Even though we shouldn’t have to, I’d like to think we’re taking things into our own hands. After all, if they won’t give you a seat at the table, make your own table, right?

In general the representation for POCs in independent music is lackluster and it's not because there isn't any great music out there (there 100% is), but it's because the gate-keepers in the music industry are still white older men and this then reflects the lack of diversity.

This year is probably the first year in my life I've truly felt comfortable talking about it, mainly because I understand change doesn't happen when you're silent.

It’s a cold hard fact that compared with the actual level of diversity within UK society, the indie music world I’ve found myself in is overwhelmingly white, not just in terms of the the music and musicians who break through, but also in terms of behind-the-scenes decision makers, the journalists, the gatekeepers, people in positions of power within the industry.

Growing up, I didn’t see many Anglo-Indian women on 'Top of the Pops', I didn’t hear them on the radio, and I didn’t see them sell out shows at the o2. I believe that this is changing through my generation of musicians…

I honestly couldn’t recommend the Latch mentorship more, it gave me an amazing platform and I’m sure the new Latch mentees will love the experience just as much as I did and benefit from all the invaluable mentoring and expert knowledge.

‘Naive’, Asha Gold’s upcoming release through Bad Key is following on from a flurry of positive support for her EP ‘GOLD01’. Last week, Asha’s track ‘Passenger’ was spun on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show.

Open Door is Latch’s mentorship scheme. 2021 will be the second year of the program with six talented individuals gaining music industry experience. The mentorships will consist of weekly video calls, access to learning resources, seminars…

Ahead of the release of ‘Naive’, her latest single - Asha Gold has been announced as one of eight artists that make up the BBC Asian Network’s Future Sounds list for 2021.

“I work with Roo and reach out to brands that align with the artists we work with. I pitch ideas to brands to collaborate with our very talented artists. It's beneficial to both the artist and the brand as it increases exposure and helps break into new markets...”

Once the mentorship began, it was clear that Open Door was exactly the chance I needed. Weekly tasks set by my mentors Hannah and George helped sharpen my skills: drafting up press releases and pitches, scouring the web for new bands and the right places to plug them…

“My first professional job, in PR, was at a huge company with SO many people. I soon learned that you’ve got to be confident and put yourself out there if you want to make a mark with the work that you do. Also, to get over my fear of phone calls because they really do make your life so much easier….”

London based R&B artist Asha Gold is firmly on the rise. Her newest single ‘Passenger’ has been spun by the likes of BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and the BBC Asian Network. On top of all this, she has just been named Amazing Radio USA’s Artist of the Week…

Speaking with multiple producers, pluggers, presenters, and more within the radio industry has helped me construct a path as I take my first steps into my career. Regular meetings with my allocated mentor were scheduled where I learned about radio plugging and the impact of this…