DJ Vick Hope opens conversation on “broadening access to music for the next generation”

nme.com:

BBC Radio 1 drivetime host Vick Hope held a panel talk on the importance of “broadening access to music and shaping the future of the industry for the next generation.”The event took place at One Hundred Shoreditch in east London last week (February 20) ahead of tonight’s BRIT Awards.

It was in support of Mastercard’s latest campaign centred around seven “music trailblazers” who are making “change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. ”This year, they highlighted the work of electronic artist Geo Aghinea, award-winning musician Elizabeth J.

Birch, leader of Dyskinetic Kris Halpin, CEO of Music Support Joe Hastings, champion of inclusive music innovation Gawain Hewitt, regional producer for Orchestras Live Sooree Pillay and an experimental composer Megan Steinberg.“I feel so inspired by the individuals and organisations Mastercard has showcased today, all of whom are contributing to greater accessibility and inclusion in our thriving industry and are carving a path for a whole new generation of music makers and listeners,” said Hope.Hosted by Hope, Pillay and Birch were joined by Mastercard ambassador Young Athena and BRIT School Principal Stuart Worden to discuss the future of music and the work underway to make music more accessible for all.Hope explained: “When we talk about diversity and inclusion, we are talking about ensuring everyone has a voice because everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone has a platform to do so.

And it’s our responsibility to ensure that they do – and that is in all forms, gender, race, disability, social backgrounds…”She asked the panel what is important for the creators of tomorrow, to which Worden said that they will need easier access to the creative.