About Playlistr
Built in Derby.
Built for live music.
Two mates from Derby — one who codes, one who plays. We got sick of how hard it was to book bands, interact with crowds, and capture the moment. So we built the tools we wished existed.
Who we are
James Shaw is the co-founder and developer behind Playlistr. Based in Derby, James came up with the idea and built the platform from the ground up — three connected web apps, no app store required, designed to be as frictionless as possible for artists, venues, and fans alike.
Billy Garratt is the co-founder and the reason Playlistr actually understands live music. Billy has spent the last decade playing in bands across the Midlands — you might know him from Billy O'Dakins, Hotboxed, or The Sore Doctors. He knows what it's like to chase bookings, manage setlists on the fly, and play to a room that's got its own ideas about what should come next. That experience is baked into every feature we've built.
Together, we're building the tools we always wished existed — for every artist trying to get booked, every venue trying to fill a room, and every fan who wants to feel like more than just a spectator.
Our mission
Playlistr is the live-music ecosystem — connecting artists, venues and fans through real-time interaction, bookings, and crowd-powered moments. We believe live music is one of the last truly shared human experiences, and we're building the technology to make it better for everyone in the room.
What we've built
Playlistr LIVE
Real-time song requests and setlist voting. Fans scan a QR code and interact with performers directly — no app required. Artists read the room. Crowds shape the night. Born out of Billy knowing exactly what it feels like to guess what a room wants.
Playlistr Connect
The UK's live music booking marketplace. Artists get discovered. Venues find verified talent. Musicians connect with deps, collaborators, and bandmates. Built because chasing bookings by DM and word of mouth is no way to run a music career in 2026.
Playlistr FanCam
A live crowd photo feed where audiences upload photos during events. Photos appear on screens instantly and become a permanent gallery — the night, told by the people who were there.
Where we are
We're based in Derby, East Midlands, and we're just getting started. The platform is live, the tools work, and we're growing. If you're an artist, a venue, or a fan — there's a place for you here.
Who we're for
Artists who deserve to be found. Venues who want nights people remember. Fans who want to be part of the show — not just watching it.
Be part of the ecosystem.
We're just getting started. Join Playlistr today — it's free.