Students from the University of Gloucestershire are calling for changes in the music industry, thanks to the findings of a new, first-of-its-kind report into the regional music economy of Gloucestershire.
While reports of this nature are often reserved for big cities, music business students at the university worked with leading industry professionals, from the CEO of the representative body for the UK’s live sector, Live Music Industry Venues and Entertainment and CEO of Gloucestershire-based charity The Music Works to working songwriters, artists and musicians in the county, to produce an in-depth report on how musicians make money in Gloucestershire.
Their research showed that 76.5 per cent of artists' income is generated by performing live — but there is a breakdown of trust between the industry and audiences, with many gig-goers facing a lack of transparency over ticket prices and confusion around how artists make a living.
While 74 per cent of people think live music is important to local culture; and 91 per cent of people think international artists add to the culture and diversity of gigs in Gloucestershire, audiences don't fully understand the difficulties many musicians and songwriters face in the wake of Brexit and Covid-19, while ticket booking agencies 'strain the wallets of fans' through dynamic pricing and rising costs.
Owen Wake, one of the students behind the report, 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.'
Student Alex Malpass added: '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.'
Professional musician and senior lecturer in music business at the University of Gloucestershire, Andrew Lansley, concluded: '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 national and international policy and practice within the music industry and how it impacts directly on the musicians and gig-goers of Gloucestershire.
'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.'
