A youth promoter’s perspective: Amy Boyle

Amy Boyle age 24, originally from Shetland and now based in Inverness was involved in GET IN as a youth promoter.

This blog was published in December 2017.

I was a volunteer crew member for the Kathryn Joseph concert in Inverness in March 2017. I helped to set up for the performance and tidy up when it was over. It was an incredible experience and a lot of fun. My student colleague from UHI Polkadot Promotions was part of GET IN in 2016 and I heard about the opportunity to join the programme through them.

Through GET IN I’ve enjoyed actually getting out of my comfort zone, trying something new and finding out I am more capable than I thought I was. When we found out that we would be touring our own acts I realised that I wasn’t scared. I knew what I had to do and was excited and liked my act so much that I felt driven to make it happen.

The training residentials were really good fun but there were challenges in between. It has been difficult just trying to get people on board – getting responses from external promoters, outwith GET IN, is very slow. Distances between promoters are a big challenge as it’s also very easy to feel isolated when communication isn’t quick. Access to wifi is also a challenge especially when communications are geared up to be online.

I learnt you need perseverance when emails bounce back to find correct contact details. I find that phoning promoters and artists is much more efficient, it cuts out a lot of time in emailing questions and answers.

My GET IN experience has inspired me to keep going and see things through to the end. Two or three years ago I would have thought I couldn’t see it through. I am capable now and the support has been really good which calms me down, especially from Tamara.

Through GET IN I got the opportunity to go and see shows without the financial burden. It was incredibly terrifying to travel and go see shows myself but ultimately I am really glad I did it. The first two were in Inverness – Xpo North and Never Mind the Festival.