Discussion between Catching Cairo and Doktor, representatives of BHM and DNB, respectively
In the world of live music, Black Lives in Music is set to launch a new mentorship scheme in January 2024. This program, dedicated to supporting Black artists in the drum and bass and bass music genres, aims to dismantle systemic barriers and promote diversity.
The mentorship scheme is an essential tool for Black artists to overcome obstacles, realise their potential, and contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the creative industries. Black Lives in Music encourages platforms to showcase a variety of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives in the live music industry.
During Black History Month, it's important to celebrate the roots of drum and bass, acknowledging the crucial role of dub music and jungle in its creation. An event dedicated to honoring Black producers and MCs who pioneered the fusion of drum and bass, or a documentary or social media campaign educating about the origins and evolution of drum and bass, would be ideal.
Open and honest discussions need to be happening to combat the social dissonance that still exists in the drum and bass community. Encouraging diversity can be achieved by curating lineups that reflect the spectrum of drum and bass acts, creating meaningful moments, spaces, and events where people can feel the beauty of a diverse environment.
Black Lives in Music aims to empower aspiring Black artists across various aspects of live music, including technical production, live performance, management, and administration. The organisation seeks to celebrate the diversity of the live music industry by highlighting the stories, achievements, and contributions of Black artists.
To achieve these goals, Black Lives in Music is implementing targeted mentorship programs, inclusive community-building, and data-driven advocacy. Establishing formal mentorship programs that pair emerging Black artists with experienced mentors who understand the cultural context and challenges of the drum and bass scene is a key strategy.
Creating and supporting diverse music spaces and events dedicated to inclusion, such as community nights that highlight UK bass in all its cultural forms, is another important step. Building inclusive leadership opportunities where young artists from underrepresented communities can take on paid roles or participate in decision-making boards is also crucial.
Donating equipment and resources, alongside educational programs and workshops, to break down barriers to entry for marginalized artists, enabling them to build their skills and presence, is another strategy. Utilizing data and research rigorously to support funding applications, policy change, and equity by legitimizing the lived experience of Black artists is another key approach.
Developing artist-centered music tech and tools by listening directly to artists’ needs and involving them in the creation process ensures the solutions offered are practical, scalable, and truly supportive. These combined efforts can cultivate a more equitable and culturally rich drum and bass and bass music scene in the UK, where Black artists are authentically supported and celebrated.
Mentorship programs offer guidance, connections, and opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible to Black artists. Black Lives in Music offers real-world opportunities to Black artists seeking guidance in entering the music industry. By launching this new mentorship scheme, Black Lives in Music is taking a significant step towards a more inclusive and diverse future for the live music industry.
- Recognizing the importance of Black artists in the music industry, Black Lives in Music's new mentorship scheme, set to launch in January 2024, will provide essential guidance and opportunities for Black artists in drum and bass and bass music genres, thereby aiding in the dismantling of systemic barriers and promoting diversity across various business sectors, including entertainment and music.
- In line with Black Lives in Music's mission to empower Black artists and celebrate the diversity of the creative industries, the organization will implement targeted mentorship programs, support diverse music spaces and events, engage in open discussions, donate equipment and resources, and develop artist-centered music tech and tools. These efforts aim to foster a more equitable and culturally rich drift and bass music scene in the UK, ultimately encouraging platforms to showcase a variety of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives.
