Deezer to Support UK’s Grime Scene with New Dedicated Channel and Grassroots Programme
20 October 2016 - Press releaseDeezer has today announced the launch of a dedicated Grime channel and grassroots programme to further nurture and support the scene, and provide a digital platform for one of the UK’s fastest growing most exciting cultural forces.
The new programme will see Deezer support up-and-coming artists, promoters and content creators where they need it the most, by providing bursaries, mentorship, guidance and a central platform that will help take them to the next level in the entertainment world and assist in exposing the genre to a wider audience.
The channel will be available globally from today, and will see Deezer collaborate with 36 talents over the next 6 months to produce playlists, podcasts and videos, in addition to promoting new albums, artists and live radio stations.
2016 has already been a landmark year for Grime, with Skepta performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and taking the Mercury Prize for Konnichiwa, propelling a rapidly growing movement even further into the limelight. But, with nearly 80% of artists not signed to a traditional label and zero nominations for Grime acts at this years Brits, it’s clear that the UK’s major music players could do much more to provide the next generation of homegrown talent with the support it deserves.
“It’s time for the British music industry to step up and recognise that it needs to identify new ways to help support this unique genre which, by it’s very nature, is typically anti-establishment. By launching a channel dedicated to championing Grime, combined with our grassroots programme, we will help identify the best new talent and give them the ability to showcase their work on a global scale,” said Roman Tagoe, Head of Content and Editorial, Deezer UK & Ireland.
“It’s a great time for the Grime community to start moving forward, but important it maintains it’s DIY ethos and heritage. For a long time, brands and the industry have ignored us, or simply exploited the Grime scene for their own gain. However, Deezer have chosen the right approach and are celebrating the entire culture, and looking at how it can play a genuinely positive role within their own sector to push a genre that rarely gets the credit it deserves. If you want to align yourself with this authentic British sound then it’s compulsory to invest in the music in the long-term and support these extremely talented creatives in the right way,” said Laura Brosnan (Hyperfrank), music journalist and Grime expert.
Submit news or a press release
Want to add your news or press release? Email Paul or Kevin
Two week FREE trial