New database of Asian musicians, DJs, producers and more launched
Family of East aims to connect its community with industry opportunities and "expand the role of Asian identities in the Western music world”
A new music database for musicians, producers, DJs and presenters with Asian heritage has launched today (October 7).
Family of East aims to connect its community with industry opportunities to “redefine and expand the role of Asian identities in the Western music world”.
Co-founded by Shana Gujral (a DJ and radio host) and Noé Solange (an electronic producer and singer), the new platform will comprise a curated database of creatives from the Asian diaspora.
Applicants can join this database by completing a submission form to create a profile with a short biography and links to their social media and work.
Read this next: 37 South Asian artists share what music means to them
These profiles will subsequently be viewed by industry professionals such as venues, festivals and promoters, to open up new opportunities for Asian talent.
In making it easier for bodies to access this dedicated directory, Family of East hopes to create a more inclusive and representative music industry where Asian identities are “not just included but central to the creative narrative, inspiring future generations and breaking down barriers”.
There are already several artists on the database including DJ and presenter D.D. Curry, producer and artist Jess Young, and DJ tasha.mp4.
Speaking on the initiative’s origins, Gujral and Solange explain: “We initially connected over our Asian heritage and realised we were both experiencing the same challenges as music artists. We knew that building a platform to bridge this representation gap was essential.”
Read this next: Why we started the Black Artist Database
“You’re seeing the likes of mega artists of Asian heritage like Four Tet and Peggy Gou around, but at the lower and mid-level, it’s becoming harder and harder to break through and get onto lineups in the first place,” adds Gujral.
Family of East will not only champion Asian creativity at all levels, it will also form a support network and community for people experiencing the same challenges, and provide a space for exciting new friendships and potential collaborations to manifest.
The launch of the new music database will be celebrated on October 9 with an intimate party at Matter Of Time Studios in Shoreditch. This will be a chance to connect with the community and learn more about the Family of East. Anyone is welcome.
Register for tickets to the launch party here
View the database here
Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram