If you’re not already working in the industry, you may not have heard of an organisation called UK Music. Founded just under a decade ago, the idea was to create an organisation that can represent and promote the interests of the UK music industry – musicians and artists, record labels, publishers, songwriters, managers, producers, promoters, venues, and the like.
You might know them for organising the #LetItBeeb campaign last year, to protect all the diverse music services that the BBC provides here in the UK.
With the election coming up this Thursday, and as part of their efforts to lobby for investment in the UK’s music scene, they have created a short UK Music Manifesto (pdf), with details on what they believe the government should do to help music thrive.
Their plan describes how the music industry contributes a whopping £4.1 billion to the economy, employs 160,000 people, and has even grown 17% over the last four years. They suggest things like investment in smaller regional scenes, more straightforward copyright law, and better careers and business advice for young musicians.
Additionally, as the impact of Brexit on the touring music industry is yet to be ironed out, the party to take power will have huge potential to shape the future of touring.
European visa and freight costs are just two of the factors able to cripple UK bands touring Europe without proper legislation. UK Music is advocating for the creation of systems that support short term permissions and exemptions for touring musicians and crews.
Music hasn’t exactly been a headline topic this election. So whatever your personal political views are, consider giving it a read and voting for music this Thursday.