Have you heard about the shed? An old wooden cabin in the depths of Somerset has been crowned ‘Shed of the Year’ after developing a cult internet following as an acoustic music venue.

What was once a World War One billet hut has played host to over 1000 musicians from around the world, including Steve Harley (Cockney Rebels), Roddy Woomble (Idlewild), Alabama 3, Gideon Conn, Fairport Convention, The Beautiful South and Tom Williams and
the Boat to name just a few.

The shed has its own website – www.songsfromtheshed.com, which has weekly updates from the owner, Mr Earl, who videos the performances and uploads them to the website.

The shed’s reputation within the music industry is now such that the record company suits have been known to trawl the website and videos in search for new talent, as well as booking their own up and coming bands a performance in the shed.

If I were in a band right now and was looking for some exposure – I’d get on the website and start hassling Mr Earl for a slot. I think next week he’s got Shed Seven in for a performance.

Here’s Roddy Woomble’s Shed Session: