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Last week the Financial Times reported that EU officials had said Labour's commitment to improve EU relations and ease touring barriers for artists and musicians was "not straightforward". We didn't think it would be, but we welcome the renewed focus on the issue of touring in Europe. This remains a critical topic for the UK's music industry, with cultural exchange between the UK and the rest of Europe essential in maintaining the continent's vibrant musical heritage and competitiveness. The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and MMF (Music Managers Forum) launched the "Let The Music Move" brand in 2021 as an umbrella for the music industry to unify and campaign on issues around touring. Its aims are as important today as they were then. The industry will continue to work with the Labour Government on fostering a new relationship with the EU and creating a more positive touring environment, to power the future of our sector. Thanks to James Hanley at IQ Magazine, Rachael Healy at The Guardian and Adam Sherwin at The i paper for discussing the topic. https://lnkd.in/e5qz73Aa

UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl has been talking about the huge challenges facing UK musicians and crew touring the EU. He spoke following after it emerged that EU documents suggested Brussels was not prepared to change the rules to tackle the issue - despite the efforts of the UK government to find a way through the post-Brexit restrictions on live music. Before the General Election, Labour pledged to help touring artists and crew who have faced extra costs and red tape since Brexit. The need for customs paperwork for instruments, issues with transport and limits on merchandise sales, along with a host of other regulations have made it harder, more time consuming and less viable for UK performers to tour in Europe. Tom told the Observer: “The UK’s exit from the EU has created significant barriers that have made live music touring more expensive, bureaucratic and confusing for musicians, artists and crew. This is hampering our £6.7bn music industry’s ability to grow." Tom also spoke to the i paper's Adam Sherwin about the issue, saying: “Labour made a pre-election commitment to deal with a problem that is threatening the talent pipeline on which the music industry relies. “We need the Government to continue to work with our EU neighbours to try to find a swift solution. “We want to see great British bands like Oasis to be able to tour right across Europe and grow our £4bn UK export market and allow overseas fans to enjoy the best live music in the world.” Read more in the i paper article below: https://lnkd.in/eia7gDGT #music #EU #LetTheMusicMove #Oasis

Brexit has a significant impact on the UK music industry. The proportion of artists reporting income loss due to Brexit has risen due to rising logistical costs, which add pressure on musicians. Touring in the EU has become more challenging, with increased costs and red tape deterring many musicians. While superstar artists have the resources to overcome these obstacles, lesser-known musicians and supporting staff face significant barriers, including the 90-day visa limit. UK Music's report warns that, without a more ambitious post-Brexit strategy, the UK risks falling behind in the global music industry.

The Touring Crisis: How Independent Artists Can Adapt to Rising Costs Touring has always been a critical part of an independent artist’s career, but in 2024, rising costs are making it more challenging than ever. Increasing expenses in transportation, lodging, and venue bookings have forced many artists to cancel tours or rethink their strategies. Musicians like Little Simz and Rachel Chinouriri had to abandon their US tours this year due to financial constraints. The stark reality was highlighted by Dublin indie artist Orla Gartland, who, in a conversation with the BBC, revealed that she is risking £40,000 of her own money to embark on her dream tour. Post-COVID, there has been significant attention on grassroots music venues as they struggle to stay open, but less focus on the actual ability of music artists to tour these venues. Looking ahead to 2025, these challenges are expected to persist, with economic trends and inflation continuing to drive costs higher. Independent artists need innovative solutions, and digital platforms are becoming crucial in helping them manage these financial strains. Despite these financial hurdles, there are several strategies that independent artists can employ... ↘️ Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gjSkxZmP

🎵 The Power of UK Music 🎶 Music plays a pivotal role in the UK’s thriving creative economy. As Shadow Culture Secretary Stuart Andrew MP highlights, the numbers speak for themselves: ✅ £7.6bn contribution to the UK economy ✅ 216,000+ jobs supported ✅ £4.6bn in exports ✅ A global cultural influence that resonates far beyond our borders The UK music industry is not just a source of inspiration—it’s a cornerstone of our creative sector and a key driver of economic growth. Let’s continue to support and celebrate this vital industry. https://lnkd.in/eS6V2bpr

