Founded in 2000, British Underground produces music, tech and arts showcases to international audiences.
We support and develop grassroots talent, professionals and projects while introducing them to mainstream platforms and international success.
Hello, we’re British Underground, and since 2000 we have been creating transformational opportunities for UK musicians, artists and producers connecting them to international creative communities and industry networks.
Over the years, our curiosity, DIY attitude and reputation for delivering world-class creative events has seen BU showcasing UK talent from South by Southwest in Austin, Texas to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Our support has helped emerging musicians in the thriving jazz, metal and folk scenes and introduced acts like Amy Winehouse, Stormzy and Yola to the USA and beyond.
We’ve also developed Future Art and Culture with Arts Council England, an incredible art and technology showcasing programme working with cutting edge artists in immersive technologies such as XR, VR, AR and AI.
Stormzy, British Underground SBTV showcase, SXSW 2016
British Underground showcase, SXSW 2022
Fast-forward to 2024 and our spirit remains the same. British Underground are a team of expert live event producers, creatives and future-talent tastemakers who partner with major arts funding bodies to spotlight emerging UK talent.
Our service is evergreen, genuinely helping artists get closer to future international success, find new global networks and gain a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving music and arts world.
Partners
British Underground is an Arts Council England NPO and a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner. We also contribute to the International Showcase Fund.
Music
Our music showcasing programme is produced across the year and includes stage productions, artist development sessions and industry networking at Folk Alliance International (Kansas City), South by Southwest (Austin/Sydney), Americanafest (Nashville) and WOMEX/HORIZONS (Europe).
British Underground showcase, SXSW 2022
Future Art and Culture
In 2017 we founded the art and technology showcasing programme Future Art and Culture with support from Arts Council England. This unique initiative highlights leading art, tech and immersive projects through exhibitions, panel discussions, partnerships and networking events. Our FAC alumni include the award-winning AI film-maker Karen Palmer, immersive artists Marshmallow Laser Feast and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Philhamornia Orchestera, SXSW, 2017
Explore our current projects
Our people
Crispin Parry
CEO
Crispin Parry is the Chief Executive and Creator Director of British Underground. Working with major global events from SXSW to the Olympic Games and across film, music and technology he is recognised as a sector innovator in the promotion of international creativity.
In a gig, where are we most likely to find you?
Playing the drums.
Stephanie Wilkinson
Senior Production Manager
Steph is an editorial content creator and production specialist with a background in news-stand and B2B print journalism. She manages international campaigns and showcasing events for emerging British artists, including at WOMEX and South by Southwest.
In a gig, where are we most likely to find you?
On tiptoes, among the crowd – singing along, dancing and living in the moment.
Dan Ford
Senior Associate Producer
One of the many projects Dan manages is British Underground's Connect Programme, an initiative providing professional development, event orientation and financial support for those seeking to gain access to International Showcasing Events.
In partnership with the award-winning B3 Media, Dan and British Underground have developed Future Art and Culture Connect, a scheme that supports emerging talent from those currently underrepresented in the creative tech sector with funding, soft skills enhancement, and direct access to SXSW Interactive in Austin, Texas.
In a gig, where are we most likely to find you?
Dan is most likely to be found in the Green Room asking the band awkward questions and taking blurry portraits.
Almass Badat
Digital Communications Manager
Almass is a curator, director and compassionate, colourful storyteller. She works across audio and visual arts, producing projects that raise programming standards, empower artists and inspire audiences.
In a gig, where are we most likely to find you?
All the way at the back taking in the full atmosphere or extremely up close in the middle of the chaos. No in between!
Ask us anything
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