25
16.5+
349
Lila, the non-profit initiative empowering South Asians in the UK music industry, launched The South Asian Soundcheck, a new survey, supported by major industry bodies including UK Music, British Recorded Music Industry (BPI), Musicians Union (MU) and Music Managers Forum (MMF).
The Soundcheck, an online survey, provides the first detailed dataset on the South Asian experience in UK music. The insights gathered have set the stage for industry-wide action, and will help deliver the tools required for South Asian music to enter the spotlight.
The survey shines a light on representation and barriers in the UK music industry, whilst also highlighting opportunities for change. South Asian music creators, managers, executives, and behind-the-scenes professionals are encouraged to contribute their experiences to the new survey, which is the first of its kind and explores: who is working in the industry and in what roles, how and what South Asians are earning in music, representation and visibility in the industry, how cultural identity shapes music careers, and what access there is to funding and industry support, and what is needed.
As the first comprehensive study into the South Asian experience in UK music, the survey has revealed a fundamental lack of support and representation is holding back progress, as well as identifying a clear need identified for mentorship, representation and investment. We looked after both the announcement of the survey, and its results.
The South Asian Soundcheck surveyed 349 people, most of whom are established music creators and professionals, and the results indicate that only a quarter are able to rely on music as their full-time source of income, while two thirds of those asked said that it is the lack of South Asian people in industry positions that holds them back most; they cannot see people like themselves making programming decisions at festivals and venues, signing artists at labels, or holding senior roles at streaming platforms.
We placed high-quality coverage on Eastern Eye, Arts Professional, DesiBlitz, Record of the Day, The Musicans Union, Asian Tones, Festival Insights, Music Week, Complete Music Update, Biz Asia Live, Record of the Day, Music Ally, Headliner Hub, GG2.net, Mixmag, Skiddle, and DJ Mag plus more, as well as packages on BBC Radio London, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1 Xtra, and BBC Asian Network.
"Two-thirds of South Asian artists and music industry professionals in the UK feel poorly represented, according to a new study."
"A landmark study by Lila reveals how underrepresentation and limited support continue to hold back South Asians in the UK music industry."
