Southend-on-Sea City Council has launched Southend's first-ever Music Board, bringing together leading voices from across the music industry to support and grow the city's diverse music sector.
Music has played a defining role in Southend's identity for generations. From the dance halls of the Kursaal Ballroom and the jazz, rock, blues, punk, soul and jazz-funk scenes that helped shape the city's cultural life, to its long tradition of classical music, choirs and community music-making, music has long been woven into the fabric of the city.
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, helping establish Southend's reputation as a place where musical creativity and talent can thrive.
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."
Today, Southend's music scene continues to thrive through the city's venues, festivals, recording studios, schools, colleges, choirs, orchestras, community groups and independent promoters.
From internationally recognised initiatives such as the Music Man Project to grassroots performers and venues, Southend's music sector helps nurture talent, attract audiences, support local businesses and contribute to the city's cultural and economic life.
As an ambitious coastal city, Southend increasingly recognises music as one of its key cultural strengths, helping drive economic activity, attract visitors, support local businesses, bring people together and create pride in the city.