The music industry is facing a crisis, and it's not just the artists who are struggling. The rising cost of touring and the challenges of building an audience have led to a situation where many grassroots artists are barely breaking even, if at all. This is where initiatives like the Live Trust and the Featured Artist Coalition (FAC) come in, providing much-needed support to help these artists keep their heads above water. But it's not just about financial assistance; it's also about raising awareness and changing the industry's mindset. As Harry Styles, Lily Allen, and other stars step up to the plate, they're not just helping individual artists; they're helping to create a more sustainable and inclusive music industry for everyone.
One of the most significant challenges facing grassroots artists is the cost of touring. As Brown Horse, a Norwich-based country-rock band, explains, touring is a constant struggle, with the band members often having to sacrifice their wellbeing and comfort to make ends meet. The band's singer, Patrick Turner, jokes about being traveling T-shirt salesmen, but the reality is far from funny. The band's bassist, Emma Tovell, highlights the stark contrast between the top and bottom of the music industry, where there's a lot of money at the top and virtually nothing at the bottom.
The Live Trust's £5 million fund, which includes a £1 levy on tickets for recent arena and stadium shows, is a significant step towards addressing this issue. The fund is being distributed to musicians and grassroots venues, promoters, festivals, and producers, with Brown Horse receiving almost £5,000. This financial assistance is crucial for artists like Brown Horse, who are struggling to pay for accommodation and keep ticket prices affordable. As Tovell notes, the decision to keep sacrificing aspects of their lives and wellbeing to keep going is a constant struggle, and the band is grateful for the support.
The FAC's UK Artist Touring Fund is another initiative that's making a difference. The fund, which is distributing a share of the Live Trust fund to musicians, is helping new bands build audiences and sustain careers. As Blur drummer David Rowntree, chair of the FAC, explains, the combination of Brexit, Covid, and the cost of living crisis has contributed to a 'cost of touring crisis.' Without grassroots artists, there are no big artists, and the industry is at risk of losing its diversity and creativity.
The extra £1 on ticket prices has government backing, but it's not without its critics. As Hollie Cook, a West London reggae artist, points out, the financial element of touring has become increasingly stressful. The cost of band fees, travel, and accommodation has made it difficult for artists to plan shows that showcase their records in the best possible way. The pandemic has also made it harder to get audiences back into medium-sized venues and sell tickets in advance.
Despite these challenges, there's a sense of hope and optimism in the industry. As Taylor from Elephant Sessions notes, the money will help cover rising touring costs and allow the band to take risks by playing venues 'off the beaten track.' The importance of live music as a form of escapism cannot be overstated, and artists like Taylor want their audiences to 'jump around, make noise, and just have a big night.'
In conclusion, the music industry is facing a crisis, but there's a growing movement of artists, industry professionals, and fans who are working together to find solutions. Initiatives like the Live Trust and the FAC are making a difference, and as more stars like Harry Styles and Lily Allen step up to the plate, there's a real chance that the industry can become more sustainable and inclusive. It's a challenging time for grassroots artists, but with the right support and mindset, there's a brighter future ahead.
