New report highlights barriers facing South Asian artists in UK music sector

The first comprehensive study into the South Asian experience in the UK music industry has revealed that a lack of representation, mentorship, and investment continues to hinder progress for South Asian artists and professionals.

According to ‘The South Asian Soundcheck’ report, only 28% of South Asian music creators and professionals are able to rely on music as their full-time source of income. Conducted by Lila, a non-profit organisation that supports South Asians in music, the study surveyed 349 people — most of whom are established musicians or industry professionals. While nearly three-quarters earn some income from music, only around a quarter can sustain themselves fully through it.

The research, supported by UK Music, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the Musicians’ Union, Warner Music Group, the Music Managers Forum, Arts Council England and PRS for Music, found that representation remains a critical challenge. Two-thirds of respondents said that the lack of South Asian professionals in decision-making roles—such as label executives, festival programmers and streaming platform curators—holds them back.

Respondents also cited other barriers, including stereotypes about the type of music they are expected to make, family concerns about the stability of a music career, and experiences of racial discrimination. Forty-five percent said they face cultural stereotypes, 40% reported family pressure to pursue other careers, and one in three said they have experienced direct racial discrimination.

While 69% of those surveyed acknowledged some improvement in South Asian representation in recent years, 68% still feel poorly represented or invisible in the wider industry—a contrast the report calls “the progress paradox.”

Lila’s founder, Vikram Gudi, said: “The data exposes what we call the progress paradox. While 73% of those surveyed earn some money from music, only 27% earn enough to rely on it as a sustainable career. The Soundcheck gives us the evidence to enact real change and identifies three essential needs: mentorship, representation, and investment.”

The survey also found that most respondents work across multiple genres and target global audiences rather than only South Asian communities. However, 71% said the music industry remains reluctant to accept artists who operate outside traditional categories, and nearly half worry that specialising in South Asian music could limit broader opportunities.

The report was previewed at ‘Future Unveiled’, an industry event hosted by the BPI in partnership with Lila, Warner Music Group and Elephant Music on 16th September 2025. The event brought together artists, experts, and trade bodies to discuss the findings and their implications for the future of the music industry.

Reflecting on the event, Gudi added: “There was a sense of optimism in the room, with musicians, professionals, and industry leaders coming together for open and constructive conversations. We encourage the wider music industry to use this data and work collaboratively toward meaningful change.”

Indy Vidyalankara, a member of the UK Music Diversity Taskforce and the BPI Equity & Justice Advisory Group, said: “South Asian music is rich, vibrant and influential across the UK’s cultural ecosystem. We need South Asian representation at every level of the industry, alongside support and investment that reflect that influence. This report highlights what needs to change and provides the evidence to support it.”