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Who We Are

BLOC is a free-to-join, member-led 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 around the UK.

BLOC was created by SoCo Music Project to expand our work supporting artists and businesses in Southampton to the wider region.

With the ever-changing trends of the music sector, local and national cultural policy, BLOC will champion our members and the amazing work they do, and fight for the investment and recognition this region deserves.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

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.

SOCo Music Project

BLOC is run and founded by SoCo Music Project, a Southampton-based music charity building a connected, inclusive and ambitious creative community across the South.

We work at every stage of the musical journey — from early years sound exploration to youth mentoring, community wellbeing programmes, and professional music industry development. Whether supporting a non-verbal child to connect through rhythm, a young person at risk of exclusion to record their first track, or an emerging artist to release and promote new work, we combine creativity with care and progression with purpose.

Our work reaches thousands of participants each year through over 1,000 creative sessions delivered in schools, community settings and our home at Planet Sounds — a rehearsal, recording and community venue that has become a vital hub for the region’s independent music scene

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HEAR WHAT WE DO: DIRECTLY FROM US & OUR MEMBERS

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Matt Bisgrove - Parallel Music Conference

“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.”

Lou Sawdy - Producer at The Ranch Production House & Planet Sounds

“SoCo 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.”

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Matt Salvage - CEO SoCo Music Project

“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.”