Building The Shelf with Katzpace

Co-founded with her father Bebe Barry shares more about London's newest music venue which supports independent musicians.

Last May Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Bebe Barry. At the time they had just released “DON’T HAVE THE DOPAMINE” and have gone on to release more singles such as “Dumped At The Quarter” and “The World Don’t Stop.” Together we had the pleasure of discussing Katzpace, a venue in which she co-founded with her father.

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1. Mustard is excited and pleased to welcome back Bebe Barry; independent musician, co-founder of Katzpace along with her dad, and host of “Indie Bangers” on Islington Radio. How are you doing today?

Howdie doody! Thanks for having me back Mustard. The sky is blue and I am feeling good today thank you!

2. Since we have last spoke you have been up to a lot. Could you share of the things you’ve done seen our precious interview?

It has been a bit crazy when I look back on it but in the best way. Since our last interview I've released three singles, opened an indie music venue called Katzpace with my dad, joined Islington Radio as a resident DJ with my show Indie Bangers and have had lots of sneaky naps! 

3. What was your first experience with Katzpace?

Originally Katzpace began it's life as a little studio theatre which I ran with my best friend Greg before Covid. Luckily I still work a lot with Greg as he designs all the artwork for my music - we always find a way to work together somehow! 

4. COVID unfortunately had shut Katzpace down for a bit. How were you feeling during this time? When did the idea come to mind to reopen and reimagine Katzpace? 

We had a great few years and saw lots of shows coming through our doors, but when the first lockdown hit, it wasn't long before we had to close the space as a theatre. It wasn't a great time I must say. It was really touch and go for a long while in terms of my family keeping the pubs going so that was a big worry as it's such a huge part of our lives. Through all of that though, I'm mainly grateful that we all made it to the other side healthy because I know that sadly wasn't the case for everyone. 

The idea to reimagine Katzpace as a gig venue came about when I was playing the gig circuit around London. My dad and I saw an opportunity to create a space that was all about the artists and the music. My dad toured with his band, The Tyrrel Corporation, when he was younger and I've been playing different spots for a while now,  so we both know what it's like and what a huge difference it makes when you feel supported and appreciated by the venue. For us, it's all about that family feeling and giving artists a positive and memorable experience, because that's what it should all be about at the end of the day!

5. What do you look for when bringing an artist to Katzpace? Are there certain requirements or is it open to all?

I would say we're pretty much open to all! We definitely look for people who are playing original material but we love a cheeky cover as much as the next person. To be honest we've been incredibly lucky because we find ourselves commenting on how incredible each performer is at every show. 

6. How did that first show back on October 9th feel? What was the reception and atmosphere like?

TERRIFYING. Absolutely terrifying. The whole night is a bit of a fever dream but it was extraordinarily fun and a roaring success. What was fantastic about it looking back, was the complete faith my dad and I had in each other - he took on most of the construction and setting up the equipment side and I took on marketing and finding/liaising with the acts. We both trusted the other entirely to bring it all together on the day and make it happen. Saying that though, there is always the element of feeling like a complete imposter who's making it all up as they go along! But we had fantastic support along the way and a whole lot of love went into making it happen. The reception was better than I could have hoped for. The crowd was really really great and I will forever be grateful for everyone who came and made the atmosphere of that night so special and magical. 

7. You’re the host of “Indie Bangers” on Islington Radio. Could you share how that happened?

I am! It actually started because Terry who is the founder of Islington Radio reached out to me and said he thought I could be great at hosting a show and would I be interested in putting together a pilot. This was one of the year's best surprises for me as it wasn't something that was on my radar but as soon as the idea was in front of me, I wanted nothing more than to do it! From there, I put together a pilot, it got the go ahead and now I'm hosting my own show with them which has been an absolute dream! I love what Islington Radio do in terms of supporting new artists and I feel that their mission statement really aligns with what I believe in, so it's an honour to be working with them. 

8. Being able to share your favorite independent musicians on the radio must be a blast. When putting together a set are you also thinking about having them play at Katzpace?

It's such a blast and it really keeps me tuned in to new amazing tracks that are being put out there. Honestly, it all sort of exists in the same space in my head. When someone plays with us at Katzpace I'm always thinking "this song could be great on the radio show!" And vice versa, if I find a track that I love for the show, I automatically start to think if the artist would be able to come and play with us at Katz. 

9. If you could any three artists play at Katzpace who would it be? 

I have been paused at my keyboard for a hot minute because this is a HARD question and I'm just going to go with my gut reactions. Maisie Peters, Yungblud and Sam Fender. I think if any one of those artists came through our doors I would probably melt into the floor and happily so. 

10. A human is visiting London and wants to see a show at Katzpace. What is the process to obtaining a ticket?

Hop on over to one of our socials - @katzpace and there will be a link in our bio or on one of our posts where you can grab a ticket! You can also buy on the door if the show isn't sold out. 

11. You host trivia at your dad’s pub The Shef. Have you hosted any trivia at Katzpace?

I do! I'm actually a big big quiz nerd and hosting quiz nights at The Sheaf was initially my way of trying to help business going after Covid. Now that things are getting near to normal again, the quiz nights are still around because it became such a fun monthly tradition! I haven't held one in Katzpace but The Sheaf is only next door (they're connected by the same kitchen!)

12. What is next for Katzpace?

Next is bands hopefully! Fingers crossed we'll have more on that soon! 

13. Is there anywhere humans can watch performances from Katzpace?

At the moment, individual artists often record their own sets, but maybe that'll be the next project we start looking into for this year. 

And if it's alright can I add a huge shoutout to these people who have been integral in getting Katzpace off the ground - of course my fantastic dad Tony Barry, Hugh Turner, Josie Jammet, Moody, Jack Hart, Silas Wyatt-Barke, all the staff at Katzenjammers and all of the spectacular artists who have played with us!