Max SteventonArts organisation Global Local has launched UnMute, the UK’s first music roster dedicated to showcasing disabled artists.
UnMute has been developed by industry expert Andrew Lansley, the schemes creative director, with input from The Musician’s Union, Attitude is Everything and Drake Music.
The Roster, which is managed by Global Local, is project-managed by Continental Drifts Music. It is led by music director Chris Tofu and delivered in partnership with producers and promoters Movimientos, Fire in the Mountain, Going South and Front Room Songs. Arts Council England will provide funding.
Artists include Drag Syndrome, the drag collective for those with Down Syndrome, Deaf Rave, a group of hard hearing and deaf musicians as well as singers, DJs and dancers, among others. These artists were also booked to play on Glastonbury’s Shangri-La Peace Stage in 2024.
UnMute will adopt the Musicians’ Union Access Rider template and guidance as the primary framework for discussing and agreeing on reasonable adjustments for performances.
UnMute Roster artist Rightkeysonly said, “Being a part of UnMute has meant being able to trust that my access needs are fully supported when I go to perform. As a Disabled girl from mid-Wales, I didn’t get to see people like me to prove a career in music was possible. It’s nice to be a part of something that will change that experience for other young Disabled people across the country.”
Lansley said, “UnMute has been a long time coming, and it’s been an incredible two years watching the community unite behind the project. The response from the UK events industry has been remarkable and we can’t wait to announce our first round of festival spots for 2026.”