Birmingham's vibrant music scene has received a significant boost with the announcement that XOYO Birmingham has been acquired by Propaganda Independent Venues, marking a return to independent ownership for the city's leading live music destination.
New Beginnings for Birmingham Music
The acquisition forms part of a broader purchase of TEG's UK venue portfolio by the newly-established Propaganda Independent Venues. The deal, confirmed on 25th November 2025 and updated the following day, also includes several other prominent venues across the country.
Alongside XOYO Birmingham, the acquisition encompasses XOYO London, Camden Assembly - previously known as the legendary indie venue Barfly - plus Tramshed and The Globe in Cardiff. This strategic move positions Propaganda as a significant player in the UK's independent live music landscape.
Commitment to Grassroots Music and Local Community
Propaganda Independent Venues brings considerable expertise to the table, being the UK's biggest indie night and co-owners of The Warehouse in Leeds, one of the country's oldest music venues. The company has outlined ambitious plans to transform XOYO Birmingham into a cultural hub that actively supports local talent.
Dan Ickowitz-Seidler, who leads Propaganda alongside Richard Buck, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition. "I am really excited to have acquired XOYO Birmingham, a venue that Rich previously owned as The Mill, and which has such an important place in the Birmingham live music scene," he stated.
"It is a challenging time for grassroots venues, and we want to support the touring ecosystem as much as possible. We also want to engage with the local community to bring the events they want to see to the venues."
Practical Support for Artists and Promoters
The new ownership brings several concrete benefits for the local music community. Propaganda Independent Venues plans to establish a submissions page on their website www.propagandavenues.com, where Birmingham-based bands and artists can apply for support slots alongside bigger-name acts performing at the venue.
In a move that will be welcomed by touring musicians, the venue will eliminate merchandise fees for artists - a significant financial burden removed from performers. Local promoters will also benefit from a new, fairer ticketing allocation model designed to support the creative ecosystem.
The owners have emphasised their commitment to working with local artists and creatives beyond just musical performances, suggesting potential collaborations across different artistic disciplines. With additional operational support coming through a partnership with Ghostwriter, the venue appears well-positioned to thrive under its new independent ownership.
This acquisition represents a positive development for Birmingham's cultural landscape at a time when many grassroots music venues face considerable challenges. The return to independent ownership under experienced operators with proven commitment to local music scenes suggests an exciting new chapter for one of the city's most important live music spaces.
