A significant collaboration in Northern England is driving new opportunities for Black music creatives.
- The OPEN SAUCE x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project aims to bridge industry gaps.
- It’s part of a pilot programme initiated by the Liverpool City Region.
- The project responds to disparities highlighted in the influential ReMap Report.
- Involvement from prominent organisations like UNESCO City of Music strengthens its impact.
Northern England has witnessed a remarkable alliance between cultural bodies and music industry leaders to enhance opportunities for Black musicians. The OPEN SAUCE x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project is pivotal in this undertaking, aiming to create pathways into the music industry for Black artists. This initiative, spearheaded by Generator and Nothin But The Music (NBTM), is set to open new doors for emerging talents.
The initiative forms a critical part of the Liverpool City Region’s Music Industry Sector Development Pilot. This pilot was born from the efforts of the LCR Music Board’s Black Music Action Group (BMAG) and is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund. It is designed to provide Black music creatives with valuable industry experience, potentially changing the industry landscape for underrepresented groups.
Winning backing from influential organisations such as UNESCO City of Music and major record labels including Interval Records and Warner Music UK, the programme is gaining significant traction. The development of this scheme is also a direct response to the compelling findings of the ReMap Report released earlier in the year, which highlighted vast inequalities in music industry opportunities across the North, notably in Liverpool.
Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, expressed the importance of the one-year pilot’s success, with hopes for it to serve as a model for similar initiatives nationwide. He stated, “The OPEN SAUCE x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project is designed to advance emerging talent from all sides of the industry while filling the gap of the notorious skills shortage at present.” This initiative aims to provide real living wage work experience to those often overlooked, setting a blueprint for future expansion.
Yaw Owusu, founder of Nothin But The Music and a leading voice in advocating for inclusivity in the music industry, also plays a key role in the project. Currently, Owusu is involved with the PRS Foundation’s Power Up as a senior manager. He commented, “There’s been a lot of work done around equality and equity for Black music creators and industry professionals, but there remains a real need to do something impactful and tangible.”
Cllr Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, noted how the project sets an example of proactive measures addressing equality and equity issues outlined in the ReMap Report. He expressed optimism that the initiative will foster more opportunities for Black industry professionals to establish successful careers, contributing to a more inclusive industry as it progresses.
The collaborative effort of Northern cultural organisations and industry leaders is a significant step towards inclusivity and equity within the music industry.
