From "Sound and Vision" (Channel 4) — From “Sound and Vision” (Channel 4)

Channel 4 (UK) today announced a new 4-part music documentary series titled “Sound and Vision,” which will look at socially-conscious icons in contemporary music that are having a profound impact on the world around them.

The series, created and hosted by journalist and broadcaster Billie JD Porter, profiles some of the most innovative artists and music scenes of the current climate, while telling wider stories about the power of music to inspire, and bring about change within society.

Across the series Billie meets queer performance artist Mykki Blanco on the Bible belt of his US tour and speaks to the marginalized black LGBTQI communities in Trump’s America. Exploring the lack of female artists breaking through in Grime, Billie also talks to MOBO award winner Lady Leshurr and shines a light on the disappearance of community youth spaces across the UK.

The films promise to celebrate freedom of expression and diversity, in a performance-heavy, energetic style, where the filmmakers are given intimate access to both musicians and their fans.

Billie JD Porter says, “’Sound and Vision’ is a real departure from everything I’ve made in the past, and the first time I’ve been given the opportunity to drive not only the editorial content, but the mood and aesthetic of a series as a whole. I began my career in music journalism, so it felt really good to be returning to that as a filmmaker. The artists we are showcasing are telling their stories on their own terms, in an authentic, no bullshit way. The whole series feels very exciting and very nontraditional to me; it’s been about deep access and real life, not just giving musicians a platform to promote their new record. Music is an art form that drives change in politics, technology and so many other aspects of our lives, and these films demonstrate and tell those stories.”

The series was commissioned by Jonny Rothery, Commissioning Editor for Music and Formats at Channel 4 and is directed by Siren Productions founder Nick Walters whose recent work includes Viceland’s hit series, Needles and Pins. The Executive Producer is Billie JD Porter. The series is set to air later this summer. A date will be announced later.

As has been the case with previous Channel 4 programming, “Sound and Vision” should eventually make its way to the USA, typically via SVOD platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime.