Taxi app FREENOW launches national donation campaign in support of MUSIC VENUE TRUST for third year running 28 May 2024
The Libertines, Frank Turner, Andy Burnham Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Steve Lamacq add support to the initiative.
16% (125) of UK Grassroots Music Venues were lost in the last 12 months with 38% of all UK grassroots music venues (GMVs) posting a financial loss
The Libertines announced as Music Venue Trust Patrons
Leading Taxi app, FREENOW, has today announced a third year of financial support for Music Venue Trust (MVT). The partnership follows on from previous initiatives, including underwriting 160 shows around the country (2022), donating £1 a ride (2023) and providing transport for Frank Turner during his successful MVT World Record attempt (May 2024).
From today, the Round Up and Donate function on the FREENOW app will revert to Music Venue Trust, and donations will be collected for every trip completed if the rider is opted in. Funds collected go directly to MVT, which supports grassroots music venues nationally and, in doing so, the wider night time economy.
This latest initiative comes as the cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee, issued its report which highlights how grassroots music venues (GMVs) which are integral to the pipeline of professional, creative and technical music talent. are stopping performances of live music or closing entirely at a rate more than one per week.
The report also highlights how artists are facing a cost of touring crisis and are struggling to get venues for their shows.
MVT has described 2023 as the most challenging year for the sector since the Trust was founded in 2014. In total 16% of GMVs closed or ceased programming live music in 2023, representing a loss of as many as 30,000 shows and 4,000 jobs.
The new donation mechanic has been welcomed across the industry with the likes of Ticketmaster and Live Nation pledging support across their properties and The Libertines, Andy Burnham and Steve Lamacq all rallying behind the cause.
Today The Libertines also join MVT officially as Patrons alongside the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Tom Grennan, Nova Twins and Elbow.
Fresh off the back of their No1 album and in support of the campaign The Libertines said: "The UK grassroots music circuit is more than just small local venues. It is absolutely crucial to emerging talent. It is the vanguard of independent expression and free speech outside the corporate and commerce-based music industry. It is a labour of love for those who run the venues and it is a rite of passage for new acts cutting their teeth. Without this community we would never have gotten our music into the wider world at large. We have played hundreds of these gigs over the last 2 decades, each one unique and intimate in a way that only these smaller venues can provide. We also run a couple of our own. We hope this new partnership with FREENOW and MVT raises loads of cash to keep them going and we’re honoured to be joining MVT as patrons to help recognise and protect the grassroots circuit. Long live the MVT, long live grassroots venues and long live new music."
Frank Turner said: “Hats off to FREENOW for their continued support for the Music Venue Trust. They backed my world record of shows in independent venues, and have helped in countless other ways. It’s so encouraging to see a company like them getting involved to help the vital grassroots ecosystem. I hope FREENOW raise loads more money for MVT with their new round up to donate feature.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said of the campaign “Music Venue Trust has been instrumental in supporting UK grassroots venues. I've seen many of my favourite bands in some of these spaces, and they play a key role in the nighttime economy and music scene of Greater Manchester and the wider UK. I fully support the recommendations published by the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee including the introduction of a levy and a targeted VAT cut to halt the rising tide of closures. However, it’s clear that urgent action is needed to support venues and the talented artists playing them. I'm delighted to see MVT joining efforts with FREENOW to continue raising awareness for this matter and collect vital funds to keep grassroots venues open and support all those who depend on them.”
Steve Lamacq, radio presenter and Music Venue Trust Patron added “It's terrific to see a company like FREENOW investing so heavily into grassroots music venues for a third time. Their continued support makes a real difference.”
Mark Davyd, Founder and CEO of Music Venue Trust, who is calling on music lovers to support the initiative, added: "FREENOW have already proved themselves to be great supporters of grassroots music venues and the broader live music ecosystem with their groundbreaking Ride for Music project. This new initiative takes our partnership to the next level, offering a chance for everyone to contribute to the music ecosystem "
Mariusz Zabrocki, General Manager at FREENOW UK, said: "The UK's vibrant and innovative music scene is crucial to the nighttime economy. Over the last few years, the industry has struggled, and many grassroots venues in London and beyond have closed, impacting those directly and indirectly related to them, such as our users and taxi drivers. As such, supporting MVT for a third consecutive year was a no-brainer, and we are delighted to direct our Round Up and Donate funds in the UK to MVT to ensure grassroots venues stay open and that our night-time economy in the capital and beyond can thrive."
