Somerset shed attracts musical talent from around the globe

'Songs from the shed' website sees back garden become bijou stopoff for touring musicians looking for exposureWatch our audio slideshowLater tonight he'll play one of Bristol's favourite music venues and tomorrow he'll headline a gig in Cardiff.But when the Guardian comes to see him, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, a singer-songwriter tipped for great things, is getting ready to perform in Jon Earl's shed, deep in the Somerset countryside.The concept couldn't be simpler. Singers and bands set up in the modest structure at the bottom of Earl's garden. They record a short session. Earl videos it and posts the results on his website and on YouTube.When he launched his Songs from the Shed project, Earl, whose "proper job" is running a photocopying business, thought only a few local bands would pop in. But his bijou venue has become a stop-off point for well-known groups and singers and his site has attracted tens of thousands of hits.Dave Rotheray, who sold millions of records as a member of the Beautiful South, the award-winning fiddle player Jackie Oates and the American folk rock group The Young Republic have all played here. There are rumours, which Earl will not confirm, that one of the biggest names in contemporary British pop might just be dropping in soon.The project began life in the local pub. "I was discussing what to do with the shed with three friends," said Earl. "We were thinking of making it as a base for a cheese and cider society. We'd meet every month and sample cheese and cider."Then came the idea of inviting a local musician to play. A couple of local groups turned up, Earl filmed them on a simple camera and posted the results online. After three sessions singers and bands from as far afield as the US and Australia contacted Earl and said they wanted to play the shed."I was astounded and it's taken over my life," said Earl, who has hosted 50 sessions in a year. "I think bands like the atmosphere and the idea of getting back to making music in a simple way."Bands arrive and if it's a nice day tend to hang around the garden a bit ? there are hammocks for them to lie in. For those on tour, it's a break from the grind. Then they play. It's mainly acoustic. The noisiest are at the back, the quietest at the front and away we go."Benjamin Francis Leftwich helps Earl carry a table out of the shed and starts to play in the space they have cleared.As he plays, Leftwich glances at Earl's huge dresser, a family heirloom, its shelves loaded with curiosities - coronation mugs, battered cameras, a scary old jack-on-the box, a spinning top.The singer performs three songs and declares himself pleased. He arrived in Somerset after a heavy night in Sheffield and the shed seems to sooth him."It's a nice atmosphere. I felt at home, comfortable and the acoustics are good. I loved the ornaments on the shelves. I'm very aware of my surroundings as I sing - I take in everything around me and try to use that to get a feeling."I understand why bands like to play here - it's in the middle of nowhere and not flash and glitzy, it's a good place."The success of the project leaves Earl facing a quandary. Does he try to turn it into a business, perhaps try to find a sponsor or team up with a record label? If he tries to make the shed more commercial, it could lose its mojo."Musicians tell me don't try to make money out of the industry - just enjoy it. Dave Rotheray paid me the best compliment. He said there was no artifice or industry here - just a guy who loves music in his garden shed."The session over, Earl goes into his house to check that the video looks ok. Leftwich packs his guitar away and heads for the train station and the bright lights of Bristol.Folk musicIndieInternetSteven Morrisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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