Grime music is "stifled", say MPs

Grime music faces significant challenges due to discrimination against urban acts, said MPs.

Despite the success of Stormzy, Dave and Skepta, it is often difficult for music groups to play music for live play, they said.

Licensing authorities and the police cancel concerts in the near future, affecting the ability of musicians to be heard.

"Prejudices against dirt artists are likely to stifle one of the UK's most exciting music exports," said one MP in a report.

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These comments were part of a comprehensive report on the UK music scene of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee, made up of 11 Conservative MPs, the Labor Party and the SNP.

• "Urban groups have more difficulties than groups that start"

They called on the government to develop new guidelines for police and local authorities, which would "guarantee that urban music acts are not unfairly targeted".

As part of its investigation, the committee invited rapper ShaoDow to share their experiences. He explained that he had been frustrated when he had attempted to stage shows in London.

"I had a room canceled on me the day I had to go," he said.

"I had booked for a performance at a club and called them in advance to tell them:" I'm on my way ", and they said:" Oh By the way, we were just listening to your music.

"I said" Yes ", and he said:" Oh, we can not do that here, we're going to lose our license ".

Another witness told the committee that "institutionalized racism" by local councils and licensees "hinders this scene rather than letting it flourish".

UK Music, representing the industry, praised the call for action launched by the DCMS committee, stating: "We must eliminate discrimination whenever we find it."

Viagogo warning

The live music report said that concerts and festivals were essential for the future of the British music industry, accounting for nearly a quarter of its £ 4.5 billion contribution to the music industry. British economy.

He noted that income from concerts was becoming increasingly important for artists. On average, concerts account for 49% of musicians' income, compared to only 3% of recordings.

However, the DCMS said small local theaters were facing a "perfect storm" of challenges, including rising rents and business rates amidst stagnant revenue; and called on the government to consider easing the financial burden on theater owners.

The review also focused on advertising and made the unusual decision to warn consumers to avoid the Viagogo ticket resale site.

MEPs said the site had used "deceptive marketing practices" that had "caused distress to too many music fans for too long".

Ministers also suggested creating a working group to train new talent; and supported calls for the introduction of a European tour visa, allowing British artists to play in Europe unhindered after Brexit.

"Urgent action is needed to ensure that the live music industry continues to make a significant contribution to the country's economic and cultural life," said committee chairman Damian Collins.

"We are also counting on the music industry to ensure that a sufficient portion of the significant amounts generated at the summit reaches the local level to support emerging talent.

"It happens with sport, why not music?"

UK Music is congratulated for what it has called a "historical report", claiming that MPs had "really listened to the live music industry".

"Their report is a real wake-up call for anyone wishing to save live music," said Executive Chef Michael Dugher.

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