The UK’s first music roster dedicated to showcasing the work of disabled artists has been unveiled by Global Local.
UnMute was soft launched at AIF Congress’ after party in February following a two-year development period in which the initiative’s creative director, Andrew Lansley, provided expert input alongside partner support from The Musicians’ Union, Attitude Is Everything and Drake Music.
Collectively, their work has transformed access standards, professional rights and creative pathways for disabled musicians.
Global Local is an multiple award-winning, Arts Council England-funded project managed by Continental Drifts Music, which aims to secure professional performance opportunities for emerging acts from diverse cultures and communities.
Continental Drifts Music, led by music director Chris Tofu, has partnerships with some UK live events producers and promoters: Movimientos, Fire In The Mountain, Going South and Front Room Songs.
So far, UnMute has booked shows with its artists at Shambala, The Great Escape and St George’s Day at Trafalgar Square, with more events in discussion.
Andrew Lansley (Credit: Sara-Louise Bowrey)
Andrew Lansley said: “UnMute has been a long time coming, and it’s been an incredible two years watching the community unite behind the project. The response from the UK events industry has been remarkable and we can’t wait to announce our first round of festival spots for 2026.
“Opportunities for exciting collaborations keep coming and we have also seen our artist Rightkeysonly perform at the first NDK (Neurodivergent Karneval) in February. We are now focusing on our artists goals and securing more bookings for the summer.”
Acts on UnMute's roster include Drag Syndrome, the drag collective for kings and queens with Down Syndrome, and Deaf Rave, a collective of D/deaf and Hard of Hearing musicians, DJs, MCs, VJs, rappers, sign singers, dancers and creatives. Global Local booked both Drag Syndrome and Deaf Rave artists for Glastonbury Festival’s Peace Stage at Shangri-La in 2024.
It is vital that we use our platform and experience to remove barriers and build supportive pathways
Chris Tofu
Rightkeysonly, an UnMute roster artist, commented: “Being a part of UnMute has meant being able to trust that my access needs are fully supported when I go to perform. As a disabled girl from mid-Wales, I didn’t get to see people like me to prove a career in music was possible. It’s nice to be a part of something that will change that experience for other young disabled people across the country.”
Rightkeysonly
Chris Tofu, director, Continental Drifts and Shangri-La Glastonbury, added: “Continental Drifts is celebrating 30 years this year, and we are delighted to be launching the UnMute Roster at this time, as it is vital that the industry continues to evolve, grow and learn and we strive to push boundaries for the artists we work with.
“After three decades we remain committed to creating meaningful change and making sure people feel represented, supported, and confident to follow what they truly love. This is just the start, but it is vital that we use our platform and experience to remove barriers and build supportive pathways, and live the change we want to see in the wider industry.”
The UnMute roster is now live and open for bookings. The first phase of artists also includes: Ali Affleck, DJ Flood, DJ The Chairman Joss, Emzae, Gypskazz, John Kelly, Kray-z-Legz, Revenge of Calculon, Rightkeysonly, and Tarantism.
MAIN PHOTO CREDIT: Samuel Dore
