Nick and Kelly discuss the NTIA report’s findings regarding electronic music
Nick: “The Night-Time Industries Association have said in their report that last year almost a third of artists performing at UK festivals were electronic, making it the most popular genre. In 2024, the electronic music industry contributed £2.4 billion to the UK economy and according to the report 80% of the top 30 global artists have been influenced by electronic music. But what’s worrying is that you’re getting these great stats that [the industry is] growing… but then you’re also hearing of clubs closing. So, it’s interesting that it is growing, but then the venues aren’t there or the smaller venues aren’t there.”
Kelly: “It sounds positive as you say like in terms of figures, but it’s about how do we nurture the next wave of these producers, DJs, artists generally because it’s ultimately an ecosystem and when you have – which shocked me when it happened – but when you have Fabric, for example, [which is] like an institution in London – been there for however many years, being threatened, you know something’s really wrong. Like that was a wake -up call, I think, for the industry generally, because there’s all these like smaller places that people maybe haven’t heard of or [are] not as connected to, and when they disappear like as a whole community, people don’t kick up enough of a fuss.
“I know it’s like indie electronic, but I always think of Depeche Mode, they were on the tube with their synths coming to these small venues, and I always think like without small venues, you wouldn’t have Depeche Mode, which is a world like not really worth living in! So… I think there’s a responsibility when it comes to everyone – from the booking agents to ticketing companies – they need to be investing back into these venues so that the up and coming people have a place to be. It’s ultimately like a symbiotic relationship and we need to start viewing and acting in that way towards it.”
They then continue to talk about the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s reactions to the findings…
Nick: “The Department of Culture, Media and Sport said, ‘We recognise electronic music as a vital part of the UK’s creative industries, with British artists, producers and DJs being leading lights on the world stage. We are determined to help it to continue to flourish, given its cultural and economic significance. This is why we’re investing an extra £2.5 million in the supporting grassroots music fund of the next year, which allows the electronic music sector to apply for grants and receive support.”
Kelly: “[That] is encouraging, but really quickly, I’m like, that is not enough!
“There are organisations like the Music Venue Trust, who legally protect and defend spaces like clubs, for example, to [ensure they do] not get closed down, because in huge cities, you know, [there can be] noise complaint[s]… someone moves in next to Fabric and complains about like a kick drum going on to like four in the morning, you know, so it’s like it’s actually also having that legal protection in place of people who really understand those cases and know what they’re doing is one thing, and then I think it is [also about] awareness, and…reinvestment by the industry as a whole. It should not be down to artists to reinvest solely…. and the government of course – but this is a start!”
