A coalition of Northern cultural organizations and music industry leaders is driving new avenues in the Black music scene.
- The OPEN SAUCE x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project is offering Black artists and music creators expanded industry access.
- This initiative, part of the Liverpool City Region’s sector development, is supported by significant funding and influential backers.
- The program addresses the opportunities gap identified in the recent ReMap Report for underrepresented music professionals.
- Key figures in the industry see this pilot program as a blueprint for national expansion, fostering inclusivity and skill recognition.
In a landmark collaboration, Northern cultural entities and music industry giants have joined hands to amplify the presence of Black music creatives. The initiative, known as The OPEN SAUCE x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project, aspires to forge new pathways for Black artists seeking to break into the music industry. The project, orchestrated by Generator and Nothin But The Music (NBTM), focuses on creating viable entry points for Black talent.
The program is a segment of the Liverpool City Region’s Music Industry Sector Development Pilot, fueled by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund. It is designed to provide Black musical creatives with direct industry experience, a notion that has gained endorsements from heavyweight organizations and record labels including UNESCO City of Music, Interval Records, and Warner Music UK.
Motivated by the compelling findings in the ReMap Report, released in April, the program aims to bridge the substantial opportunity chasm faced by underrepresented groups in the music industry, particularly noticeable in cities like Liverpool. The report, spearheaded by Liverpool City Region Music Board’s Yaw Owusu along with Dr. Matthew Flynn, Jennifer John, and Kevin McManus, highlighted these gaps in detail.
Mick Ross, the CEO at Generator, emphasizes the transformative potential of this project, foreseeing it as a model for nationwide implementation. He asserts that the project’s core mission is to deliver genuine work experience coupled with a living wage to those who are underrepresented, thereby addressing the skills gap prominently seen today.
The initiative is further strengthened by the insights of Yaw Owusu, a prominent figure in advancing inclusivity in the music industry. His extensive work in designing impactful musical and cultural projects signifies the importance of tangible actions to ensure equity in career opportunities for Black creators.
Backing this vision, Cllr Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor, expressed optimism towards the project’s goals, particularly its commitment to fostering a more inclusive music sector. He recognized the proactive steps being taken following the ReMap Report’s recommendations.
The OPEN SAUCE x Generator initiative stands as a promising endeavor to enhance inclusivity and opportunity for Black music professionals, signaling a positive trajectory for the industry.
