BU Culture
Interview with Luke Drozd: Make Music, Make Art
Known for his screen-printed posters, album artwork and multi-disciplinary projects, Bergen-based artist, illustrator and musician Luke Drozd has carved out a distinctive space where sound, image and storytelling meet. In this conversation with Almass Badat, Drozd discusses his ongoing Propaganda poster series with British Underground’s Crispin Parry, the enduring power of physical print in a digital world and why collaging, collecting and the overlooked remain central to his creative process.
Horizons at WOMEX 2025: Building International Pathways
Following its milestone 30th anniversary edition in Manchester, UK, last October, the Horizons partnership at WOMEX continues its global journey in 2025, supporting showcasing musicians, industry delegates and a pioneering overland residency as they head to Finland, the happiest country in the world.
Future Media Artist Poulomi Basu on International Showcasing, Exhibiting After SXSW and Sustainable Activism
Poulomi Basu is an award-winning artist, activist, and Future Art and Culture alum whose work expands the boundaries of art, film, and emerging technologies. In this interview, Poulomi shares her journey after successfully showcasing at SXSW and why she pushes the boundaries of storytelling for international connection and cultural equality.
In Print and In Person: Songlines Publisher James Anderson-Hanney on Championing Global Sound
With a background spanning visual arts, advertising, and music journalism, James Anderson-Hanney, Publisher of Songlines magazine, has carved a career that blends cultural curiosity with entrepreneurial spirit. British Underground spoke to James the enduring power of music to transcend borders and championing global music through editorial and strategic partnerships.
Build Your Own Pyramids, Write Your Own Hieroglyphs - Reflections on REMIX 2025
REMIX in a nutshell is a carefully curated collision of worlds. But what happens when you introduce voices that don't fit the standard creative tech narrative? British Underground hand over the mic to Marc Boothe, founder of B3 Media.
Sarah Ticho’s exhibitor guide to SXSW
A year on from winning the Special Jury award at SXSW 2024 for Soul Paint, Sarah returns to SXSW 2025 as Future Art and Culture’s ambassador, kicking off this year’s expedition with exhibitor tips, a detailed food & drink guide and all you need to know before you head to Austin.
Industry insights with Yemi Sawyerr: International showcase prep and balancing a multifaceted career
Radio host, musician and events coordinator at Jazz re:freshed Yemi Sawyerr heads to her third SXSW in Austin this year. British Underground ask Yemi how to successfully prepare for industry conferences like SXSW, what diversifying the music industry and curating culture entails and how to balance a professional and musical career.
Five minutes with Cerys Hafana
Cerys Hafana is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who mangles, mutates, and transforms traditional music. Set to take the Horizons Regional Stage at WOMEX 2024, British Underground talk all things music, live performance and remaining mysterious. Get to know Cerya Hafana.
Routes: A Brand New Guide to England’s Live Music Sector
British Underground, Arts Council England and Songlines Magazine publish Routes, a free 52-page printed guidebook highlighting England’s best festivals, venues and expos, with additional advice on artist mobility and funding plus insights from artists and industry insiders.
Five minutes with Strange Boy
In the world of Irish music, Strange Boy stands out as a pioneering force, blending traditional folk elements with raw, introspective rap. Ahead of his performance at WOMEX 2024, we caught up with him for a five-minute chat…
Filmmaker insights: ‘The Broadside Hack’ and new age Folk at WOMEX
Ahead of the screening of ‘The Broadside Hack’ documentary at WOMEX 2024, British Underground speak with director Crispin Parry and Broadside Hacks founder Campbell Baum, diving into their filmmaking journey and why folk is both a tale as old as time and a new world that will never go out of style.
How to prepare for a global industry conference with Spafax’s Philippa Starns
Audio Manager UK at Spafax Philippa Starns heads to her eighth WOMEX this year. British Underground ask Philippa how to successfully prepare, engage with and enjoy global industry conferences like WOMEX.
Five minutes with Yahael Camara Onono from Balimaya Project
Preparing to perform on the HORIZONS stage at WOMEX 24 Balimaya Project bandleader and djembe master Yahael Camara Onono, explains how the collective is redefining what it means to merge tradition and innovation.
Five minutes with Gwenifer Raymond
British Underground take five with Gwenifer Raymond, the guitarist influenced by punk, grunge, and pre-war blues who is ready to take to the HORIZONS stage at WOMEX 24.
Interview with John Smith: The Art Of Live Showcasing And The Essence of Americana
Dubbed the future of folk music by Pentangle’s John Renbourn, singer-songwriter John Smith candidly shares 'Tracks and Trails', his carefully selected Americana playlist, a first-hand account of live showcasing over the years and why Americana music is a unique celebration of great storytelling.
“Expect the unexpected” - Steph Wilkinson gears up for WOMEX 2024
British Underground’s senior production manager Stephanie Wilkinson prepares for her third year producing the Horizons regional stage at WOMEX 2024, one of the most unique events in the worldwide music calendar.
Five minutes with Justin Adams
Ahead of officially showcasing at WOMEX 2024, British Underground take five with Justin Adams, one-half of the duo ‘Justin Adams and Mauro Durante’.
All You Need To Know About Live Showcase Tech-Advancing with Louis Milburn
Tech consultant, musician and recording engineer Louis Milburn introduces live performance tech-advancing, helping you prepare for your next live showcase.
UK artist Beatie Wolfe’s ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ wins Prix Ars Electronica’s “Golden Nica” award
Beatie Wolfe wins the Prix Ars Electronica’s “Golden Nica” award for ‘Smoke and Mirrors’, which premiered as part of British Underground's 2024 Future Art and Culture programme at Innovation Bridge Europe at SXSW 2024.
Five minutes with Adam Cole
The Future Art and Culture artist reveals why tech, violence and kisses were such a winning combination for him at the SXSW XR Exhibition.