TRENDИG Profiles: Gez Addictive-The Quiet Architect of Derby’s Grassroots Music Scene

In every thriving music city there are the visible stars on stage and the quieter forces working tirelessly behind the scenes. In Derby’s grassroots music scene, one of those key figures is Gez Addictive. For more than two decades he has been a constant presence across venues, rehearsal spaces, festivals and artist development, helping shape the city’s musical ecosystem from the ground up.

While many in Derby will remember Gez as the frontman of punk outfit Addictive pHilosopHy, today his influence reaches far beyond performance. As a promoter, mentor, producer and strategic advisor, he has become one of the most important figures supporting emerging artists across the city.

“I’m currently based in Derby,” Gez explains. “It’s a small city and I’m involved in a lot of things so I’m fairly well known. The younger generation know me for running events and mentoring artists, whereas before COVID I was better known as a performer.”

That long history within the city has positioned him as a bridge between artists, venues and industry professionals both locally and beyond. “Because I’ve been around the Derby scene for so long, people from outside the city often ask me for insights about emerging artists, suitable venues for tours and things like that.”

A Career That Spans Every Corner of the Scene

Trying to summarise what Gez does in a single job title is nearly impossible. His work stretches across multiple roles that collectively support Derby’s independent music infrastructure.

“I get asked what I do and honestly it’s a tough question because it’s so varied,” he says.

Gez is the director of two community interest companies that play an important role in supporting musicians. Fuzz Music Services focuses on strategic consultation, mentoring and management, helping artists understand the realities of the industry from intellectual property rights to royalties and career planning. Alongside that sits Alpha Pro Creative, which offers rehearsal space, recording facilities, equipment hire and event staffing.

Beyond these organisations, Gez is also heavily involved in promoting gigs across Derby’s key grassroots venues including The Hairy Dog and The Vic Inn, while also collaborating with other promoters at venues like Mr Shaw’s House.

His work extends into festivals too. He supplies and staffs multiple stages at Whatstandwell Festival and handles stage and PA supply, as well as booking artists, for Silk Mill Festival.

Much of the work he does is invisible to the average gig-goer. Behind the scenes he spends countless hours in conversations with venues, promoters and cultural organisations about strategy, artist development and the direction of the local scene.

“What a lot of people don’t realise is that people like me see artists before anybody else,” he explains. “We see bands before they’re gigging. We hear new material before it’s recorded or released. People like Dean Jackson at BBC Introducing do an amazing job championing artists publicly, but there are people behind the scenes helping shape those artists before they get to that stage and after they reach it.”

From Teenage Ambition to Derby’s Biggest Rehearsal Hub

Gez’s journey into the music world began in the 1990s with a simple but determined goal: to build a life in music on his own terms.

“As a teenager I decided I wanted a career in music where I could self record and self release and have my own space to do it in,” he says.

At the time, support for aspiring musicians was limited. “I had no family support. I was basically told by everyone it was completely unthinkable.”

That didn’t stop him.

After starting a band in the late 1990s and experiencing the same struggles many young artists still face today, an opportunity appeared in 2004 that would change the course of his career. Gez bought the rehearsal studio where his band practised-The Music Shed.

What began as a modest facility eventually grew into one of the largest rehearsal spaces Derby had ever seen.

“We turned it into a massive facility looking after hundreds of bands,” he recalls.

Running the studio opened the door to other opportunities in live events, equipment hire and artist support. More importantly, it reinforced a mission that still drives his work today: making the music industry more accessible for young artists.

“I wanted Derby to have a thriving scene and for young people to have access to facilities that I didn’t.”

Life on Stage and Punk Festival Highs

Although Gez now spends much of his time supporting others, his own career as a performer has delivered some unforgettable moments.

One of the biggest highlights came when Addictive pHilosopHy played Rebellion Festival, the world-renowned punk festival held in Blackpool.

“The first time we played Rebellion was unreal,” he says.

He has also shared stages with many of his heroes from the punk and ska world over the years. Another standout moment arrived when he fronted legendary punk band Anti Pasti at Germany’s Punk n Disorderly Festival.

“It was a massive audience and we had them eating out of our hand with music from the upcoming album Rise Up.”

Working alongside respected producer Roger Lomas was another milestone. Lomas is known for producing numerous classic ska records and winning a Grammy for his work with dub legend Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

“Recording two singles for Addictive pHilosopHy with Roger Lomas was incredible,” Gez says.

Spotting Talent Before the Industry Notices

While his achievements as a performer are impressive, some of Gez’s most important contributions have come through identifying and supporting emerging talent.

One example stands out clearly.

“I spotted Alt Blk Era when they had just got going and told everyone they’d be MOBO nominees within a year.”

That prediction turned out to be accurate.

“They were nominated and now they’re massive.”