London Black cab driver, J. Hamilton said: "As a taxi driver working the London night shift for over a decade, I've witnessed firsthand the decline of our city's vibrant night life. In the past five years, I've seen fewer people out in central London, and an increase in bars, clubs and venues shutting down. This has not only affected us as drivers but also the many businesses that depend on people being out and about in the city. It is positive to see FREENOW putting this feature in place to help these venues remain open and I hope to see London’s streets bustling again soon.”
This music industry-wide backing comes off the back of FREENOW’s previous initiatives with Music Venue Trust that garnered public support from artists including Ed Sheeran, Tom Grennan, Nova Twins, Public Service Broadcasting, Benjamin Clementine and Bernard Butler.
Music Venue Trust will use funds raised through the FREENOW Round Up and Donate feature to operate the Emergency Response Service (ERS), which has saved hundreds of venues from closure since it was established in 2017. The primary threats that ERS addresses are:
1. Threats to venues from redevelopment
2. Threats to venues from noise complaints/licence issues
3. Threats to venues from rising energy costs
4. Threats to venues from disputes with Landlords
In 2023 the ERS offered specialist advice in 164 cases, the largest number it has ever dealt with in one year.
Venues are also supported by the venue support team and receive specialist one-on-one advice tailored to their specific needs. This support is broad and includes advice on business models, operational viability, legal support, licensing, planning, acoustics, and health and safety.
NEWS & PRESS
Downtown Neighbouring Rights sign international deal with Lady Blackbird
Lady Blackbird joins the company’s existing global roster which includes Jon Batiste, Justin Bieber, One Republic and the Estate of Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Meat Loaf. Downtown Neighbouring Rights (DNR) has announced a global deal with American Psychedelic Soul singer-songwriter, Lady...more
Global Music Leaders Cohort Announced
Brighter Sound, producer of the WOMEX 24 legacy programme, and the British Council have revealed the successful applicants of ‘Global Music Leaders’, a leadership programme to upskill, profile and connect music industry change makers from across the world. Supporting 12 representatives...more
Armada Music Partners with Warner Music Africa to bring Amapiano to Ibiza
An EP of classic "Ibiza" house amapiano reinterpretations will roll out from today, culminating in a release event in Ibiza Armada Music, the biggest independent dance music label in the world, has partnered with Warner Music Africa and Africori, the #1...more
Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) Announces Newly Appointed Equalities, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDIA) Advisory Group
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) – the membership organisation and innovation agency which exists to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry – today announces the appointment of seven members to its inaugural Equalities, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDIA) Advisory Group. The...more
Taking sustainability action is good for business: First survey by Impala on the business case for implementing sustainable practices in the European independent music sector
IMPALA is releasing the results of a first qualitative survey in the independent music sector looking at the economic benefits of taking sustainability action. The business case provides an overview of the impact this work has on European independent music...more
New round of ‘committed partners’ announced for ‘LIVE Talks’
Royal Albert Hall, OVO Hydro, See Tickets, Skiddle and The O2 Join Previously Announced Supporters Latest Events Revealed for 2024LIVE Talks, a series of free online workshops and conversations supporting EDI, wellbeing and sustainability issues affecting the live music industry...more
Tim & Danny Music and Warner Chappell Music UK announce global publishing deal with rising soul singer-songwriter Elmiene
Tim & Danny Music and Warner Chappell Music UK have signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Elmiene, a 22-year-old emerging British R&B/soul star. He’s had a range of acclaimed releases and high-profile collaborations followed, including two EP releases and co-writing projects...more
Pulse Music Group promotes Steven Gringer to Senior Vice President of A&R
Scott Cutler and Josh Abraham, co-CEOs of PULSE Music Group and Ashley Calhoun, President, PULSE Music Group today announced the promotion of Steven Gringer to Senior Vice President, A&R, PULSE Music Group. Gringer was previously Vice President, PULSE Music Group. Gringer is based at the company's Los...more
