A coalition of the UK’s leading musicians, actors, and directors has initiated the Music Fans’ Voice survey, a new effort to gather critical data from live music attendees and influence future policy. This initiative stems from a recommendation by the Culture, Media & Sport select committee, which called for a “Fan Led Review” of live and electronic music, mirroring the successful model implemented in football.
The survey aims to provide gig-goers, ravers, and festival enthusiasts with a platform to articulate their priorities, ensuring their perspectives are directly incorporated into decision-making processes. The collected data will serve as a foundation for informing government, music industry stakeholders, and local authorities across the UK, to strengthen and support all facets of the live music ecosystem. By providing a “data-driven seat at the table” for fans, the survey seeks to create a more responsive and equitable live music landscape.
Of the opportunity, Kate Nash states,
The invisible thread that exists between fan and artist is the closest thing to magic I’ve ever felt. They’re often at the venue before we are, they wave and watch us leave as we drive onto the next one and they’re usually the first people to ask how they can help you. Quite obviously they are an integral part of what we do as artists and I feel very passionately about music fans being involved in what the future of my industry looks like.
Danny Dyer continues,
We are living in an age of hate, but this is a time where people need to come together. So, we need you to do this survey, click on the link, it’s important, data is important, it makes people listen, let’s start owning it again. Live music’s important, it’s ingrained in our soul, click the link, I love yous, let’s f-king own music again.
Phoebe Lunny of Lambrini Girls also provided her words:
Artists rely more on fans than fans do on artists. That connection is everything. Touring can feel isolating – long hotel stays, endless van rides, and time away from loved ones. Shows provide a small window for connection. Meeting fans, hearing their stories, and sharing values creates a sense of community that the industry often lacks. Not only do we owe our growth to our fans, but also a source of support that really does actually stop me from going mad sometimes. Despite the how transactional the music industry is, that is something you just can’t buy.
