Research explores impact of indie stores selling Black music

A major new project is set to explore the cultural impact of independent record stores that specialised in Black music from 1950 onwards.

The project is spearheaded by Midlands-based national organisation 2Funky Arts, which will work with Sound/Image Research Centre at the University of Greenwich in London and Brighter Sound in Manchester.

The Record Store & Black Music: A UK History project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and will link in with Black History Month 2024.

The project highlights the importance of early indie music stores in the UK for the Windrush generation and Black diaspora resisting systemic racism.

The project will use oral histories, as well as film, audio and photographic memories to explore how these stores served as incubators for new music and cultural ecosystems that shaped society’s relationship with Black music.

The research team is seeking personal stories from record store customers, owners and artists that illuminate Black, African and Caribbean experiences. Anyone with relevant film, audio or photographic memories is also invited to share.

These materials will be compiled to create an educational resource, a publication, a website and a podcast series.

“2Funky Arts has been planning The Record Store for around four years, in conjunction with DJ Simon ‘Schooly’ Phillips, who will work on our heritage documentary,” said Vijay Mistry, the project’s Director.

“We are thrilled to have received funding for such a culturally significant project. 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.”