Images by Youth Music NextGen Photographer, Temi Adegbayibi 

This week, we teamed up with Pirate to host 'We Are The Roots', an open mic and networking event celebrating grassroots creativity and the power of young voices in music. 

Held at Pirate’s Dalston studios, the evening brought together emerging artists and industry professionals to spotlight the importance of nurturing local talent and building sustainable futures in music.
 

The event kicked off with an inspiring panel featuring Emmavie (artist and producer), DJ Queenie (touring DJ for Pete & Bas), and Emily Winfield from Pirate. Each panellist brought their unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing grassroots music today.

The conversation centred around our Rescue the Roots campaign, which aims to protect and uplift the grassroots music ecosystem. The phrase “We Are The Roots” echoed throughout the evening, a reminder that young creatives are not just participants in the industry - they’re the ones shaping its future.

A key takeaway from the panel was the power of community and collaboration. The speakers agreed that young people should focus on building strong networks with each other. As DJ Queenie put it, “The people in this room today will be the managers, artists and CEOs of tomorrow.” The message was clear: collective action leads to lasting change.

Pirate also announced their pledge of studio credits to support the Rescue the Roots campaign, reinforcing their commitment to backing grassroots creativity and providing accessible spaces for artists to thrive.

The panel didn’t shy away from discussing the difficulties facing grassroots music - from funding cuts to lack of infrastructure. But DJ Queenie offered a powerful reminder: “Never give up, it’s never too late, you’re never too old.” She shared the story of Pete & Bas, who began their music careers in their 70s, proving that passion and perseverance can defy expectations.

After the panel, rising star and Youth Music NextGen Fund artist Bruna Garcia took the stage with soulful performances of her singles "Temperature" and "Back in Town". Then Livvy K stepped up to host the open mic, rallying the crowd with a chant of “We Are The Roots!” - a moment that captured the energy and unity of the night.

Over 15 performers graced the stage, showcasing a rich mix of genres including rap, R&B, folk, pop, Afrobeats, and more. Each act brought their own flavour, proving that the grassroots scene is as diverse as it is powerful.

To close the evening, Livvy K returned with a performance of her track "Too Much", leaving the crowd buzzing and inspired.

‘We Are The Roots’ wasn’t just an event, it was a movement. A celebration of community, creativity, and the belief that young people are the driving force behind a more inclusive, sustainable music industry.

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