Legendary musicians Elton John, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and Ed Sheeran discuss the contrast between their sell-out stadium tours and the struggles of smaller music venues. The podcast explores the challenges faced by grassroots venues in the UK and Australia, as well as the future potential of India's live music scene. Insights are shared on the impact of technology, government support, and tax reforms on the evolving live music industry.
Smaller grassroots music venues face economic pressures and rising costs, impacting their profitability and sustainability.
Closure of small venues threatens diversity and creativity in the music industry, requiring support from major labels, streaming platforms, and government interventions.
Deep dives
Contrast Between Sell-Out Stadium Tours and Struggling Grassroots Venues
Huge global tours like Taylor Swift's and Harry Styles' are grossing millions of dollars, while smaller grassroots music venues are facing closure due to financial and social challenges. Nathan Clark from Brudenell Social Club in the UK highlights the economic pressures and rising costs these venues face, impacting their profitability and sustainability.
Impact on Australian Music Scene and International Recognition
Australia's live music venues have been hit hard, with over 1,300 closures since 2020, leading to concerns about nurturing the next generation of major artists. Decreased opportunities for Australian artists and limited market options are forcing many to move overseas for career advancement, affecting the country's music scene and global recognition.
Challenges and Solutions for Small Venues Across the Globe
The closure of small venues threatens the diversity and creativity of the music industry, as highlighted by musician Frank Turner. Suggestions to support these venues include contributions from major labels and streaming platforms, along with government interventions like implementing venue-inticketing tax breaks. Countries like India are embracing changes in infrastructure and tax systems to attract global artists and encourage live music performances.
Elton John, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran - all artists who've had sell-out world tours in recent years.
And new markets, such as India, are being added to the global tour map.
But the same can’t be said for smaller venues. In the UK and Australia, the lights are off, and thousands are closing their doors.
We hear from musicians, promoters and the people who run venues; asking why there’s such a contrast between sell out stadium tours and struggling grassroots venues.
And we see what the future could hold for India's live music scene.
Produced and presented by Megan Lawton
(Image: Ed Sheeran performing in Mumbai, India in 2017. Credit: Getty Images)
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