UnMute Launches UK's First Roster for Disabled Musicians to Overcome Ableist Booking Practices
In a groundbreaking move to transform the music industry, the UK's first roster dedicated exclusively to disabled musicians has been unveiled. Named UnMute, this innovative initiative aims to dismantle ableist booking practices that have long marginalized artists with disabilities, ensuring they receive fair opportunities and necessary accommodations.
Addressing Systemic Barriers and Pay Disparities
Founded by double bassist Andrew Lansley, who concealed his autism diagnosis for a decade fearing professional repercussions, UnMute seeks to create a more inclusive landscape. Research reveals that disabled musicians earn approximately £4,000 less annually than their non-disabled counterparts, with 57% reporting career obstacles directly linked to their disabilities. Lansley, now creative director of UnMute, emphasizes that this effort is not about mere compliance but about recognizing disabled artists as valuable investments rather than burdensome costs.
The Power of Access Riders and Collaborative Partnerships
Central to UnMute's mission is the implementation of access riders, documents introduced by the Musicians' Union in 2021 that outline essential needs for disabled performers. These riders, distinct from the whimsical demands of rock legends, ensure venues and promoters understand and meet specific requirements, such as lighting adjustments or noise controls. UnMute has been developed in collaboration with event management firms Global Local and Continental Drifts, alongside partnerships with the Musicians' Union and the charity Attitude is Everything, which advocates for disability access in music.
Artist Testimonials Highlight Transformative Impact
Emma Shaw, performing as emzae, shares that her disabilities—ME and OCD—often forced her to decline gigs due to prohibitive costs, such as needing two assistants for equipment transport. Since joining UnMute, she secured her first London performance with a record-high fee, expressing hope that this marks a shift toward standardizing accessibility. Similarly, the drag collective Drag Syndrome, composed of performers with Down's syndrome, had halted UK bookings citing funding shortages but now sees renewed opportunities through UnMute's support.
Pioneering Progress and Future Aspirations
UnMute's launch coincides with positive industry changes, such as Liverpool Sound City festival's commitment to adopt access riders for all artists in January 2025. Lansley envisions the roster as a catalyst for broader transformation, potentially paving the way for a network of accessible venues nationwide. He notes that this pioneering approach, untested before, is building knowledge from the ground up to foster a more equitable music scene where disabled musicians can thrive without compromise.
