Made by people who love live music.
Diplomats of Sound was started in 2010 by Si Chai and Thomas Smallwood (Toast), the people behind the Chai Wallahs stage. Our job is simple: to get brilliant artists playing in front of crowds.
Why we started
Running the Chai Wallahs stage, we watched brilliant artists get their moment in front of a crowd, and then struggle to keep it going. Many did not have the contacts with promoters, help putting a tour together, or anyone to look after the contracts and paperwork.
So we started Diplomats of Sound, with Joss Stone's support, to be that help. We work alongside our artists so they can concentrate on the music, and alongside promoters and festivals so the right act ends up on the right stage.
What we care about
We love our artists, the grassroots scene they come up through, and the wider industry around them. A good live scene needs all of it: festivals of every size, independent venues, promoters, musicians, and the people in the crowd. We want to work with festivals and bookers to make brilliant events, and to keep that scene thriving for everyone in it.
Our history
- 1999
Chai Wallahs begins at Glastonbury Festival as a chai stall and herbal emporium.
- 2007
Chai Wallahs opens a live music stage and becomes a home for emerging independent artists.
- 2010
Si Chai and Thomas Smallwood (Toast) start Diplomats of Sound, with Joss Stone's support, to help the artists they were discovering keep going.
- 2019
A busy year of tours for Nubya Garcia (North America), Theon Cross, Ozomatli ft. Chali 2na, Johnny Osbourne, Brushy One String, Maisha, Liniker e os Caramelows and Open Mike Eagle.
- 2021
UK tours for The Mouse Outfit and The Allergies.
- 2026
Amy True on tour across the UK and Europe, The Hempolics in London, and The Mouse Outfit back on the road this autumn.
Planning a stage, festival or night?
We are always happy to talk through ideas and line-ups, long before anything is booked.
Contact Us