68% of South Asian artists feel “poorly represented” in UK music industry, study finds

A “first of its kind” study into the South Asian experience in UK music has found that artists and music professionals feel “poorly represented” in the industry.

The South Asian Soundcheck is said to be the first comprehensive study into the topic, revealing a "fundamental lack of support” for musicians and industry workers.

The report – conducted by South Asian music non-profit Lila – discovered that, of the 349 people surveyed, 68% feel poorly represented or “invisible” in the music industry.

Read this next: Inside Glastonbury’s South Asian-focused Azaadi Stage in full colour

It also discovered that just 27% of people surveyed are able to rely on music as their full-time source of income, while almost half (45%) worry that specialising in South Asian music limits their “broader industry opportunities”.

Elsewhere, the study found that one in three South Asian music workers and creators have experienced racial discrimination, while a further 45% have faced stereotypes about the type of music that they “should be making”.

“The data exposes what we call the progress paradox,” says Lila’s founder, Vikram Gudi. “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.”

Read this next: “It’s a family affair”: South Asian clubbers share what the dancefloor means to them

Two thirds of those surveyed believe the lack of South Asian people in the UK music sector holds them back, while many also report facing barriers to entry.

Three main requirements for progress are made in the report, which include industry mentorship and networking programmes, increased South Asian representation, and dedicated funding.

“There is so much opportunity for growth in this sector, and Lila aims to help build the infrastructure to sustain it,” says Gudi. “We encourage the wider music industry to use this data and are excited to see what solutions the community comes up with together.”

Read the full report here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter