EXPLORING LIVERPOOL’S CREATIVE HUBS: WHERE ART, MUSIC, AND COMMUNITY THRIVE
Hey guys, Amber Rose here to bring you some info on the Creative Hubs in Liverpool.
Liverpool has always been a city that has pushed back against political boundaries and found ways to unconventionally practice freedom through art, creation and music. As musical expression and reception evolves so quickly, Liverpool is one of the few places to stay rooted in its own ecosystem and this originality is what attracts over 60,000 students from the UK and abroad every year. We are known for much more than just Football and Lamb Bananas. Our community-based infrastructure, accompanied by a flamboyant and liberal approach to self-expression, has incubated creatives coming out of Liverpool from many different backgrounds and scenes who are gradually growing the artistic density of the city.
If you are wondering who I am, let me introduce myself. I am a multi-genre DJ from Toxteth, Liverpool. I have had a very musically immersive upbringing and am passionate about all things music. One of the biggest reasons I love what I do so much is seeing people dance and enjoy themselves and connect to others through their love of a particular vibe or genre. In a time where we are so disconnected from each other and the world around us, one of the few ways we are able to come together is through creative spaces made by individuals who recognize the importance of this.
Grass root events, venues and spaces have become quite scarce in recent years due to financial struggles after COVID. Though Liverpool has a loud voice, we are a small city which means there is less money in circulation. This also means events catering to a more niche crowd may have a lower turnout compared to other cities which may affect their longevity. It is so important that we find new ways to create and sustain these spaces.
I spoke to Ufuoma, one of my favourite creatives from Liverpool who recently orchestrated her very own art exhibition/event in Arts Bar Hope Street, about what she thinks could benefit the Liverpool music scene.
“In order for creative spaces to be as creative as they can be, we need to mix sub-cultures together. That’s why when I did my exhibition I wanted to create a space where there was art and music. For everyone to be enjoying themselves in different ways. Not everything has to be club vibes with a lot of alcohol, you just need a space with good energy, good music and good people. Once people are comfortable and you can see them having fun, it just brings me peace to put something out there and see that people are happy because of it.” – Ufuoma
I thought this was a wonderful approach to creating a space for people who are like-minded to feel comfortable and therefore enjoy themselves and it got me thinking about the events I’ve seen success in and how they were envisioned through pure passion and authenticity. If you’re a young person in Liverpool and are looking for the right space for you here are a few I think are worth a mention.
9LiVES – A community foundation produced by Miggs, recently featuring on the ‘My playlist’ section of Liverpool Music City. She has brought this foundation to 24 Kitchen Street for her event ‘Positive Bodies’ to bring art and music together and give an open stage for people to express themselves freely.
NoireGayze – A safe space for People of Colour and members of the LGBTQ+ community created by Kolade Ladipo. Kolade is a consistent activist for justice and feeling safe while enjoying yourself is the framework behind this event but not just that, the themed parties such as Bratz fancy dress parties and Beyonce’s ‘Renaissance’ album release party to name a few have been a lot of fun.
Culture Deck – A platform that specialises in giving exposure to local talent and plays a big part in the music scene in Liverpool. From organizing Carnival street parties and Africa Oye official after-parties to hosting massive artists like David Rodigan.
Rum Riddimz Run – A 12-hour rave giving space and freedom for DJs in Liverpool to express themselves by incorporating a wide range of music from Grime to D&B. With a full house every time and always good vibes if you like to dance this is the event for you.
SVARA Radio – A local radio station committed to showing off local talent. Run by a scouser, SVARA never fails to represent authenticity in our city whilst showcasing a wide range of music and hosting rap and grime cyphers on the premises located in the Baltic. On air they host podcasts with amazing guests and an expansive collective of resident DJS… me included.
Choplife which has been covered by Liverpool Music City this year cannot go without a mention. If you love Amapiano, Bashment, Baile Funk, GQOM or anything along those lines, Choplife is the party for you.
Lost Art Shop – Bridging the gap between music and fashion, this venue doubles up as a skater shop and a space that hosts events and one off shows predominately in the Alternative Hip-Hop, Neo Soul, Urban, and Jazz bracket. Bringing collectives like Conduit Sound, Crackle and the famous Liverpool running group 2StepCollective also giving space to local artists like Sticky Dub and others in the aforementioned genres.
DND – The hottest in the young Black Liverpool scene right now and run by locals from Toxteth, DND manages to sell out every event and always give the people what they want. Bringing DJ’s from all over the UK and Liverpool, they are rising in the ranks and putting Liverpool on the map and we love to see it. If you’re into Afrobeats, Bashment, R&B and Amapiano, head to their next event.
Arts Bar – With two locations in Liverpool – Baltic and Hope Street, Arts Bar is one of the few venues in Liverpool that showcase talent in their early career and creative journey which is so important for the scene. A space for all and full of good vibes.
I hope to inspire creatives to open their minds to making a space for people who are like them to feel safe and comfortable in. You never know what that could do for someone!
Written by Amber Rose | @dj.amberrose
Main image by Kolade Ladipo