2024 Mercury Prize 'Albums of the Year' revealed...
The 2024 Mercury Prize 12 'Albums of the Year' were announced on Thursday 25 July on BBC Radio 6 Music from 11am by Tom Ravenscroft (standing in for Mary Anne Hobbs). The 2024 Mercury Prize 12 'Albums of the Year' are: Barry Can't Swim 'When Will We...more
BMG announces Maximilian Kolb's departure
Maximilian Kolb has decided to step down as EVP of Repertoire & Marketing Continental Europe after over a decade with BMG. Kolb said, "The music industry is undergoing one of its most revolutionary periods, and after 12 years at BMG, it's...more
Eminem receives BRIT Billion Award
The four-times BRIT Award winner picks up the accolade, with seven billion UK career streams achieved Eminem has been announced as the latest artist to receive a BRIT Billion Award by the BPI, the representative voice for the UK's world-leading...more
Amazon Music announces livestreaming line up for Fuji Rock Festival '24
Music fans will be able to enjoy livestreamed performances from artists including; NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS, THE KILLERS, ANGIE McMAHON, Awich, CHIP WICKHAM, ERIKA DE CASIER, ESNE BELTZA, FLOATING POINTS, FONTAINES D.C., girl in red, Hiromi Uehara Hiromi’s Sonicwonder, KID FRESINO,...more
Wise Music Group signs publishing agreement with The Staves
Campbell Connelly, part of Wise Music Group, announces an exclusive worldwide songwriter agreement with The Staves. Fresh from playing at Glastonbury The Staves are an English indie folk duo of sisters Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor from Watford, Hertfordshire, England. Their most recent LP, “All Now”, was...more
Beyonce and Blur Attract 19.2 Million Music Tourists To UK Events
UK Music, the collective voice of the UK music industry, today unveils new research into the value of gigs, concerts and festivals to local economies. A total of 19.2 million music fans travelled from UK towns and cities and overseas in...more
Orfium signs global UGC monetization deal with Japanese label Pony Canyon
Fourth deal in six months for Orfium in Asia as it continues to expand its international client base Orfium (the ‘Company’), the global technology leader solving the entertainment industry’s biggest challenges around digital music and broadcast rights management, announces that it has partnered...more
UK electronic-pop trio London Grammar signs with PPL for international royalties collections
PPL reveals band’s most played songs in the run up to headline Latitude set London Grammar, the UK electronic-pop trio, has agreed a deal with PPL for the collection of their international neighbouring rights royalties. The addition to PPL’s prestigious roster...more
MUSEXPO 2025 celebrates 25th global edition in Burbank, CA: Uniting music worldwide in "the media capital of the world"
MUSEXPO “The United Nations of Music” (www.musexpo.net), the pioneering global music business conference renowned for its transformative impact on the industry, has unveiled its landmark 25th edition will take place March 16 - 19, 2025, in Burbank, California. Marking almost a...more
Music Tech Audio Platform Submix Secures $1M in Funding
Launches worldwide - now available to download on macOS Pioneering audio technology company Submix has closed a $1 million funding round. This investment will drive Submix's mission to enhance remote collaboration for musicians, producers, and audio professionals, fundamentally reshaping their workflow...more
WIN Launches Supporters Program with First Wave of Partners
Bandcamp, Marauder and Random Sounds join new initiative Program offers a unique connection with the global independent music community Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), the organization that brings together independent music trade associations representing over 8000 independent music businesses in 43 territories around...more
Youth Music today announces the judges and sponsors for the Youth Music Awards 2024
Youth Music, the UK’s leading young people’s music charity, has announced the judges and sponsors for its annual Youth Music Awards in association with Hal Leonard Europe, which will take place at iconic London venue Troxy on Wednesday 16th October. This...more
Natasha Bedingfield and Cat Burns to perform at exclusive Team GB x TikTok House Party LIVE from Paris 2024
