BU Culture
Our world of art, music, tech, and people.
Explore British Underground’s projects, programmes, travel and inspirations as well as showcasing support and advice.
Schedule Announcement: Folk Alliance International 2025
The 2025 Folk Alliance International official showcase schedule is now live.
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 Conor McAuley from Córas Trio
Córas Trio’s drummer Conor McAuley shares the Northern Irish band’s inspirations, unforgettable gigs and their vision for sharing their unique sound with the world at WOMEX 2024.
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.
What’s in store: Horizons at WOMEX 2024
Celebrating a world of music from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales, the Horizons Regional Stage at WOMEX is set to take the world by storm. Get to know the line up, buy £15 tickets and more.
Five minutes with Aiden Moodie and Graham Rorie from Gnoss
Blending traditional folk with modern acoustic layers, Gnoss has become one of the most exciting folk acts to emerge from Scotland. Led by guitarist and vocalist Aiden Moodie alongside fiddle and mandolin player Graham Rorie, British Underground’s Steph Wilkinson catches up with the four-piece set to bring their infectious energy to the Horizons stage at WOMEX 24.
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.
The Broadside Hack: think you know folk?
Enter the British Underground archive and stumble upon ‘The Broadside Hack’, the short documentary film revealing new vitality and stories in folk tradition.
Americana Panorama: the road to AmericanaFest 24
Specially curated to kick-off our lead-up to AmericanaFest 2024 in Nashville this September, the Americana Panorama playlist is a tapestry of sounds showcasing the evolving landscape of Americana music, blending traditional roots with fresh, innovative influences.
SXSW 2025 in Austin is open for business
As the SXSW Austin applications season opens, we share tips and guidance from Una Johnston and British Underground about PanelPicker, alongside other useful information about the conference.
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.
Culture round up: Sheff DocFest, Folk Alliance showcase submissions & mindful travel
XR experiences, the premiere of ‘Harder Than the Rock’, Folk Alliance showcase deadlines and mindful travel.