| Music fans across the city have the chance to help shape the future of live performance by taking part in the first ever national Music Fans’ Voice survey.
The survey is open to everyone with an interest in live music and given that Brighton & Hove is famous for its diverse and vibrant music scene, councillors are urging residents to take part. The Music Fans’ Voice survey provides an opportunity for gig goers, ravers and festival lovers to highlight the areas that matter most to them. Findings will give fans a data driven seat at the table, helping to inform decision making in government, the music industry and city regions around the UK on how to support all areas of live music. To help promote the survey and urge people to take part, music industry bodies representing venues, clubs, festivals, promoters, publications, podcasts and more have staged a day of action. Millions of music fans across the UK are being contacted by members of Music Venue Trust (MVT), Association for Electronic Music (AFEM), Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), Association of Independent Promoters (AIP), Save Our Scene (SOS), and the newly formed The Association of Music Editors (AME). These organisations represent a range of organisations from Kerrang! to !K7 Records, and from Shambala Festival to the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds. Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism,said: “Brighton & Hove’s love of music is rooted in the city’s history, and we are renowned for our rich and diverse music scene. “The national Music Fans’ Voice survey provides an excellent and much-needed opportunity to give music fans a voice and ensure that their views and experiences of live music events are listened to and acted upon. “As a city whose creative identity and DIY ethos is built upon the grassroots music scene, amplifying the voices of music fans who are often underrepresented and lack a representative voice is vital to influence key decision-makers and deliver meaningful change.” The survey has been welcomed by artists and directors from across the country. Jordan Stephens, from the Brighton hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks, said: “People finding community in crowds and rooms, with sounds and noise and closeness and shared interests, is an essential human requirement. “Anything preventing or limiting that magic from occurring desperately needs to change. In order for that to happen, the people need to be heard.” Sally Oakenfold, director and chair of Music Venues Alliance Brighton, added: “In Brighton, we definitely punch above our weight with great venues, especially those that support the local scene.
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“Our role is to provide a space where the local scene can thrive. It’s a joy to watch new bands grow, from their first gig in a tiny venue or bar to playing supports and local lineups, with the hope that one day, this will lead to a sold-out headline performance. It’s a vital and exciting journey – and one that we all take great pride in being involved with. “Running a grassroots music venue is not easy, as we all have unique venue-related issues to deal with – these range from planning, developments and licensing to the rise in costs. It’s a constant battle to maintain and support an inclusive, friendly environment that people can feel part of. “This survey is crucial to help support venues, nightclubs and artists to continue doing what we all do best.” To take part in the survey, head to https://musicfansvoice.uk to ensure your voice is heard. |
