Russ Withey's Rock With brings music to life in Cumbria

Russ, originally from Herefordshire, moved to Carlisle in 2015, from working around music and other media for some time Russ decided to set up his own music promotions company. 

He has seen great success across north Cumbria and is now branching his services out along the west coast. 

Mr Withey said: "We're an events and promotions company where we put on our own gigs, and we also have bands and artists who are part of my website who we get gigs and events for. 

"They contact me and ask if I can get them gigs so I basically put people together."

Russ has been working in music for the last twenty years since he was 18 years old, for much of the time he's worked in record stores and says he's always been interested in going to gigs and festivals. 

He says that for this time music has been his life and he really enjoy the local music scene. 

Over the last seven years Russ has been living in Cumbria and he described the music scene in the area as 'phenomenal.' 

One of the concerts organised by Russ (Image: Supplied)

Mr Withey continued: "I've always had people ask me about getting them gigs and for opportunities. 

"So to be able to get the chance to help all these artists and musicians and have the opportunity to showcase their music is great."

Russ has been running the company since June last year and it has proved very popular. 

He has already organised all the music for the Cockermouth Food Festival last summer and doing the fan zones for Carlisle United, saying that he has also put on events for around three different venues as well. 

He added: "I just want to see if I can expand on it more I'd love to work with more venues and do even more in the west coast. 

"At the moment I'm working with the Carneige Theatre, The Source in Carlisle, Allerdale Borough Council and Workington Council but I'd love to expand even further and work with any venues or promoters who want to collaborate by putting on events around Cumbria."

Russ at the Taste Cumbria Festival in Cockermouth (Image: Supplied)

Russ recently hosted a West Coast Invasion at The Source in Carlisle with artists from west Cumbria, he says that he would like to give musicians from this area more representation.