Andro lace (2022-09-16) by Simon Lucas-HughesPOWER UP
Being Queer and Black is in itself; excellence
There are two major contributing pillars of identity and yet, to be Black and Queer is also still very much taboo in many ways in the Black British music industry. - Andro
Andro (2022-09-16) by Simon Lucas-HughesPOWER UP
We have only seen in recent years, a rise in Black and Queer rappers taking centre stage on the US commercial music front, but that still seems very non-existent in British music and British representation.
Conflict (2023-03-15) by Simon Lucas-Hughes,POWER UP
There is definitely a plethora of underground or independent Queer and Black artists in the British music scene, but finding their mainstream platform still seems to be a mountain to climb.
Andro press shot (2022-09-16) by Simon Lucas-HughesPOWER UP
In the "British Pop" genre/world, there seems to be room for Queer Black artists but when it comes to genres like Rap, Grime, Rock, they're either underground or non-existent.
I think this mostly has to do with the stereotypical and homophobic ideologies that many from the Black community still hold, which makes it incredibly difficult for artists like that, to push through.
Conflict (2023-03-15) by Simon Lucas-Hughes,POWER UP
I am a Pop, Soul singer and writer who was previously a "backing vocalist" for a very successful electro-funk band. Led by two West London White men, with a penchant for Black culture and music.
I think the norm in Britain is, if you're a Black and Queer vocalist, you're mostly seen backing someone else's project, rather than fronting your own.
The lack of representation of Black/Queer mainstream artists, I think, creates an unwelcome or perhaps disjointed image of what the public is used to on the British music scene. Perhaps people just don't get it. It's up to labels to start championing Black/Queer artists.
I find it a challenge for my queerness and the colour of my skin to coincide with the British music scene because there are still no other artists like me at the forefront of our industry. We only have the Sam Smiths, Olly Alexanders, Elton Johns, etc. But we exist too.
One of the only successful notable Black, British, Queer artists that seem to be mainstream is MNEK, who has been flying the flag as a recognisable Pop writer. But still, MNEK doesn't gain the same traction as his White British counterparts as a solo artist.
Andro lace (2022-09-16) by Simon Lucas-HughesPOWER UP
There are definitely a few music events that champion artists and performers of colour in the British music scene. Over the last few years, the UK has seen a fantastic rise of ballroom and vogueing in the music/club scene, even though it's been around for decades.
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One of the most notable club events I've had the pleasure of going to is Pxssy Palace - a Black and LGBTQI+ led organisation, with its monthly events. There still could be more. And they can't be isolated to the London scene. They need to span further through-out the UK.
Written by ANDRO
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'Conflict' is out now
