The South Asian Soundcheck, the first comprehensive study into the South Asian experience in UK music, indicates that only a quarter (28%) of South Asian music creators and professionals are able to rely on music as their full-time source of income.

Two thirds of those asked said that it is the lack of South Asian people in industry positions that holds them back most. They cannot see people like themselves making programming decisions at festivals and venues, signing artists at labels, or holding senior roles at streaming platforms.

Three quarters of respondents identified three main requirements for meaningful progress:
  1. Industry mentorship and networking programmes. Guidance is needed from people who understand how the industry works and connections to decision-makers who can create opportunities.
  2. Increased South Asian representation. On stage and off stage. Not just as performers, but in executive, production, and programming roles at labels, festivals, venues, streaming services, and media platforms.
  3. Dedicated funding and investment opportunities. Funding pathways often feel inaccessible for respondents. There were calls amongst respondents for grants and programmes that support South Asian artists across genres and audiences.
The research, delivered by Lila, the non-profit organisation empowering South Asians in the music industry, surveyed 349 people, most of whom are established music creators and professionals. Nearly three-quarters earn some or all of their money from music, with over half confident about building sustainable careers.

The South Asian Soundcheck is supported by major industry bodies including UK Music, British Recorded Music Industry (BPI), Musicians Union (MU), Warner Music Group (WMG), Music Managers Forum (MMF), Arts Council England and PRS for Music. 

“The data exposes what we call the progress paradox. 73% of the people we surveyed earn some money from music, but only 27% earn enough to rely on it as a sustainable career. The Soundcheck gives us the evidence to enact real change and identifies three essential needs: mentorship, representation, and investment.” - Vikram Gudi (Lila's Founder)

Download the full report HERE