The Closing Act #BedroomShutMusicUp
- David Anglin
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
When working with the team in initially putting together this exhibition, one of the key things we wanted to do was really highlight unheard voices.
Music and podcasts in recent times have given insight into life behind bars for the imprisoned, though we wondered what were the things that led up to this — life choices, systemic policies, or a bit of both? But within even these stories there were further unheard stories, as we wondered: what were the effects of imprisonment on families, on mothers, partners, and their children…
We wanted to learn more, highlighting these stories as part of the forgotten foundations of London’s developments, as mum-and-dad shops gave way to franchises and glass-fronted buildings rose to the clouds and beyond. The early 2000s were a changing landscape. Our conversation with former police officer Phil highlighted how a range of new policies were created for this emerging new world, and how the police, given powers by governments, would fulfil their role of policing this new world, from analogue to digital.
Though it’s interesting that some, feeling unconnected with the states new developments, went in direct defiance of these policies, such as DJ B3 telling us how empty flats in Waltham Forest would be used for setting-up shop for pirate radio stations. These acts of defiance birthed careers and genres like Jungle, old school garage, and Grime, now considered in recent times as a great British export. So who’s wrong, who’s right? Especially if it is, like people say, as long as the ends justify the means.
Yeah, the early 2000s were an interesting period, though as the exhibition opens for the final weekend, I wonder: what does the future of London look like? Is it a place where the unheard are given voice through new types of social media and engagement, or is it a place where censorship reigns supreme and individuality is lost to the herd?
I leave you below with these parting words and sentiments from Joel as he reflects on resistance music.
David
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