Moments like that highlight the role people like Gez play in the grassroots ecosystem. They are often the first to recognise potential and the first to give artists meaningful opportunities.

Creating Music Experiences for Everyone

Not all highlights come from big festivals or career milestones. Sometimes the most powerful moments are the ones that create real impact for communities.

One such moment came during Delta Echo Fest, when Gez helped organise a specially adapted gig experience for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) children at The Hairy Dog.

“We put on a silent gig for SEND kids and it was truly amazing,” he says. “We gave those kids a real gig experience tailored to their needs. It was beyond epic.”

For Gez, the experience reaffirmed the deeper purpose behind his work.

“I came into music to make a difference and that was an unbelievable thing to be part of.”

The Hard Reality of Grassroots Music

Despite the passion and impact of his work, Gez is open about the biggest challenge facing grassroots music professionals.

“The most challenging part is money, easily.”

Operating with strong personal ethics often means turning down opportunities that conflict with his values. He also consciously keeps many of his services affordable for artists.

“I could charge a lot more for some of the things I do, but I believe in keeping things accessible.”

In a sector where funding can sometimes depend on connections rather than merit, staying true to those principles is not always easy.

But two decades in, Gez remains committed.

“Twenty-two years in and I’m still going strong thanks to the other people around me who share those values.”

Inspirations from Punk Icons to Community Shops

Gez’s inspirations are as varied as his career.

On a personal level, his partner plays a major role in keeping him grounded.

“My partner is a great inspiration. She also lives according to her ethics and that influences our daily lives.”

Closer to home, he finds inspiration in local businesses that have served communities for generations.

“There were shops near me in Chaddesden like Cherry Tree Hill Post Office run by Don and his family, and Mason’s run by Kev and his parents before him. They were community figureheads providing a service and being known and loved by everyone.”

Philosophically, he draws influence from figures who stayed true to their beliefs.

“Gandhi is a huge inspiration because of his unwavering commitment to his principles.”

Musically, two very different artists have shaped his thinking.

“Crass for their commitment to political principles, and Prince for his sheer ingenuity.”

Adapting While Staying True to the Mission

Over the years, Gez has continually refined his approach to the music industry.

“I’ve done a lot of learning on the job,” he says.

Recently he completed a BA degree, graduating with a First, which helped bring new structure to how he approaches events and strategic work.

But while he embraces learning and improvement, he is cautious about change purely for the sake of it.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

What’s Next for Gez Addictive

Right now, Gez is juggling more projects than ever.

At the centre of things is Delta Echo Fest, a collaborative festival celebrating emerging artists and the promoters and venues that support them.

The event is overseen by Fuzz Music Services and involves a collective team including Alpha Pro Creative, The Indie Night, Musikbox and Third Eye Live. Events take place across key Derby venues including The Hairy Dog, The Vic Inn and Mr Shaw’s House.

Alongside that, Gez continues producing bands in the studio and mentoring artists.

He currently manages the metal band Setrakain, who have already progressed through the first round of Metal 2 the Masses in a bid to secure a slot at Bloodstock Festival.

He is also scouting for labels and working with an experienced industry manager on potential artist management collaborations.

And somewhere in all of that, he is planning a return to performing himself.

“I’m still technically a performer,” he says with a smile. “I’m just resting.”

A Philosophy of Collaboration Over Competition

At the heart of everything Gez does is a simple belief about the music community.

“I hope people learn that the world would be better if we worked together for good things,” he says. “There should be compassion and tolerance instead of greed and impatience.”

In an industry often driven by competition, it is a refreshing philosophy.

“It shouldn’t be a competition. There should be enough happiness for everyone.”

Where to Follow Gez and His Work

Those interested in discovering more about Gez’s work, upcoming gigs and artist development projects can follow his organisations online.

Alpha Pro Creative
https://linktr.ee/alphaproderby

Fuzz Music Services
https://linktr.ee/fuzzmusic

Both channels regularly share updates about events, emerging artists and opportunities within Derby’s music scene.

Advice for the Next Generation

For those hoping to follow a similar path in music, Gez offers one piece of practical advice.

“Listen to good advice and ignore bad advice,” he says. “And learn how to research whether the person giving you that advice is qualified to do so.”

In an industry filled with opinions and competing voices, discernment matters.

“You can’t do this alone,” he adds. “Choose your companions wisely.”

The Backbone of Derby’s Music Community

Gez Addictive may not always be the person in the spotlight, but his influence runs through nearly every corner of Derby’s grassroots music world.

From rehearsal spaces and festivals to artist mentoring and behind-the-scenes strategy, he has spent decades helping others build their careers.

And in doing so, he has quietly helped shape the sound and future of Derby’s independent music scene.

For TRENDИG, that makes him more than just a local legend. It makes him one of the city’s most important cultural architects.

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