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Music Venue Trust (MVT) has announced six new patrons, who will become the organisation’s latest high-profile supporters and advocates.
Joining MVT’s existing list of patrons are musician Kate Nash, MP for Brighton Pavilion Sian Berry, live music agent Summer Marshall, Robert Kilpatrick, CEO and Creative Director, Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA). Neal Thompson, co-founder, Focus Wales, and Colin Newman, artist & independent label manager.
These new patrons join musicians including Sir Paul McCartney, Nova Twins, Frank Turner and Tim Burgess; broadcasters who include Steve Lamacq and Gemma Bradley; and patrons from industry and politics including Sony Music UK CEO & chairman Jason Iley, John Whittingdale MP and Kerry McCarthy MP.
MVT’s recently published Annual Report, which was launched at Parliament in January, demonstrated that despite a range of recent positive activity – such as the continued activity of Music Venue Properties (MVP) and the publication of a Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee report that made strong recommendations to support grassroots music – it is clear that significant work is still needed to prevent a continued decline of the sector.
A survey of the 810 members of the Music Venues Alliance (MVA), who employ over 30,000 people throughout the GMV community, found that they staged over 162,000 live music events comprising almost 1.5m individual artist performances given to a total audience of just under 20 million.
The total direct value to the UK economy from these events was £526m.
However, on average GMV’s operated on a profit margin of just 0.48% with 43.8% of them reporting a loss in the last 12 months. This means that the sector as a whole effectively subsidised live music activity to the tune of £162m, according to the MVT report.
The report also highlighted the huge decline in locations on the UK’s primary and secondary touring circuits.
The new patrons all spoke about why they had joined forces with MVT and the importance of grassroots music venues.
Kate Nash, who gave an impassioned speech and performance at the January launch of MVT’s Annual Report, said: “I love grassroots venues, I wouldn’t have the career I have today without them. I value music and art across all levels. Protecting the grassroots is an investment in the future of UK culture. If we lose the grassroots, we lose the birth, growth and development of future artists.”
Protecting the grassroots is an investment in the future of UK culture
Kate Nash
Sian Berry MP, who also spoke about the importance of GMVs at the Annual Report launch, said: “I have seen first-hand the incredible and tireless work of the Music Venue Trust in supporting grassroots music venues across the UK. My constituency of Brighton Pavilion is home to so many amazing grassroots venues. The Green Door Store, Alphabet, Rossi Bar, The Prince Albert, Hope and Ruin, The Folklore Rooms and Komedia – and so many more. All of these venues work extremely closely with MVT and I’ve heard from them directly about the invaluable support and advice they receive all year round. As an MP, it’s hugely reassuring to have the insights and expertise of all of the team at MVT and I’m looking forward to working together for these special community spaces.”
Summer Marshall, an agent at CAA, whose clients include Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, Maisie Peters, Celeste, Kojey Radical, Tems, Orla Gartland, Tom Walker, Shaboozey and others, said: “As someone who has been working and living in the music world for over 25 years, I’ve never felt stronger that music is the universal language that connects us all. Live music is even more of a connector in today’s fragmented society. Live shows are a shared experience, not only for the audience, but also for artists as they build and solidify their careers.
“In order to do that, small venues need to exist to give them the space to develop their artistry and grow into their full potential. I’m honoured to be a patron of Music Venue Trust, as they continue their important work of growing and protecting local music venues that are integral to our communities.”
Robert Kilpatrick, CEO and Creative Director, Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), said: “Grassroots music venues are the lifeblood of Scotland’s music scene. Serving as incubators for talent and communities alike, they provide vital spaces for artists to create, perform and connect with audiences. MVT’s work in protecting and sustaining these spaces is essential, and the SMIA shares their commitment to ensuring that they remain a cornerstone of our cultural and economic landscape.”
Neal Thompson, co-founder, Focus Wales, added: “My first real job in music was at a Grassroots Music Venue. I would not have done any of the things that have led me to where I am today without being lucky enough to have that opportunity and experience. The work that MVT are doing is invaluable, to the future of the industry as a whole and to every new generation of gig goers and young people, who are trying to find that critical first step into music as a career.”
Colin Newman, vocalist & songwriter for Wire and founder of Independent record labels pinkflag and Swim, said: “Grassroots venues are simply the lifeblood of the UK music scene. Generation after generation of artists, performers, musicians in every conceivable style find their audience in small grassroots venues and audiences can be guaranteed to find an alternative to the offer of mainstream media.”
Beverley Whitrick, COO of Music Venue Trust, said: “MVT’s patrons are powerful advocates for GMVs and the work we do to protect the sector. We are incredibly grateful to these six individuals for adding their voices in support of our work.”
PHOTO: Kate Nash, Sian Berry and Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd (photo credit: Georgia Penny)
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