When It Comes To Music It’s Culture Versus Economics

A statement recently made by UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has caused tremendous pushback from the British music industry. In essence, Sunak’s statement was interpreted to mean that musicians should retrain because their skills were no longer viable. Mr. Sunak has since clarified his point in a tweet and has even extended additional support to the community.

Regardless how this plays out, it shows the ongoing battle between culture and economics that not only the music industry, but all facets of the entertainment industry, faces.

For most young men and women in the industry, music is more than a lifestyle (which is powerful in itself) – it’s a calling. It’s something irresistible that makes a person discard other better work opportunities in favor of a gig that often offers less than minimum wage or even nothing at all. It’s risking everything while living on the edge with only a dream in sight.

Many pursue their dream in hopes of stardom, but most are hopeful for nothing more than making a living, which to many is the today’s version of success. Many transition from being a musician to other more secure and steady jobs within the industry, especially after having a family, so they never feel truly disconnected from the business. Others eventually give in and join the “regular” workforce after the pressures of life increases.

Regardless of where they are in that cycle, the fact of the matter is that entertainers represent the culture of a country that sets it apart from other parts of the world. The culture of a country defines that country perhaps more than anything else that it has to offer.

Go to any city in the world, and although there may be historical sites worth visiting, the music wafting through the air will tell you that you’re in a place like nowhere else.

Much of the Eastern world has been heavily influenced by Western music in recent years, but the hip hop of Moscow, Berlin or Bangkok bears only a faint resemblance to that of New York City. And their indigenous music is even more discrete. We’re hearing culture in action.

That’s why it’s dangerous to try to give up on music prematurely, either as a musician or as a supporter. It’s like quitting after the first half of a football game. The vast majority of musicians will experience some real economic lows during their music lifetime, but often those precede their greatest successes and accomplishments.

The pandemic has dealt the worldwide music community a serious blow, but musicians everywhere are adapting, growing stronger, and plotting their future for when the world returns to some normality. Just like other industries, they deserve support during these tough times.

The live music industry is the lifeblood of musicians everywhere and it’s been estimated that 90% of U.S. venues are now endangered. It doesn’t have to be that way. There have been governments who have helped their local music scenes stay alive, and others that have talked a good game but have done nothing. The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has dedicated a #SaveOurStages campaign to lobby Congress to help those venues stay open. Your signature can make the difference.

One thing is for sure – if we lose those venues, we lose part of our culture as well.


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