Turn it up, pour it out, and raise a glass - World Music Day is calling, and we’ve got just the playlist (and pour) for it. 

Celebrated in over 120 countries, World Music Day is a global celebration of sound, rhythm, and everything in between. It’s not about polished solos or sold-out stadiums - it’s about music in its rawest, loudest, most joyful form. It’s also a day that strikes the right chord with us at Monkey Shoulder. Why? Because we believe great music, like great whisky, is best when it brings people together. 

That’s where Studio Monkey Shoulder comes in. It’s our platform for championing grassroots music, breaking down the barriers for rising talent, and remixing the way people discover sound. If you haven’t heard of it yet, don’t worry - we’ll fill you in below. 

This is your Everything you need to know about World Music Day guide: a quick dive into its origins, the date you need to stick in your calendar, the best ways to celebrate, and the perfect Monkey Shoulder cocktails to pair with your playlist. So grab your mates, set the volume to "social", and let’s get this show on the road. 

History of World Music Day 

It's a quick history lesson, but with better vibes than your average school assembly. 

World Music Day (or Fête de la Musique, if you’re feeling fancy) started in France in 1982. The idea? A free, all-access musical celebration where anyone and everyone could make some noise. It was about getting music out of the concert halls and into the streets - turning the everyday into the extraordinary. Think buskers, DJs, choirs, bands, karaoke kings and queens, all jamming without needing a ticket or an invite. 

The movement quickly spread beyond France, striking a resonant chord worldwide. Now, from Delhi to Detroit, people are celebrating World Music Day with performances in parks, pop-ups in pubs, and spontaneous street gigs. It’s a reminder that music isn’t just background noise - it’s a language we all speak (even if some of us are a bit tone - deaf). 

When is World Music Day celebrated? 

Here’s a date worth circling: 21 June, every year. That’s right - the longest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere) is officially reserved for the best kind of noise: music. 

Whether you’re in the mood for full-on festival energy or something a bit more laid back, World Music Day is your cue to turn up the volume. People celebrate with live gigs, jam sessions, block parties, rooftop raves, or even a Spotify shuffle with a splash of something stronger. 

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry - we’ve lined up some top-tier World Music Day activities below, perfect for fans, friends, and whisky-loving show-offs alike. 

World Music Day activities 

Right, let’s talk about plans. Here’s how to make some (sonic) noise: 

Host a homegrown gig: Got a mate in a band? A sibling who won’t put the guitar down? Your moment has arrived. Clear the living room and let them take the stage (bonus points if there’s whisky at the bar). 

Create your own backyard festival: Fairy lights, plastic cups, loudspeakers, and the perfect summer playlist. Add some Monkey Shoulder cocktails, and you’ve got yourself a garden Glastonbury. 

Music quiz & whisky tasting night: Test your mates on classic riffs, one-hit wonders, and guilty pleasures while sipping on a few bold Monkey serves. (More on that in a sec.) 

Karaoke chaos: Whether you can hit the high notes or not, World Music Day is the perfect excuse to belt it out. Start with Queen. End with chaos. 

And if you’re feeling inspired, check out what we’re doing with Studio Monkey Shoulder - our way of bringing the music scene back to its roots and giving rising artists a louder mic. 

Studio Monkey Shoulder  

So, what exactly is Studio Monkey Shoulder? 

Glad you asked. It’s our passion project - a rolling initiative dedicated to supporting the next generation of music-makers. We’re not talking about glitzy talent shows or major label deals. We’re talking raw talent, unfiltered energy, and real people with something to say. 

Through Studio Monkey Shoulder, we’re shining a spotlight on emerging artists, offering them a stage, a platform, and (yes) some whisky-fueled love. Whether it’s gigs, collabs, or content, it’s all about keeping music loud, local, and lively. 

And on World Music Day, that mission hits differently. 

Find out more about Studio Monkey Shoulder here.  

Cocktails for World Music Day 

No party (or playlist) is complete without the right mix - and we’re not just talking sound. 

Here are a few Monkey Shoulder cocktails to get your World Music Day in full swing: 

Lazy Old Fashioned 

For when your feet hurt from dancing but you’re not quite ready for bed. Easy to mix, hard to beat.  Try the Lazy Old Fashioned 

Rob Roy 

Smooth, complex and timeless - like the best ballads. Sip this one slowly as the night winds down.  Learn how to make it 

Mix This Way 

A twist on a classic with a name that screams glam rock. Bold, bright and perfect for high-energy sing-alongs.  Shake it up with the full recipe 

And if you need a soundtrack to sip to, we’ve got you covered…

From decks to drinks - Get into the mix on Mixcloud.

Music worth mixing to. Find us on Spotify.

Supporting grassroots music on World Music Day  

This 21st June, join Monkey Shoulder in raising a glass to the unsung heroes of the music world -  the independent artists, the DIY scenes, and the future legends playing in someone’s garage right now. 

Support them. Stream them. Go to their gigs. Dance like nobody's judging and tip your bartenders like everyone’s watching. 

And if you’re looking for some serious sonic inspo, tune in to our (mixcloud/spotify) it’s where Monkey vibes meet musical gold. Curated mixes, artist takeovers and the kind of background beats that make any cocktail feel like an encore.  

Turn Up the Volume on Our Socials 

There’s more music to come. While MOSH is celebrating WMD IRL, our social channels are tuned into the moment too. From exclusive DJ tips to offbeat pairings and behind-the-scenes energy, three strands of content will be dropping throughout June, all centred around music, drinks, and the people who love them. 

Keep an eye on our channels, you won’t want to miss a beat. 

Happy World Music Day. Now, turn it up.