About us.
Involving Music exists to connect and celebrate the South West’s grassroots music culture.
We exist to connect artists, venues, festivals and fans through stories, reviews, photography and collaboration, creating a digital home for the people shaping the region’s rhythm.
Our mission is simple: to amplify local music, strengthen creative communities and make sure the South West music is heard and celebrated.
Let’s make some noise.
OUR STORY
Involving Music was started by Darren Branch, fuelled by a question: “Does the local scene still feel like it used to?”
He went out, watched bands, asked questions and found the answer – yes, and then some. Exeter’s music community was very much alive, but underrepresented. So he made it his mission to document it, support it and help it grow.
What began as a personal project soon evolved into a platform, a place for gig reviews, spotlights, Southwest sounds playlists, community news and genuine storytelling.
Today, Involving Music is powered by a small but passionate team of writers, creatives and gig-goers who care deeply about the music happening right on their doorstep.
We’re here to build connections, share stories and help more people discover the joy of independent music. What happens in our local venues matters and we want more people to hear it.
PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER.
Involving Music connects South West artists, venues and audiences through spotlights, playlists, gigs, editorial and discovery.
It’s a platform built to keep local music visible and give the scene more room to grow.
You must accept all cookie notice categories in order to view this content.
Meet the team
Darren Branch, Founder
Darren Branch’s first love was Heavy Metal, sparked by seeing Iron Maiden live at the Cornwall Coliseum in 1984 at the age of 13. His passion for grassroots music grew after discovering the dynamic scene around Daylight Recording Studios in Honiton during the late 1980s. Having lived in Honiton and Exeter, Darren now lives in South Somerset and enjoys spending time in South Carolina.
He stays connected to the Southwest’s emerging bands, often through families that keep the scene alive. Outside of music, he builds websites, reads business books and participates in English Premier League Fantasy Football.
Chelsea Branch, Digital Marketing & Copywriting
Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track ‘Rudy’s in Love’ (and the frontman, Preston).
After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene, a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul’s Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.
NOW YOU KNOW WHO WE ARE.
If you’re an artist or venue ready to get involved, here’s where to start.