Celebrating Black Music on Merseyside

Celebration of originality in black music

ROBYN COULING explores the black music scene in Liverpool

Black history month may have ended but the celebration of black lives and black music continued with a unique online festival in Merseyside this weekend.

On Record saw a vast array of original content from black artists around the county, including streamed performances, exclusive in-conversation events and podcasts.

The festival kicked off with a debate around black music and its significance in the past, present and future of Liverpool’s ever-growing music scene and later included pre-recorded performances from the Philharmonic Hall by black artists from Liverpool.

Funded by Liverpool City Council, the programme was curated by Yaw Owusu.

After completing university, Yaw Owusu launched the music organisation URBEATZ, which soon became known throughout the UK for its unique brand of music, film and media, winning several awards for innovation and creativity.

In 2012, Yaw set up music consultancy agency Nothin’ But The Music (NBTM), which has gone on to support Liverpool International Music Festival, BBC Radio 1 Academy and MTV.

Yaw Owusu said: “On Record is a real reflection of what is often untold in mainstream discussions about Liverpool’s music culture – that black music has and still does influence and inspire so much that makes the scene so special. On Record is a celebration and exploration of this.

“On Record sees new voices and respected professionals helping to restore some of the often forgotten or left out elements of the city region’s music culture narrative.

“I hope it provides some justice to these fascinating subjects and demonstrates how black music is a cornerstone of this great cities musical prowess.”

There were several people involved in the initial debate, including Kevin McManus, Liverpool City of Music Officer.

He said: “There is a massive reach now, nationally and internationally. People aren’t just looking for people from London anymore, they’re looking for talent and Liverpool has that.”

One main topic for discussion centred on the location of talent and the myth that to ‘make it big’ you must be in the capital city.

Liverpool has a huge representation for music and a strong history, but in order to revel in their talent, artists are still leaving to find bigger opportunities in cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester.

This celebration of black music in Liverpool highlights the ever-growing talent and the pressure the city has to ensure these up-and-coming artists have the support to progress in their home cities.

Barbara Phillips, 60, from Liverpool, is a board member for the Liverpool City Region Music Board and Manager for MiC LOWRY, a UK urban boy band from Liverpool who also performed in the festival.

During the debate she emphasised the necessary support the artists need from their own city in order to progress and make it big.

She said: “We have incredible artists slipping away because they have better opportunities elsewhere.

“They’re going to Manchester to work in the studios or being contacted by musicians from London to work with them.

“We need to give these black artists reasons to stay here and use our facilities, but we just don’t have that yet, and that’s why we need to support them.”

There were over ten performances from black artists during the On Record festival, performing different genres of music from soul, RnB to rap and one aim of the festival was to uncover that diversity.

Remée, 22, and from Liverpool, performed for On Record but still feels her music genre doesn’t fit in with the music scene in the city.

She aaid: “The vibe in Liverpool

Remée @ the OnRecord x Culture Deck live session Photo by Remée

‘We have incredible artists slipping away because they have better opportunities elsewhere ...’

On Record panel Photo by Robyn Couling

has always been very indie, you know.

“The Liverpool music scene I know is very hidden and full of really sick artists but they’re not on the same vibe which is highlighted for typical Liverpool.

“I’d say I’m more of an underground artist and see myself in Norway or Germany with the kind of music I make and like to perform.”

Black history month provides an opportunity to recognise the contributions people of African and Caribbean descent have on the world and a major part of that has always been music.

Liverpool’s celebration of black music in the city offered local people exactly that - the appreciation of talent and diversity in the city.

LL

Contact us: @: liverpoollifenews@gmail.com