Combining the competitiveness of a pub quiz with the thrill of live music, Late’n’Live was launched by Sam Harris and Maria Winter through their events company ‘Marisam’ around a year and a half ago. In that time, it has taken the North East by storm.
Following their most recent quiz, I sat down with the two music graduates to discuss the challenges they’ve faced and the triumphs they’ve celebrated.
How has Late ‘n’ Live changed in the past year and a half?
When we first started Late ‘n’ Live, the idea was to bring something fresh and exciting to the live music scene, focusing on showcasing talent that might otherwise be overlooked. We began with our live music quiz, which was greatly anticipated, and we saw how the initial concept worked well and began to take form. Over time, the event has really grown and evolved, not only bringing in new events such as our Late 'n' Live band-led karaoke, but also prioritising safe and fun spaces for musicians and audience members alike.
Initially, as we'd just graduated from Newcastle University, we were simply trying to get the word out, build an audience, and establish trust with venues and artists. Now, a year and a half later, Late ‘n’ Live has become a unique, interactive event touring round many venues in the North East. We've expanded our musician collective, worked with more established venues, and we’ve seen the community around the event grow, with more people returning and spreading the word. It's exciting to see the event taking on a life of its own, and we’ve managed to incorporate more immersive elements, like themed nights and collaborations with other creatives in the scene.
How was it establishing Marisam in a predominantly male music scene, and what challenges did you face?
Breaking into the live music scene as a female-led company came with its challenges. The industry, especially in live events, is still very male-dominated, which meant that at the beginning, we often had to prove ourselves more than our male counterparts. We encountered situations where we weren’t taken seriously at first, which really made us question how supportive the NE music scene really was. There was also the challenge of balancing professionalism with passion - making sure we were assertive in our vision while dealing with moments where we might have been underestimated.
But, the positives have significantly outweighed the challenges, as we encountered some incredibly talented minds, forming a little Marisam family. We built networks with other women in the industry, forming alliances with female creatives and this also made us more intentional in ensuring our events were inclusive. It reinforced our commitment to creating a space where all voices in music could shine.
What are your ambitions going forward, both for Late ‘n’ Live and Marisam Events?
Looking ahead, we have big ambitions for both Late ‘n’ Live and Marisam. For Late ‘n’ Live we want to expand to more cities, and eventually take our live music quiz and band-led karaoke international, creating a touring circuit that brings the event’s energy and ethos to new audiences. We’re also exploring ways to integrate technology and live experiences, thinking about how to make the events more interactive and immersive for attendees.
For Marisam, we want to continue pushing boundaries in the live events space. Our goal is to grow as a leading live events company known for not only curating unforgettable experiences but for making meaningful impacts in the industry. Not only have we recently launched a brand new pro-music showcase event called Elevate 22, we also want to mentor and uplift more women and underrepresented groups in live events, providing opportunities both on-stage and behind the scenes. The ultimate vision is to create a legacy of inclusivity and innovation, transforming how live music is experienced and who gets to be part of that journey.
The next Late'n'Live event is a Halloween "Spooktacular," taking place on Friday, 19th October, at the Grove in Byker, Newcastle.
Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/late-n-unalive-live-music-quiz-tickets-1007336429377?aff=oddtdtcreator
