The music industry is facing a crisis, with small music venues at the forefront of the issue. Matty Healy, the lead singer of The 1975, has sounded the alarm, warning of “cultural erasure” if these venues are not preserved.
The Consequences of Losing Small Music Venues
The loss of small music venues would have far-reaching consequences, not just for the music industry, but for the culture and communities that rely on them. These venues are the foundation of the music ecosystem, providing a platform for emerging artists to hone their craft and for local audiences to experience live music.
- They are the backbone of the music industry, supporting 228,000 jobs and generating £5.2 billion to the economy
- They are the breeding ground for new talent, with 150-capacity rooms above pubs being the starting point for many successful artists
- They are the fabric of the community, providing a shared cultural experience for locals and visitors alike
The Threat of Cultural Erasure
Healy warns that the loss of small music venues would result in “cultural erasure,” a term used to describe the erasure of a culture or way of life. This would have a profound impact on the cultural landscape, leading to the loss of unique and innovative music, as well as the homogenization of local cultures.
“Lose them, and you aren’t just losing venues – you are losing the conditions that made all that possible. That is cultural erasure, and it will not come back.”
The Need for Support
The Music Venue Trust’s annual report highlighted the challenges faced by small music venues, with 22.4% of venues closing due to “operational issues” and 42.1% reporting “financial issues.” This is a stark reminder of the need for support and investment in these venues.
Statistics
- 22.4% of venues closed due to “operational issues” in 2023
- 42.1% of Music Venue Trust members reported “financial issues” in 2023
- 38% of UK grassroots music venues have been lost since 2007
- 125 venues shut down in 2023 alone
The Seed Sounds Weekender: A Solution
Healy’s support for the Seed Sounds Weekender festival is a welcome development, as it aims to unite small music venues and provide a platform for emerging artists. The event will feature over 2,000 gigs in more than 1,000 venues across the UK, with tickets available for free.
Key Features
- Over 2,000 gigs in more than 1,000 venues
- Tickets available for free
- Partnership with Uber to provide discounted rides to and from gig venues
- Event organized by live music marketplace GigPig
The Importance of Local Venues
Healy emphasizes the importance of local venues, stating that they are “the foundational infrastructure of our culture.” Without these venues, the music industry would not be the same, and the cultural landscape would be significantly altered.
Examples
- The Smiths, Idles, Little Simz, and Wet Leg all got their start in local venues
- These venues provide a platform for emerging artists to hone their craft
- They are the backbone of the music industry, supporting 228,000 jobs and generating £5.2 billion to the economy
The Call to Action
Healy’s warning about cultural erasure serves as a call to action, urging policymakers and industry leaders to take action to support small music venues. The Seed Sounds Weekender festival is a vital step in this direction, providing a platform for emerging artists and promoting the importance of local venues.
Supporting Small Music Venues
- Advocating for increased funding and investment in music venues
- Providing support for local venues, such as discounts and promotions
- Promoting the importance of local venues and the role they play in the music industry
The Future of Music
The future of music is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the preservation of small music venues is crucial. Healy’s warning about cultural erasure serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these venues, and the Seed Sounds Weekender festival is a vital step in this direction.
Conclusion
The preservation of small music venues is a critical issue that requires attention and action. Healy’s warning about cultural erasure serves as a call to action, urging policymakers and industry leaders to take action to support small music venues. The Seed Sounds Weekender festival is a vital step in this direction, providing a platform for emerging artists and promoting the importance of local venues. By supporting small music venues, we can ensure that the music industry continues to thrive and that the cultural landscape remains diverse and vibrant.
