Croydon has a formidable reputation as a global incubator for cutting-edge music. The borough is famously the birthplace of Dubstep; the sound emerged from the “dark garage” scene centered at Big Apple Records in central Croydon. Pioneers like Skream and Benga used the shop as a creative hub, experimenting with intense “bass weight” that would eventually dominate global dance floors. Â
The local creative output is institutionalized at The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. Since 1991, the school has produced an incredible roster of stars, including Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Loyle Carner. More recently, the borough has become the hometown for Grime and Hip-Hop icons like Stormzy and Nadia Rose. This rich history is now celebrated via the Music Heritage Trail, where over 11,000 residents voted for the venues and artists that defined Croydon’s sound. From the acoustic melodies of Ralph McTell’s “Streets of London” to modern electronic beats, music remains central to the borough’s identity. Â
