Gilles Peterson to helm new grassroots music initiative from Monkey Shoulder and Worldwide FM

“This is exactly why I started Worldwide FM radio, and there are so many other incredible community driven projects out there I want to uncover, which is what excites me about Studio Monkey Shoulder,” Gilles explains. “We have no idea where this is going to take us but can’t wait to see and hear it.”

The grant will be given to a UK-based community, collective, or music organisation who work to uplift grassroots music. As well as the investment, they will also have the opportunity to create their own event and feature at the centre of a series of films and radio broadcasts produced in collaboration with Worldwide FM.

“The Studio Monkey Shoulder fund could make a big difference to some of the UK’s grassroots collectives,” says Lex Blondin, founder of the game-changing cultural hub Total Refreshment Centre in East London. “For a small independent organisation, having funding means they can continue doing what they love: to provide a space for young talent to develop their craft with like-minded peers whilst connecting to new audiences locally and internationally.”