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.
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.
New Music Edit: June 24
Spanning indie, jazz, pop, R&B and more, British Underground’s New Music Edit - June 24 is packed with new sounds from across the UK.
Apply: Folk Alliance International 2025
Calling all folk music-makers. Folk Alliance International official showcase submissions are open.
Celebrating two decades at SXSW Austin
As SXSW launches in London in 2025, British Underground reflect on 20 years of showcasing exceptional, emerging UK talent across live music and technology at SXSW in Austin.
Apply: SXSW Sydney 2024
Apply now and discover all the ways you can participate at SXSW Sydney October 2024 – from performing live music, premiering your film project or proposing topics and panel speakers and much more.
Amy Winehouse: Part of British Underground showcasing history
Celebrating the release of Back to Black, the feature film that chronicles the life and music of Amy Winehouse, British Underground’s Crispin Parry reflects on producing her US debut at the NYC Bowery Ballroom on March 13, 2007.
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.
Eli Crossley: The Pursuit to Play
Musician Eli Crossley, mother Emily Reuben OBE and British Underground founder Crispin Parry feature in BBC technology journalist Nick Kwek ‘s documentary “Click”, raising awareness for access to technology that helps people like Eli, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), keep his artistry alive.
Sian Eleri’s official SXSW recap on Selector Radio
Sian Eleri gives the inside look into SXSW as she broadcasts direct from the live music capital of the world, Austin, Texas.
UK artist Adam Cole’s Kiss/Crash wins XR Audience award at SXSW 2024
Kiss/Crash by new media artist Adam Cole wins the SXSW 2024 XR Audience award. This award-winning piece includes autobiographical themes of loneliness, desire, and intimacy in the digital age.
New Music Edit: March 24
From Fabiana Palladino’s sultry soulful tones to the “maximum madness” of Fat Dog, British Underground’s March New Music Edit playlist curates a selection of the UK’s exciting emerging sounds.
Jazz re:freshed Outernational returns to SXSW with an outstanding live showcase
With a queue all night round the block at the Velveeta Room in Austin, Jazz re:freshed Outernational hosted their 8th live music showcase at SXSW featuring UK Jazz acts Chelsea Carmichael, Richard Spaven, NeOne the Wonderer, Kyra, Ebi Soda and Sultan Stevenson.
UK studio Hatsumi's Soul Paint wins XR experience competition at SXSW 2024
UK studio Hatsumi’s project SOUL PAINT wins the XR experience competition at this year’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
British Underground announce three UK showcases at SXSW
Celebrating 22 years hosting UK showcases at South by Southwest (SXSW) from Amy Winehouse to Stormzy, British Underground announces three curated nights of music as part of the official SXSW Music programme.