Assessing the Health of the UK Music Scene in a Post-Brexit World
The UK is considered to be a powerhouse in the music industry, known for producing legendary acts in practically every genre in each and every decade and hosting many iconic music events annually. Like many industries, COVID-19 shook the music industry to its core and affected everyone in the sector. This prompts the question, “Is the UK music scene healthy?”.
The Music Industry
UK Music’s annual economic study This is Music shows how the music industry started to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report found that the UK’s music industry contributed £4 billion to the economy in 2021, which was up from £3.9 billion in 2021. However, it is 31% lower than 2019’s £5.8 billion (an all-time high). Employment rose 14% between 2020 and 2021 but remains 26% below 2019.
Clearly, positive steps have been taken in terms of recovery, but there is still a long way to go, and the effects of the pandemic are still being felt.
Impact of Brexit
The pandemic has certainly taken its toll, but it is not the only factor at play. Brexit has shaken up the UK music industry, creating issues related to touring, merchandise sales, and international collaboration. One survey found that more than a quarter of music industry professionals have had no EU work since Brexit, and almost half have had less work in the EU.
Lack of Funding & Closure of Music Venues
The economic turbulence created by COVID-19 and Brexit has led to significant funding cuts across the arts, including music. Cuts to music education raise concerns over the future of UK music and grassroots music, particularly with the closure of many music venues up and down the country. Fortunately, there are organizations that can help with UK music business funding. Many within the music industry have spoken out against Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s budget earlier in the year, with Music Venue Trust among the most scathing:
“Already in 2023, one grassroots music venue is closing every week. The budget was an opportunity to ensure that this number of closures did not explode from the 1 Apr, when grassroots music venues will be hit by excessive and unaffordable energy bills. The Chancellor has failed to respond to the evidence we submitted. There is no additional support for music venues, and the inevitable result will be mass closures of venues”.
A Call for Change
It is clear that the UK’s music scene is not in good health following the pandemic and Brexit. This has led to industry leaders calling for urgent action to revolutionize the industry and avoid further damage. This includes calls for the government to protect the industry and a review of grassroots venues.
The UK music industry has taken a significant hit in recent years and is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, Brexit, and subsequent economic issues, but it is also a hardy industry that will take action to improve the outlook.