A diverse group of people, including DJs, singers, and musicians, performing and hanging out in a colorful, graffiti-decorated space.

Who We Are

BLOC is a free to join, member lead coalition of independent music businesses, venues, freelancers and more based in the South Central of the UK.

We believe that the grassroots music sector in the region deserves support, advocacy and a unified voice to help it compete with the established music power-house regions round the UK.

BLOC was founded by SoCo Music Project on the principle of spreading our work supporting artists and businesses in Southampton to the wider region.

As part of this SoCo will be offering free co-working space to members at our new facility ‘IO’ as well us using some of our funding to start a series of grants for members, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the sector from day 1.

JOIN BLOC

Three different indoor social gatherings: a seated discussion group with about ten people in a cozy room, a lively crowd at a party with colorful lighting and a decorated ceiling, and a small, intimate meeting in a space with brick walls where a person is speaking while others listen.

MEMBER EXPERIENCES

SoCo’s Music Industry Office (now BLOC) is like the tough tackling organised defensive midfielder in football - does all the hard work and rarely gets the plaudits. Led by Matt & Andrew, they underpin the local music scene (artists, venues, ventures - everything) with their incredible support and insight on how to make music work for you.

Whether that be as a hobby, an outlet or a place to make a living, they do their best to give you the support you need to bring it out in the best and most effective ways possible. Parallel & and so many other Hampshire music ventures would be nothing without their support. I can’t wait to see how BLOC will bring us all closer together for a better county-wide music ecosystem.”

A person with blonde hair, glasses, and a red beard taking a selfie in front of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

Matt Bisgrove - Parallel Music Conference

“SoCo’s Music Industry Office(Now BLOC)is a fantastic organisation for bringing people together, connecting industry professionals and the community alike.

It’s opened up so many opportunities for me from running programmes within the organisation to providing another studio space to work from and a new client base.”

Lou Sawdy - Producer & Studio Manager

“BLOC is about backing the people who are already doing the work - those creating opportunities for artists and audiences every day.

We know how much is already happening across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and we want to support that in a way that is genuinely useful, without adding pressure on people’s time.

By working together, we can open up new funding, strengthen networks, and make sure the region’s music sector is properly recognised and supported.”