The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been overwhelming for many parts of the independent music sector. Inevitably much time and energy has been spent navigating this crisis, however, as we start to think beyond the current situation it is vital that we do not lose sight of the other issues threatening the future prosperity of music makers and those that support them. A live industry already decimated by long-term closure will now face the added complications of post-Brexit touring, whilst the business models of many grassroots venues remain fragile, even as things begin to reopen. Elsewhere, inequality and lack of transparency around income streams continue to plague artists, both in the live and recorded sectors. The industry before the pandemic was far from perfect, where often the wants and needs of artists, record labels, promoters and booking agents seemed to be at odds with one another. In this session we explore what is still broken in the industry, who is responsible, and how we can work together to start to fix it. 

 

with

 

Jeff Thompson - Moderator

Andy Carthy (Mr Scruff)

Bev Whitrick (Music Venue Trust)

Kelly Wood (Musicians’ Union)

David Martin (Featured Artists Coalition)