Sounds Like London: Mayor of London, PRS Foundation and PRS for Music host special event to celebrate London’s female talent
London’s fervent jazz, hip hop and rock scenes were represented at a special evening hosted by PRS Foundation and PRS for Music in collaboration with the Mayor of London’s office last week, shining a light on women in music.
Jazz and soul singer Zara McFarlane, rapper Flohio and garage-rock trio Our Girl, graced the stage at the latest ‘PRS Presents’ event on Thursday 14 June, taking place this month as part of Sadiq Khan’s inaugural Sounds Like London celebration of grassroots live music in the capital.
With every corner of London represented, ‘devilishly intelligent rapper’ Flohio, who grew up in Bermondsey, East London’s Zara McFarlane and London-based Our Girl, all previously supported by PRS Foundation, were joined by an all-female programming and production crew in unity with Sound Like London’s focus on promoting diverse emerging talent and the next generation of industry professionals.
Debbie Stones, General Counsel, PRS for Music, said: “This evening’s event has been brought to you by women – as well as a fantastic line up, we have a brilliant predominantly female production crew, bringing you the sound, lights, logistics, organisation – everything. We also have a few visiting music students here tonight – the next generation, who will hopefully experience a more inclusive music industry in their future careers. These are the talented women who bring our city’s music scene to life – whether behind the scenes or on the stage. The skills do exist out there and along with our industry partners, PRS for Music will continue to ensure that more is being done to recognise and utilise that talent. Tonight is a also wonderful opportunity to celebrate our home city with the Mayor of London, and the special relationship we have with PRS Foundation.”
Vanessa Reed, CEO, PRS Foundation, and Sounds Like London Ambassador, said: “PRS Foundation is proud to be part of the Sounds Like London music celebrations this month, particularly with its focus on promoting diverse emerging talent and the next generation of incredible women who are making music their career. At PRS Foundation we are committed to enabling songwriters and composers of all backgrounds to realise their potential. It feels completely natural to be working with the Mayor of London and our funder PRS for Music on Sounds Like London – partly because of the extraordinarily talented musicians based here in London that we are all striving to nurture and because of the strong relationship we and other music industry partners have with the Mayor of London and the Night Czar. Long may collaboration like this continue.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is a powerhouse of music, having produced artists from Adele to Stormzy, and the XX to Dua Lipa. Grassroots music venues are at the very heart of our success as a global capital of music – they are the places where emerging artists are able to hone their talent, and great producers and promoters are able to cut their teeth in the industry.
“This year’s Sounds Like London programme will put women artists, DJs, producers and promoters front and centre – showcasing the best of the industry and inspiring the next generation of female talent.”
London Night Czar Amy Lamé, closed the evening’s speeches with a message of solidarity: “Sounds Like London has been lighting up London this June, showcasing the diverse musical talent women have to offer. I am delighted to work with key industry partners PRS for Music and PRS Foundation, who are supporting female artists across London. It’s great to have Vanessa Reed as an Ambassador for the Sounds Like London campaign, somebody who has spearheaded so many positive initiatives such as Women Make Music and Keychange. We must continue to put the achievements of women in all aspects of the music industry front and centre.”
