HE lives and breathes Warrington's music scene.

If there is ever a grassroots gig in the town centre, you will usually find him somewhere near the front.

Lee Harman also organises his own gigs and promotes artists through his platform Warrington Music [WAM].

But the impact of the coronavirus and ongoing efforts to halt its spread means live music has pretty much ground to a halt in the town.

So in a bid to support Warrington artists who have been faced with gig cancellations, the former Woolston High student has put together a compilation where all money, after fees, will go direct to the bands.

The Sound of Warrington 2020 can be downloaded for £10 – described as 'the cost of a round of drinks'.

Lee said: "It certainly won’t cover the cost of cancelled gigs but hopefully it will help to keep these brilliant musicians in the minds of the public."

Warrington Guardian:

The Latchford resident is also happy to help facilitate 'virtual gigs' where artists stream a performance live on social media as a way to keep fans connected while they are stuck in their homes.

They are likely to become more and more popular in the coming weeks with everyone from emerging rockers Yungblud to Coldplay already getting in on the action.

Lee added: "Virtual gigs are great, and when done correctly can be brilliant for fan engagement. It's so important for artists to have those interactions and create a connection with their fans.

"I went out on a limb last year for [WAM] Festival in 2019, live-streaming and recording to camera all 20 sets in full to watch online.

"I thought it would be the future – but I didn’t think we’d be having to watch them while locked down in our houses.

The outbreak has certainly had an impact on [WAM].

Lee said: "It is all but certain our summer [WAM] Magazine will not be released. We rely on the goodwill of businesses to take our advertising spaces to pay towards the production.

"Most of these are Warrington bars and venues who will now be losing money and there will be no places open to distribute the magazines in.

"We have produced 18,000 magazines so far over three issues so that’s a significant loss in exposure for our artists and events.

"We have had three events postponed before they were even announced which is a terrible shame.

"We were also due to go into the studio to record a charity songs ahead of the Euros which of course are now due to take place next year.

"On a personal level, I'm gutted I won't get to see Roughneck Riot who were due to make their comeback after a 15-month hiatus. The gig had been sold out since December.

"It's also heartbreaking for Warrington Music Festival too. It's only the second time it’s not gone ahead since 2007. It’s the biggest platform for the town's music scene and incredibly important for exposure.

"Nobody knows what the next 12 months hold for us. But after an incredibly divisive few years, hopefully a little bit of blitz spirit will help."

The Sound of Warrington is available at warringtonmusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-sound-of-warrington-2020