Record number of TikTok creators set to bring the Paris Olympics to fans TikTok is proud to be an Official Partner to Team GB (@teamgb) and ParalympicsGB (@paralympicsgb) for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, helping the nation get behind our incredible British athletes...more
Warner Chappell Music announces new publishing partnership with Analog Metaverse
Founded by Legendary Producer Salaam Remi Two Years Ago, Analog Metaverse Already Represents a Significant Music Catalog Warner Chappell Music (WCM) today announced its new partnership with Analog Metaverse, a boutique rights management company and music publisher, founded by Grammy-Award winning...more
Don’t Fake the Funk: Audiomack’s Sponsored Songs boost artists’ streams legitimately
Streaming fraud is rampant, and often, artists aren’t to blame. Seeking to reach fans, many artists risk using shady websites that sell plays to obtain their payment information. These scams claim to help artists hit a million streams but earn...more
Tunespotter acquires Whatsong, the leading music, movie, and TV search engine
Uniting Tunespotter (“The best music you’ve ever seen”) with What-song.com’s search engine will unlock more discovery for fans and more value for the entertainment industry. Tunespotter, the primary destination for “music moment” search and fan engagement at the nexus of film, music,...more
Park Avenue Artists and Primary Wave Music Launch Orchestral Concerts for Iconic Legacy Artists, Commencing With “The Voice of Whitney†Houston
Forward-thinking creative agency Park Avenue Artists has joined forces with innovative independent music publisher Primary Wave Music to create and tour a radically new approach to amplifying and reveling in the voices of legacy artists. Their first collaboration is “The Voice of Whitney: A...more
2024 Mercury Prize 'Albums of the Year' to be announced Thursday 25 July from 11am
BBC Music partnership continues, with the 12 'Albums of the Year' revealed live on BBC Radio 6 Music 2024 Judging Panel confirmed Overallwinner to be revealed in September The Mercury Prize 12 'Albums of the Year' will be revealed on Thursday 25 July,...more
Music Venue Trust announce 'Venues Day 2024'
10th Anniversary Edition will Focus on Artists & Celebrate the Grassroots Music Venue Movement Music Venue Trust (MVT) has announced details of the 10th anniversary edition of its annual ‘Venues Day’ event, which will take place at Woolwich Works in London...more
Michael-Dann Joseph Launches Dann MGMT, Signs First Client Simon Webbe of Blue
Michael-Dann Joseph, a prominent figure in the music industry with over a decade of experience, announces the launch of his new management company, Dann MGMT. The company's inaugural client is Simon Webbe, a member of the British boyband Blue, who...more
NTIA Says Escalating Noise Complaints Jeopardise the Future of Night Time Economy
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is raising serious concerns about the increasing number of noise complaints against licensed venues across the UK, which pose a significant threat to the vitality and sustainability of the UK's night-time economy (NTE). A recent...more
Call to increase the composition's value at The Ivors Academy's AGM and Summer Party
Friends scheme for industry professionals and fans around the world to support The Ivors Academy's mission Initiative promoted during The Ivors Academy's 80th anniversary At its Annual General Meeting and Summer Party, The Ivors Academy invited supporters from around the globe become...more
THE HEADLINES
2024 Mercury Prize shortlist revealed (see News)
Impala survey shows economic benefits of taking sustainability action (see Reports)
How the music charts lost their lustre (see Comment)
Should skipped songs be valued less on streaming services? (see Analysis)
The rise of the songwriter ‘brand’ (see Comment)
The frequency factor – when daily just isn’t enough (see Comment)
UK Music research shows value of gigs, concerts and festivals to local economies (see Reports)
Why would anyone run a festival? (see Features)
The illusion of an idea - a scaled-down music industry (see Comment)
14 independent labels launch ORCA think tank (see Comment)
Industry responds to King's Speech (see News)
UK Music CEO Tom Kiehl addressed the UK Music Summer Party (see News)
Official Charts marks 10 years of streaming in the UK’s Official Singles Chart (see Analysis)
ERA: Music outpaces video and games in first half of 2024 with sales revenues up 7.9% (see Reports)
Singles chart sees 28 weeks without a British voice at the top (see News)