, with visible grille lines and circular holes.

How STANDBY works

For Artists

Apply for a Standby by filling in the contact form, below. Share your music, of course. But, importantly, tell us your story and that of your music.

If selected, we'll produce and film your session, curate the audience and create high quality content you can continue sharing long after the performance.

For AUDIENCES

Standby sessions have just 30 seats. They reclaim listening by producing highly curated lives. And give artists the exposure, attention and respect they deserve.

If you’re ready to listen up and connect meaningfully, contact the artist, or us. You can also join our Instagram broadcast channel or our WhatsApp community, below.

APPLY FOR A STANDBY GIG

join our whatsapp community

To stay up to date with updates and news on events, upcoming experiences and other community happenings.

join whatsapp community