There’s been a worryingly growing trend over the last few years of big name artists skipping New Zealand on their global tours, from Olivia Rodrigo to Taylor Swift, but even when they do visit the country, local musicians don’t always experience the benefits. Thom Yorke, Coldplay, Travis Scott, Metallica, and Hozier are just a handful of recent touring artists who haven’t had a local support act. This trend seems set to continue into 2025, with Canadian crooner Bryan Adams recently confirming former 'X Factor' winner James Arthur as his support for his February New Zealand shows. In a bid to change things for the better, the Music Managers Forum (MMF) Aotearoa has today called for greater inclusion of New Zealand artists in international shows and tours across the country. The initiative, titled Spotlight Aotearoa, is largely inspired by the similar Michael’s Rule in Australia, a major booster program for the Australian music community that was met with “virtually unprecedented” approval from across the industry earlier this year. “Spotlight Aotearoa aims to ensure that local talent shares the stage with global acts, fostering growth, preserving Aotearoa’s unique musical identity, and keeping the economic benefits of live performances within our shores,” a press statement reads. Find out more about Spotlight Aotearoa, and how you can back the important proposal, at the link below. https://lnkd.in/g6R64DxD

UK Music has found that the country saw an all-time high in music in 2023. With a 20% increase, this growth has been attributed to iconic performances by Blur and Beyoncé. Not just this but their studies noted that - → There were 19.2M attendees which is a 33% spike from 14.4M in 2022. → Music tourism spending reached £8B, a 21% increase from £6.6B in 2022. This data shows the huge demand for the UK’s music scene and how both domestic and foreign tourists are making the most of this experience. With Taylor Swift's Eras Tour selling out 8 nights at London's Wembley Stadium, each with a 90,000 capacity, the music tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down. The 2024 figures are expected to reflect even more significant growth. This makes it even more important for the music ecosystem to be supported to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live can have access to music. It also makes it important for other countries to realise that the music industry is an important driver of economic growth that provides entertainment, employment and inspiration to millions. Are you working to ensure musicians receive the necessary backing to flourish? #musicindustry #musicecosystem

Friends of mine who are involved in the music industry probably know this already, but the economics of being a musician are similar to those of being a writer - I wrote yesterday that only a tiny percentage of books ever sell. With music it's already hard to make a living from record sales because everyone streams music now - physical record sales need to be collectable vinyl or something special. Most people assume that artists now make their living selling tickets to gigs, but touring is more expensive than ever. So who can afford to make new music? This article features several bands who get BBC radio play, get TV appearances on big music shows, and can tour nationally, yet they lose cash when touring... it really seems that governments like the UK need to think about the value of music to the wider economy. Look at how South Korea has ignited interest in the country through all the funding that went into creating K-pop bands. Arts organisations have traditionally been seen as supportive of "elite" culture, such as ballet and opera, yet indie bands now can't survive without the bank of mum and dad paying for the van rental... #Music #Touring #Art #Artists #MusicIndustry

The European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA) is calling for an overhaul in how “withholding tax” is applied to touring musicians in the EU. #tax #touring #livemusic #musicbusiness

UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl on the value #music brings to our towns and cities, as UK Music release valuable #musictourism data. Music tourism spending is made up of £4.2 billion spent directly by music tourists attending concerts and festivals in the UK, including the cost of a ticket, on-site spend, travel, accommodation, and meals while travelling to events. A further £3.8 billion was spent indirectly through the value chain, including costs such as fencing and security or a restaurant paying for ingredients. But while music generates huge benefits for our local areas, beyond a handful of very successful musicians the opportunities for many artists are becoming increasingly squeezed and grassroots music venues and festivals, studios and rehearsal spaces are facing tough economic pressures. Last year UK Music’ released the Here, There and Everywhere report that featured a toolkit to local governments to help them maximize the opportunities music can bring to their economies. Find out more here: https://ow.ly/Lw5U50SHSMR #MusicPowerhouses #ManifestoForMusic #PowerofMusic