Local musician plans to bring live music back to pubs

A musician based in South Co. Down has come up with an inventive way to bring live music back to pubs and bars. Ryan McCann, 30, living in Warrenpoint, teamed up with YouTuber Mark Hughes, 35 from Rostrevor, to form Elk Creative Media, a multi platform production company specialising in digital content creation, live streaming and events in April of this year.

Ryan’s entire livelihood was thrown into turmoil due to the global pandemic. “I would be playing several gigs every week from pubs to weddings up and down the country. When Covid hit, it wiped out all my bookings for the year. I started Elk with my friend Mark as a way to get back to playing. The lack of live music has taken away the very essence and soul of what any good pub should have. Fortunately, we have come up with a solution for bars and musicians across the country”

Their idea is simple; Elk Live Streaming Solutions will allow pubs and bars to livestream music to their customers from the safety of Elk studios in Warrenpoint whilst also providing local musicians with a platform to perform live to an audience.

“We realise that the hospitality industry is under a great deal of pressure due to current rules and regulations, so we’re bringing live music directly to selected bars and venues across the region via our studio live streaming facilities” says Ryan.

The recent relaxation of regulations has allowed many bars with outdoor areas to reopen to the public. However, live music and events are still being curbed in an effort to stop any further spread of coronavirus. Elk Live Streaming Solutions is a creative way to keep the live music scene alive. Ryan told us “It’s a great way for musicians like me to get back on the circuit and know their music is being appreciated by audiences in real venues.”

Elk Creative Media hope this venture will be the start of many events both online and live. “As part of our company's vision we’re going to be live streaming a concert featuring local bands as part of our official launch on the 30th of May followed by the launch of our new online podcast/music platform Elk Digital on the 31st of May.

“Warrenpoint was a Mecca for musicians” says Mark. “There was a time when every venue and bar would be packed with bands and musicians. Once the pandemic ends, we’re aiming to reintroduce that creativity and energy to the town!”

For more information on Elk Live Streaming Solutions email info@elkcreativemedia.com or call 07789852774.