The new platform aims to help artists demonstrate their track record to funders, promoters, bookers and potential collaborators. Image credit: Shutterstock.
A new platform has been launched by BLACMEX, the UK’s first Black Music Export Office, giving artists a central place to log their live performances and professional activity, building a verified record of their careers.
Designed for artists, DJs, producers, songwriters and bands working in Black music genres, the initiative aims to help creators collect the data and evidence they need to access funding, touring opportunities, international markets and industry support, while helping to create a clearer picture of the cultural and economic impact of Black music.
Turning performances into career-building evidence
Through the platform, creators can register their profile and log live performances, including details such as venue capacity, audience numbers, ticket pricing, and fees.
Over time, this creates a verified performance portfolio that can be used to strengthen applications for funding, showcase opportunities, international touring and partnerships, while helping artists demonstrate their track record to promoters, bookers and potential collaborators.
Creators are encouraged to start by registering on the platform and then logging live performance activity from the past 18 months to begin building their profile.
Building visibility for Black music
Alongside the practical benefits for creators, the Music Mapping platform aims to create a clearer picture of Black music activity across the UK.
By bringing together information about performances, creators, organisations and venues, BLACMEX hopes to build a stronger evidence base demonstrating the scale and impact of Black music genres, helping to strengthen the case for future investment.
UK Music's recent Black Music Means Business report highlighted the significant cultural and economic contribution of Black music to the UK music sector, contrasted against the disparities in pay, opportunities and representation that creators continue to face.
Data gathered through the Music Mapping platform will help ensure that the value of Black music is more visible to funders, promoters and policymakers, while increasing recognition for the artists driving its success.
How to get involved
The registry is open to both performing and non-performing music creators working in genres of Black origin – including artists, DJs, producers, songwriters and bands.
Creators can register their profile and begin logging their live performance history through the platform. Organisations can also register to connect their communities to the growing BLACMEX dataset and support the campaign's wider aims.
Development on the platform will continue over the coming months, with future features expected to include funding alerts, international opportunities and tools to support export activity and career development. Registered users will also be among the first to access these resources as they become available.