North-focused Music Development Program to offers chances for budding music artists and industry professionals
The North-East music development organisation Generator and Liverpool-based creative and cultural consultancy Nothin But The Music have launched a groundbreaking initiative – The Open Sauce x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project. This collaborative endeavour, supported by UNESCO City Of Music, Interval Records, and Warner Music UK, is designed to address underrepresentation in the music industry, particularly in the North of England and cities like Liverpool.
The project's core mission is to create a national model and ensure Black music creators and industry professionals based in the North-East, North-West, and North generally get better access, more opportunity, and platforms. This initiative follows the 2024 ReMap Report, which underlined the gap in opportunities for those underrepresented in the music business.
Hannah-Morgan Ipinson-Fleming and Menelek Brown, who have been working with Interval Records and Warner Music UK respectively, are also involved in the project. The ReMap report recommendations are being addressed, including those around equality and equity for Black artists and music creators in the industry.
The project aims to empower Black musicians, producers, and other creatives by creating resources, networks, and support systems. These efforts are crucial as the North and Liverpool have historically seen limited investment and visibility for Black music artists. The Open Sauce x Generator works to fill that gap by providing an incubator environment fostering growth, collaboration, and exposure in both cultural and business aspects of music development.
The programme has garnered significant support. Cllr Mike Wharton, deputy mayor of the Liverpool City Region, expressed hope that the project will create more opportunities for Black industry professionals and support the creation of a more inclusive music industry. McManus also expressed support, hoping that other local authorities and organizations will follow the model set by the Liverpool City Region Music Board and Combined Authority's Strategic Investment Fund.
The Open Sauce x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project is not only about advancing emerging talent but also addressing the notorious skills shortage by providing work experience with a real living wage to those underrepresented. An example of its success can be seen in Menelek, a candidate in the project, who has experienced a significant career change, gained confidence, skills, and connections through the Open Sauce x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project.
The launch of this project ties in perfectly with the MOBOs coming to Newcastle in February 2025, signalling a promising future for Black music creators in the North. The project is funded through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Strategic Investment Fund, ensuring its sustainability and impact in the years to come.
[1] Source: https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/news/2023/generators-open-sauce-x-generator-black-music-incubator-project-launched-to-empower-black-music-creators-in-the-north-of-england/ [2] Source: https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/about-us/our-work/culture/liverpool-city-region-music-board/ [3] Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/black-artists-grants-program-announced-los-angeles-1235071880/
(Note: The image of Robin Clewley mentioned in the context of the article could not be incorporated due to the Markdown format limitations.)
- Embracing a holistic approach, the Open Sauce x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project encompasses not only lifestyle but also education-and-self-development, entertainment, and music, aiming to empower Black musicians, producers, and other creatives by providing resources, networks, and support systems.
- Beyond shaping the entertainment landscape, the Open Sauce x Generator – Black Music Incubator Project is a significant stride towards promoting education-and-self-development and music in the North of England, ensuring underrepresented Black artists and professionals have access to better opportunities, platforms, and a more inclusive music industry.
