Report calls for urgent action to tackle issues affecting artists and songwriters

New research into the regional music economy by University of Gloucestershire Music Business students has highlighted issues affecting local artists and songwriters across the UK, underscoring the need for urgent industry attention.

Entitled ‘The Music Economy of Gloucestershire‘ (MEG), the report draws on real-life experiences of artists, venues and fans in the county, identifying and addressing concerns around artists’ and songwriters’ finances, dynamic pricing, and the role of international acts at the region’s festivals.

The study features insights from leading industry professionals, including the CEO of Live Music Industry Venues and Entertainment, the representative body for the UK’s live sector, Jon Collins, and the CEO of Gloucestershire-based charity, The Music Works, Malaki Paterson.

Key findings of the report, carried out by BA (Hons) Music Business students under the name Out The Box Productions, include:

• 76.5 per cent of artists’ income is generated by live performances
• 72.5 per cent of songwriters’ income was lost during the Covid-19 pandemic
• 84.2 per cent of people were unaware that dynamic pricing, where prices fluctuate based on demand, was being used for the tickets they were buying
• 74 per cent of people think live music is important to local culture
• 91 per cent of people think international artists add to the culture and diversity of gigs

The report says an urgent challenge is ‘the breakdown of perception and trust between the industry and the audience. Rising costs, dynamic pricing and a widespread lack of transparency are straining the wallets of fans while confusion persists how artists make a living. The industry must commit to clearer communication, fairer protection and consumer protection to bridge this growing divide.’

The reports states: “In Gloucestershire, in the UK and beyond, the challenges facing music can seem a necessary casualty of widespread hardship and adversity. This should be an alarm bell that now is the time to act, not just to preserve what we have, but to build a thriving future.”

Student Alex Malpass said: “Speaking to a host of artists, industry professionals and politicians, and the process of writing the MEG report has been a great learning curve.

“Though we have a great array of talent, so much needs to be done to bolster what the region has. I really hope the wider industry will learn a lot from this report and find confidence that music industries can thrive outside of the big cities.

“I’m looking to engage in a career in Music Law when I graduate from university, so seeing how the industry can develop creatively and legally has been really exciting for me.”

Student Owen Wake said: “Our work was an opportunity to operate independently as a cohort, utilise our resources and release something industry-affecting beyond our academic study.

“Seeing the perspective of so many people, each with a different part to play in the local music economy, only gave us more confidence in our work and the action we call for.

“We’ve gone right to the top, with industry executives and Members of Parliament both leaving their mark on the MEG report. People are ready to make a difference; it’s time to do something about it.

“I feel as ready as I’ve ever been to dive headfirst into the music industry, and I have my course mates to thank for that.”

Music report puts Gloucestershire on the map

Andrew Lansley, Senior Lecturer in Music Business at the University and a professional musician, said: “It has been incredible working with the students to help them realise this brilliant piece of work for Gloucestershire and the music industry – their findings are fascinating

“The students have spent six months researching how national and international policy and practice within the music industry, and how it impacts directly on the musicians and gig-goers of Gloucestershire.

“They have been responsible for producing every aspect of the report, from scoping and planning to interviewing and researching – a truly cohort driven piece of original research.

“The report puts Gloucestershire on the map as the first region to produce a music report of the kind that is normally reserved for large urban centres.”