KOKO appoints Alexandria Carr as Head of Music
London venue KOKO has appointed Alexandria Carr as its new Head of Music, with responsibility for developing the music programme across both the main theatre and The House of KOKO private members’ club.
Carr joined KOKO in June and previously served as Contemporary Music Programmer at London’s Southbank Centre. She also founded Amplify Sounds in 2020 and has worked with Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall.
The appointment comes during KOKO’s 125th anniversary year and follows several years of development at the Camden venue, including the expansion of its hospitality and members’ club offering and investment in facilities designed to support artists beyond traditional live performances.
Carr said her aim is to build on KOKO’s role in artists’ careers, from emerging acts through to established arena-level performers.
In a LinkedIn post announcing the appointment, Carr said she plans to continue developing the music programme across the theatre and The House of KOKO while maintaining a focus on equity and inclusion.
“My key goal is to tell artists stories, create new work and ensure that KOKO is a leader when it comes to creating cultural moments that move and inspire,” she said.
During her first three months in the role, Carr has booked Erykah Badu for a surprise DJ set, co-curated music for KOKO’s collaboration with Chanel and delivered a free day festival in partnership with Jazz Re:freshed.
Carr will continue to programme for Cheltenham Jazz Festival alongside her KOKO role. She also sits on the board of the European Jazz Network and is a trustee and talent development adviser for UK folk organisation Sound Roots.
KOKO, located in Camden, has hosted artists including Dua Lipa, Stormzy, Central Cee, Liam Gallagher, Burna Boy, Take That and Coldplay during different stages of their careers.