Raw Vibes Live was “brilliant!”

Raw Vibes Live returned to The Parade on Saturday, on the high street, to introduce Watford to great talent.

The event, which celebrated the local unsigned music scene, saw dozens of spectators, from families to friends of the performers, either sit on deckchairs provided by Watford Borough Council, or stop by and listen to the talented line-up.

Nick Foster, Producer and Technician for the Raw Vibes team, was not “expecting it to be the O2 or anything like that crowd wise,” but was focused on “introducing local artists” and connecting Vibe 107.6 to the community.

He added: "Today was good. These are small steps…

"You might not get a crowd directly in front of the stage but you’ve got people walking by, in the pubs, sitting there by the pond, eating and listening.

"It’s just about that. Getting out and introducing the idea that there are local talents."

Band Franklin from St Albans opening Raw Vibes Live

This was the first time a full band was performing live on stage at Raw Vibes, making the performers very noticeable. Opening the act was Franklin, an Indie 3 piece band from St Albans.

Alex Frankl, the lead vocalist and guitarist for Franklin, thought it was “nice to see people stopping and having a listen”.

Next up was Indi Forde, of the Indi & The Vegas band from Bedford. The talented and soulful guitarist was happy to join Raw Vibes Live to “have fun with music”.

A spectator, Sarah Cumerford, from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, thought the music was brilliant. She said: “It’s nice to hear something different to the usual on Vibe. The music has been really good so far. I think Indi is a brilliant musician.

“I will admit I am a bit biased as I’m good friends with him. I heard about Raw Vibes from Indi. He mentioned he was performing so I thought it would be nice to come and show support. I loved Franklin as well, they were brilliant too!”

Indi Forde performing on the Raw Vibes stage

The following acts Cian Darra, an aspiring songwriter with acoustic folk stylings, LivziEm, a singer/songwriter with powerful vocals, Matt & Andy, an acoustic guitar duo, and Christina Boonstra, singer songwriter of acoustic indie pop, all performed to relaxed spectators on the sunny afternoon.

There dozens of shouts for “more” and “I love this song” with passersby being impressed by the artists.

Indie pop artist, Christina Boonstra, gave a quirky and fun performance to close the event into the early hours of the evening.

She said: “The crowd was good fun. It’s nice to see people walking by, stopping to listen, and appreciating something they wouldn’t normally do on a Saturday. I had a really good time, it was nice!”

The event was the third in the Raw Vibes Live series and will return on the 3rd November at The Horns pub by Watford Central Library. Visit Vibe 107.6 FM’s website for the gallery and for more information.

Written by Isaac Ouro