To celebrate and explore Black music in Merseyside, On Record Festival has launched a new series of events!
Taking place from October 24th to November 7th and following on from 2020’s On Record: Untold & Retold, this festival is made up of numerous events – including talks, musical collaborations, commissioned art and original content – looking back on the impact of Black music in Merseyside over the past 70 years.
Among the events during the festival is ‘Liverpool One Project: Take Two’which will look at why Black music creators in Merseyside think there are not enough opportunities in the region. The project features a documentary, a live event at District on November 4th and an EP on the following day, with each piece delving into the important topic.
Also taking place is a one-day event at Tate Liverpool on November 6th, titled ‘Grime > Punk’, which will compare the cultural impact of the two genres. The day will include discussions, live music, photography, art and fashion workshops.
There will also be a Black Nights Music Trail on October 30th and 31st where attendees will be able to enjoy a walk around Liverpool 8 with poet and author Curtis Watt. The walk will highlight stories from key venues and spaces in the area, while also uncovering why locals from the African diaspora chose to party closer to home back in the day.
Other events include Clash x On Record, LIMF Academy Presents, podcast series’, the launch of Liverpool City Region Black Music Action Group and more.
“The vision for On Record last year was to create an annual event that would empower and platform unheard or/and unheralded stories, subjects, music and people of relevance to Merseyside’s Black Music past, present and future. Yaw Owusu, The Playmaker Group & ON RECORD’ Curator and Commissioner said.
“I feel like we are raising the bar with the elements that make up this year’s programme – from the collaboration of some of our contemporary Black music artists as part of the Liverpool ONE project, to the inaugural Black Music Tour, to the multi-arts GRIME>PUNK event with TATE Liverpool, and University of Liverpool to the vital LCR Black Music Action Group Launch at the British Music Experience, the programme unapologetically reflects and focuses on those vital elements we want to explore, debate and celebrate.”
For more information and to book tickets for specific events, click right here!