Southend's first-ever Music Board launched to celebrate local musical heritage and help future talent
The city council has launched the board to support the city's diverse music sector
Southend's first ever Music Board has been launched by Southend-on-Sea City Council, looking to bring together leading voices from across the music industry to support and grow the city's diverse music sector.
The city's music scene has been a defining role in Southend's identity for generations, from the dance halls of the Kursaal Ballroom, to the range of jazz, blues, rock, punk, soul and jazz-funk scenes that helped to shape the city's culture.
There is also a long tradition of classical music, choirs and community music-making.
Southend's musical legacy includes influential acts such as Procol Harum, Dr Feelgood and Eddie and the Hot Rods, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Nothing But Thieves and The Horrors, alongside internationally acclaimed concert pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. The city also played an important role in the development of rave culture and electronic music.
Daryl Easlea, Chair of the Southend Music Board, said: "Our aim as the Music Board is to join the dots between all those who work in their own areas across many styles and genres of music. Often, they work in isolation, and we seek to provide an identity for Southend's incredible music scene, embracing our long and multi-storied heritage, while having unstinting focus on the current and next generation of talent coming through. I am delighted to work with such incredible talent."
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said: "Southend has a rich and diverse music scene, with talented artists, venues and organisations contributing to the city's cultural life every day. The Music Board will help bring those voices together, strengthen collaboration and support music in all its forms."
Southend's music scene continues through the area's venues, festivals, studios, schools, colleges, choirs, orchestras, community groups and independent promoters.
The internationally recognised initiative, the Music Man Project, is also based in Southend.
The council has noted that music is one of its key cultural strengths, helping to drive economic activity, attract visitors, support local businesses, bring people together and create pride in the city.