Virtually everybody in London can point back to a memorable experience they’ve had watching live music in the city. Both the artists and venues are part of the capital’s intrinsic makeup, and it’s down to the grassroots scene that we have all we have today.
To recognise this fact and pay tribute to it, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and TfL have joined forces with the likes of Outernet and Music Venue Trust to celebrate the capital’s music through a beautifully redesigned Tube map.
London’s 179 grassroots venues have contributed £313 million to the economy in the last year, though they face challenges amid the impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis; so this initiative both champions and shows why they are crucial to keep running as a means to help the emerging talents in music grow as they have in the past.
Taking a look at the map, you can see that each Tube line has its own theme, all described to us with a handy setlist acting as the key. Alight at the Bakerloo line to dance along to the songs, from Dry Your Eyes to A Rainy Night In Soho; broaden your horizons by hopping to the Central line for a look at genres; then find some new acts from the in-the-know District line telling you about 25 artists to see in 2025. Tired of switching lines yet? I hope not – there’s MORE music out there.
Switching onto the Jubilee line will give you an enviable collection of albums, from Panic Prevention to Abbey Road; before a ride on the Metropolitan line gets you a list of independent record labels ahead of the Northern line reeling off the legends on their line of iconic artists. A dash onto the Piccadilly line shows you contemporary artists you should be listening to and supporting; and your journey home on the Victoria line tells you about musical subcultures of the city.
Those who wish to see the map up close will be able to do so at the Outernet building next to Tottenham Court Road station, where it will be on display for a month.
Artists, record store owners, and other members of the music industry have spoken in favour of the scheme, with Skin from Skunk Anansie saying: “You don’t get mainstream music without the grassroots and there’s no fast way to becoming a band or an artist. If you want to get on stage and learn you craft, the only way you’re going to get good as a live band is in grassroots venues because they let you be as wild as you want to be.
“Everyone comes to London to hear music and we have some of the best venues in the world but I think what makes it so vibrant is because we have so much diversity in London. In London you have circles of creativity influencing each other. You have the art world influencing the music world. You have the literary world influencing music world. There’s a lot going on here that can influence music and that’s why London is so vibrant.”
Through the map, you’ll also find 25 nightclubs, 25 grassroots venues, and 25 record shops scattered around London. It points out the places we should be cherishing and striving to keep open around the city, as well as nodding to TfL’s 25th anniversary celebrations in one clean swoop.
With seven of the 10 best-selling records in the UK last year coming from artists who built their name in the grassroots venues – from Chappell Roan playing the Highbury Garage to Coldplay playing Camden’s Dublin Castle – in the city, the necessity to keep these live music venues open is being highlighted, and viewed as a non-negotiable in keeping the lifeblood of this city circling around.
Speaking on the news, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “London’s grassroots music scene is renowned around the worldFrom providing opportunities for talented aspiring artists to develop their trade, to giving Londoners a great night out, our venues are an essential part of our life at night and provide a huge boost to our economy.
“However, they have faced huge challenges in recent years, which is why we’re joining with partners across the capital to champion all parts of London’s grassroots music scene,” he added. “This special edition Tube map is a great way to highlight what a huge impact the scene has on our capital, as we continue to do all we can to support venues and build a more prosperous London for everyone.”
You can see the map on display for a month at the Outernet building Charing Cross Road, WC2H 8LH.
