A cross-label LGBTQ+ alliance that unites Sony Music UK, Warner Music UK and Universal Music Group UK has announced a free exhibition and industry mixer in support of Switchboard.
Shades, a first-of-its-kind music label alliance founded to support the LGBTQ+ community, has shared details of a daytime exhibition in partnership with curators Sugar For My Soul, held this Monday (May 18) at The Gallery, Tileyard, London. It's also hosting an evening industry mixer event in partnership with the BPI at the same venue.
Attendees can view the exhibition between 12.30pm-5pm, before the industry mixer runs from 6.30pm-10pm.
The event will bring together the UK’s three largest music companies, along with industry partners and the wider LGBTQ+ community, for a shared moment of visibility, reflection and celebration to spotlight queer creativity and lived experience.
It will raise funds for Switchboard, the UK’s national LGBTQ+ support line, in recognition of the launch of The Log Books. The book charts four decades of LGBTQ+ life in Britain through the charity helpline’s call logs.
The event, which follows the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (May 17), will also serve as a launchpad for Shades as an industry-wide community platform.
This event marks a pivotal next step for Shades as we look to evolve from a cross-label initiative into a broader, industry-facing platform
Shades
Shades is looking to grow beyond its founding labels and actively engage additional labels and publishers – both major and independent – as part of its shared commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and impact.
The exhibition will feature artists’ interpretations of The Log Books, bringing contemporary creative reimaginings to real LGBTQ+ histories, as well as key archival Switchboard materials from Switchboard, and a curated narrative. Exhibiting artists include: Achraf Amiri, Chris Lloyd, Emily Foster, Eva Mlodecki, Holly Revell, Izzy MacC, James Robert Morrison, Maria Calliste, Poppy Pray, Prince Oke, and Gioele Corona.
Shades and the BPI will host an exclusive mixer designed to bring together LGBTQ+ employees and allies from across the recording and publishing industries. Featuring a DJ set by Jack Mudd, the evening will offer a dedicated environment for queer professionals to connect across organisations and a raffle full of exclusive prizes from Shades, Switchboard, Bistrotheque, Queer Brewing and many more. Tickets are available to LGBTQ+ employees and allies from across the recording and publishing industries on a first-come, first-served basis.
Initially launched in 2022, Shades is led by Jake Smith (Warner Chappell Music UK), Sachin Dattani (Sony Music UK), Trenton Tomlinson (Universal Music Group UK), Matt Cham (Warner Music UK) and Kim Silveira (Warner Music UK) to ensure that LGBTQ+ people are not only represented but empowered to lead and redefine the future of music.
Smith, Dattani and Tomlinson said in a joint statement: “This event marks a pivotal next step for Shades as we look to evolve from a cross-label initiative into a broader, industry-facing platform, one which champions LGBTQ+ visibility and representation across our industry, elevates queer culture and expression, and creates meaningful change through charitable support and advocacy.
“Together, and with the support of partner industry organisations like the BPI and Sugar For My Soul, we are more than just communities; we are catalysts for inclusion, creativity, and business impact.”
