@artistsmakers fingers crossed by end of month should have carling academy Brum, ex club/venue, ex cinema. As they say watch this space!

Watch that space indeed. Oh, and thanks to Julia for spotting that tweet.

Speaking of the old Academy, how are they doing at their new place? Comparing the listings of upcoming shows at the Record Shop Institute in Digbeth and the Phone Company Academy on Bristol Street, it looks to me like the former is getting the bigger names in at the moment, while the latter has a surprising number of tribute acts and bands living on past glories turning up in the next few months. Is that about right or am I off the mark?

There’ something poignant about Record Store Day coming round on 17 April with two of Birmingham’s independent record shops about to call it a day. With Tempest and Swordfish on the way out the only ones left vaguely near the city centre (that I know of) are Hard To Find Records and The Diskery. Oh, there’s a few things in the CiB shop too.

HTFR and Polar Bear are the Birmingham record shops taking part in Record Store Day.

I can’t mourn Swordfish and Tempest too much as it’s a while since I’ve bought anything from either of them (although over the years I’ve spent a large amount of money I didn’t have in both of them). Still sad though.

While we’re talking about closed down music-related places, the Academy has (presumably) done quite well by being relocated to Bristol Street while last year the planned works on Martineau Galleries were put on hold. The Oasis shopping centre has had a 5 year stay of execution. It’s hard to imagine who might step in and make use of the Academy over the next few years.

If anyone’s got any smart ideas then the letting agent is Alder Grimes and Gooderham and they’re on 020 7836 7826.