Struggling musicians face COVID cash crisis
A Birnam musician has called on the Scottish Government to support the music industry.
Martin Hadden, loved for his contribution to the classic folk band Silly Wizard, is one of three directors of Birnam CD.
He was approached to join the Scottish commercial music industry taskforce, which has drafted support from artists including Biffy Clyro, Deacon Blue, Eddi Reader, KT Tunstall, The Proclaimers and Primal Scream, and events like Hebcelt Festival and TRNSMT.
The taskforce welcomed the announcement of a £97 million investment from the UK Government for cultural, arts and heritage institutions as well as the Scottish
Government’s £10 million package for performing arts venues.
The group is now calling on the Scottish Government to make sure support goes to those who need it as it says it is unclear if the funding will directly benefit commercial music venues.
Martin told the PA the music industry is hanging on a wire.
“Musicians are in a very bad way because of the pandemic,” he said.
“Their entire way of making a living has been cut completely. I understand we need to save the venues but consider also the people who perform and those who assist backstage, do lighting, sound and carry gear.
“Spare a thought for those who make scenery, who sell programmes. They are stuffed at the moment. Experienced staff are being let go, skills are being lost.
“The feeling behind the letter to the Scottish Government minister is that so far money has been targeted towards the venues, but without the performers venues are just empty shells.
“Commercial music businesses have been seriously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through no fault of their own.
“We are trying to inform the culture minister Fiona Hyslop how the music scene works, how help should be targeted and the ways of doing it.
“The auditorium at Birnam Arts holds 200 people but, under the present social distancing rules, they are looking at only letting in 4050 seated punters a show.
“That’s a pretty poor alternative to their model before COVID-19 struck.
“Birnam Book Festival, new last year and a fledgling success, has been impossible to hold as a physical event.
“I even hear, as far ahead as January 2021, that Celtic Connections in Glasgow is looking shaky.
“It’s key that the government acts to protect Scottish music.
“The Scottish commercial music industry taskforce recognises a vast amount of businesses are in immediate jeopardy and without these essential operators the country’s music industry risks devastation.”
The taskforce asked the Scottish Government to provide a clear timeline for reopening venues without social distancing. It also pressed the UK Government to give full VAT exemption on ticket sales, as well as reviewing the need for more support if live music remains suspended beyond six months.