Ends Frequency
Amplifying the voices of conscious underground grime and drill musicians through urban hacktivism
UK drill and grime are music genres often associated with knife crime and gangs, reflecting the harsh realities of poverty-stricken lives. There is little evidence of this promoting violent activity; however, these messages are overshadowing positive messages from artists in this scene, often due to major labels’ influence and supposed market demands.
To give a voice to underrepresented perspectives, I am collaborating with grime and drill musicians and designing a radio transmitter that uses the electricity from the bicycles in bike sharing services for power. The device would hack into frequencies of stations playing chart music to play local and alternative music when in range. It will be an open-source tool for musicians to access and use in unexpected ways.
George Downham
george.downham@yahoo.co.uk
georgedownham.weebly.com