London's vibrant grassroots music scene is receiving a significant boost thanks to a new cross-city campaign, "London Creates Music." Spearheaded by Mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL), the initiative unites industry leaders from the Music Venue Trust to Universal Music to champion the capital's vital small music venues and the wealth of talent they nurture.
At the heart of the campaign is the first-ever specially designed Grassroots Music Tube map. This unique reimagining of the iconic London Underground map transforms its familiar lines into electric cables, each named after key elements of the music ecosystem. From the Bakerloo line representing songs to the Central line highlighting genres, and the District line showcasing 25 artists to watch in 2025, the map intricately weaves together venues, iconic and contemporary artists, nightclubs, albums, independent record labels, record shops, and locations of musical heritage.
This innovative map was exclusively published in the Metro newspaper and will be displayed for a month at Outernet London, Europe's largest digital exhibition space, connecting the HERE nightclub to The Lower Third grassroots venue on Denmark Street. An enhanced digital version will also be available online.
London's 179 grassroots music venues are the bedrock of the city's musical identity, hosting hundreds of thousands of performances annually and contributing a substantial £313 million to the economy. These spaces provide crucial platforms for emerging artists, with many global stars, including Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Coldplay, and Noah Kahan, honing their craft in these intimate settings.
However, these vital venues have faced considerable challenges in recent years. The "London Creates Music" campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage support for these spaces. Ticketing platform DICE has curated a list of 25 grassroots artists to see in the coming months, while the Metro is running online interviews with artists and venues in partnership with the Featured Artist Coalition (FAC).
Adding further momentum, London is set to host SXSW London next month, showcasing emerging talent across more than 20 grassroots venues. Mayor Khan emphasized the crucial role of these venues in London's nightlife and economy, stating the campaign is a vital step in supporting them and building a more prosperous city for all. Industry figures, including Skin from Skunk Anansie and Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, passionately echoed the importance of grassroots venues in nurturing talent and fostering a diverse and vibrant music scene.
