Welcome to Warwick BandSoc: Where campus comes alive with music

You’ve brought your speaker to uni, right? Perfect for *subtly* introducing your flatmates to your favourite bands at pres. But what if, instead of just pressing play, you started playing?

As BandSoc’s Inclusivity Officer, I’m keen for you to do just that, so I decided to have a conversation with Bandsoc’s exec to give you all the info about one of the most exciting societies you can join as a fresher. 

Since the 1980s, BandSoc has been the beating heart of Warwick’s music scene. Today, it’s the biggest university BandSoc in the UK. With members covering every genre under the sun and a calendar packed with gigs, socials, and jam sessions, it’s a place where people come together through music, whether they’re a grade 8 guitar wizard or still working out which way up to hold a bass.

It’s helped me gain a new confidence in myself – a year ago I couldn’t have imagined going up on a stage and playing music to an audience

Sam, BandSoc Tech Officer

The beauty of BandSoc is you don’t need to arrive with a band ready to go. It is so easy to get involved. You don’t need any training, or even much experience. Jack, the Secretary, tells us: “The first event I went to was Jam Night and I met the majority of my bandmates there. It was also really fun to play live music in front of people for the first time.” Basically, show up, have a go, and see what happens. 

That openness is what makes the society thrive. “We’ve got bands ranging from metal to folk to all sorts of genres,” says Jack. Sam, the society’s tech officer, adds simply: “The diversity is insane.” Even Onur, BandSoc’s President, quips “I’m the only accordionist so far”, which tells you everything you need to know about how eclectic it gets. 

For many, BandSoc is also where they first build the confidence to perform. “My favourite thing is getting to see bands of all types playing, and getting to perform and be part of that myself,” says Sam. “It’s helped me gain a new confidence in myself – a year ago I couldn’t have imagined going up on a stage and playing music to an audience.” Having formed a band and played live myself last year, I can safely back that sentiment. 

Don’t stress about it. It’s meant to be a fun, chill thing, so start by playing some things you enjoy

Jai, BandSoc PR Officer

Though, if the idea of playing in front of a crowd still terrifies you, don’t worry, you’re in good company. As Alex, one of the tech officers says, Jam Nights are just “a good way to meet people and also hear bands play in a very chill environment.” Jai, our PR officer, also offers this advice: “Don’t stress about it. It’s meant to be a fun, chill thing, so start by playing some things you enjoy.” Onur agrees, reminding freshers that originality doesn’t have to mean depth: “It doesn’t have to be poetic or meaningful – it can be about the silliest of things.” 

Right now, Freshers Week is the perfect time to get stuck in. There’ll be a showcase gig at Warwick Arts Centre, a circle, and a bar crawl – plus the usual Societies Fair and Meet the Exec. From there, the year quickly fills with acoustic nights in T-Bar, jam nights at The Graduate, and bigger events like Battle of the Bands, Battle of the Cover Bands and WickFest. You’ll meet future bandmates, sure, but probably some lifelong mates too. 

Behind the scenes, BandSoc has the facilities to support bands. The practice room above the Dirty Duck is open every day, fully kitted out with amps, a drum kit, keyboard, microphones, and a PA system. Two-hour slots cost £7.50, and members can book online. For anyone still looking for bandmates, the BandSoc Discord is the best place to start—the “Looking for a Band” channel has launched countless line-ups, and it’s also where you’ll find gig sign-ups and announcements. For event news and photos, following @warwickbandsoc on Instagram is essential. 

You will get to meet lots of people who are just as passionate about music as you are, connect with other freshers, and find opportunities to make music on and around campus

Nehir, BandSoc Vice President

Membership costs just £3 for the year through the Warwick SU website, giving you access to the practice room, events, and performance opportunities. But the real value is the people you’ll meet. “You will get to meet lots of people who are just as passionate about music as you are, connect with other freshers, and find opportunities to make music on and around campus,” says Nehir. “We also have a Frep role, so you can gain experience being on an exec team in your first year.” 

Plus, if you prefer producing to performing, you can join Olive Hill Records, an independent label run by Onur. The project has even built a recording studio in the old Warwick Arts Centre broadcast space, giving students the chance to capture their music professionally and release live EPs straight from BandSoc gigs. 

At its heart, BandSoc is about more than just music – it’s about community. It’s the buzz of a Jam Night, the thrill of a mosh pit, and the quieter moments in the practice room when new songs are born. Whether you’re a performer, a producer, or just someone who loves live music, you’ll find your place here. As Onur adds, it’s also about “sick choons and creamy dirty pints of stout”. 

So, this year, don’t just press play. Join the Discord, follow the Instagram, come along to Jam Night, and see where it leads. Whether you end up on stage, in the crowd, or somewhere in between, BandSoc is ready to welcome you.