20.08.2024: UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl has called on the Government implement a music industry strategy as part of an interview with music industry trade publication Music Week. 

In the interview he highlights that one of the biggest issues facing the music industry is the lack of a Government music industry strategy that would help supercharge sector growth and protect the talent pipeline.

In the article he also outlines the opportunities the the new Labour Government bring with them in terms of forging a stronger cultural sector, as well as the increased importance of working with policymakers to ensure AI supports the music industry.

He said:  “It’s becoming a really important topic for us, and one that we will continue to navigate because we don’t want to fall behind – it’s already having an effect on our industry.”

He also discusses the challenges facing touring in the EU, but said that the outlook on resolving this issue was positive following Labour’s commitment in the party’s election manifesto.

He said: “Within the manifesto, touring musicians were explicitly highlighted as an area that the Labour government wanted to further explore. So I think there is going to be a review of the existing arrangements.”

He also discussed music education saying; “Talent development is crucial, and we do need more music teachers within the school setting. There has been a decline over a number of years, and it’s become well documented.”

Finally he touched on music export; ” There is some really good support like the Music Export Growth Scheme and the International Showcase Fund. We need them to be enhanced to ensure that music can continue to flourish in that way.”

You can read the full interview here. (£)