An Alloway-based rock and hip-hop producer is calling for greater accessibility in music venues across Scotland so that disabled artists like himself can better progress in the industry.
Following the success of his first EP released in April titled ‘Kryptonite’, Sanjeev Mann, under the name ‘Supermann on da beat’, is set to release his second record ‘Hope’ on November 19.
Despite his music career “really taking off” – Sanjeev recently performed his first live DJ set in The Ice Box in Glasgow and has worked with rappers from America and Finland – the aspiring mogul feels disabled artists need to be given more consideration when it comes to accessibility particularly in small, independent music venues.
The 25-year-old told the Advertiser: “I’ve started to realise the more I’ve got into the scene that it’s not accessible.
“I can count on one hand the amount of independent venues that are accessible in Glasgow. Apart from SWG3, The Hydro and a few others, there aren’t many trying.
“I want to start a campaign at some point and I’m doing a video for BBC Social soon to highlight the issue. We need to reach out to venues particularly when they’re getting made or being looked at. They need disabled people to have an input on how to make things accessible, so things like toilets, they need the view of disabled people. That’s the only way it’s going to improve.
“I also think if disabled people can’t get into small venues then how do you expect disabled musicians to become successful if they can’t access where a lot of people start their careers? I want to help disabled musicians in similar positions. It’s about making a change from both sides.”
On his latest achievements, Sanjeev said: “Since the EP, I’ve kept making beats and sending stuff out to rappers. I’ve got a track with an American rapper that’s coming out on the 12th and then there’s the EP from the rapper F.I.N that’s coming out on the 19th.
“We met online, I sent him some beats and he picked out the ones he wanted. It’s like singing crossed with rapping so it’s a popular style that’s in right now. I’m looking forward to it.
“He just started making music in lockdown, too, then one of his songs went quite big over there so we help each other out.
“My live show also led to a few collaborations and at the moment I’m working on an old school mix tape that’s going to feature around 15 plus rappers. I’m really excited for that. It’s coming out next year.”
To pre-save Sanjeev’s new tune on Spotify, click here.
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