'A UK history': Black influence on UK record store culture to be explored in new project

The public are being invited to share their experiences which could later contribute to the film

A major new project that explores the cultural impact of UK independent record stores that specialised in Black music from 1950 onwards, has been launched.

Titled, The Record Store & Black Music, A UK History, the project is asking for people to share their experiences that illuminate Black, African and Caribbean life, and could later contribute to the film, publication, podcast and more.

2Funky Arts, an organisation that celebrates Black music and showcases local Black talent, has been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore this subject. ‘The Record Store & Black Music, A UK History’ will link in with Black History Month 2024.

A press release explains: “For the Windrush generation and Black diaspora, the early independent UK record store was a music-fuelled vehicle for resistance against systemic racism. Such sites became fertile ground for new music and cultural ecosystems that shaped society’s relationship with Black music.”

Oral histories, film and audio and photographic memories will be compiled to create an educational resource, a publication, website and podcast series. Among the themes to be explored will be: New Pioneers of Street Sounds (the 1950s-70s); Influence on the UK Charts (1970s-80s); and Club Culture & Birth of Sub Genres (1990s onwards).

New Project:
The Record Store & Black Music: A UK History!

Exploring the history of UK independent record stores that specialised in Black music (1950 onwards).
More info - https://t.co/O0f5WXuV7W.

Funded by @HeritageFundUK #NationalLotteryHeritageFund pic.twitter.com/H7SXE59MCL
— 2funky Arts (@2funkyempire) June 29, 2023

In 2013, 2Funky Arts created the documentary Spectrum which explores the history of Black music in Leicester and how the project grew from its former independent music store, 2Funky Records.

2Funky Arts Director, Vijay Mistry said: “2Funky Arts has been planning The Record Store for around 4 years, in conjunction with DJ Simon ‘Schooly’ Phillips, who will work on our heritage documentary. We are thrilled to have received funding for such a culturally significant project.”

Mistry adds: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to research this fascinating history and will be working with volunteers and practitioners from across the country, to present oral histories in inspiring formats.”

2Funky Arts is keen to hear stories from record store customers and owners, artists, and anyone with relevant film, audio or photographic memories to share. If you have a story to share, get in touch with 2Funky Arts at [email protected].

They are also looking for potential volunteers to help research this heritage in each region (London & The South, The North and Midlands).