UK Music is taking a delegation of senior MPs and music business leaders to SXSW 2019 to discuss how to maintain the UK’s music industry after Brexit.
Chaired by UK Music CEO Michael Dugher, the panel is set to include Conservative MP Damian Collins, chair of the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.
The event will take place on March 12, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, at the British Music Embassy at Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto) in Austin, Texas.
Titled UK Music Presents: How do we maintain the UK music industry’s global success after Brexit?, the other panellists are set to include: Labour MP Julie Elliott MP (Labour member of the DCMS Select Committee), Peter Leathem (CEO, PPL), Nigel Elderton (Chair, PRS for Music), Vanessa Reed (CEO, PRS Foundation).
The recent work of the DCMS Select Committee has included an inquiry into the economic, cultural and social benefits of live music. The committee has also recently hit the headlines for its inquiry into Facebook.
The panel will consider the international implications, challenges and opportunities for music and talent development for the UK music industry following the decision to leave the EU.
UK Music CEO Michael Dugher said: “UK Music are proud to be official partners at the British Music Embassy and we’re delighted to be hosting such a fantastic panel of experts at SXSW this year.
“SXSW promises to be a fantastic showcase of the best of new British talent. The UK Music event could not come at a more critical time for the UK music industry with so many vital questions about the impact of Brexit remain unanswered.
“We hope to explore some of those issues and look at wider solutions to maintain the outstanding global success of the UK music business and safeguard the future of the talent pipeline”.
Collins said: “Our recent inquiry into Live Music highlighted the amazing global impact of the UK music scene, its iconic venues, festivals and talent.
“The SXSW Music Festival and the British Music Embassy are important for showcasing the strength of UK talent to new audiences, and we welcome this opportunity to discuss practical solutions for supporting that talent into the future post-Brexit, including the recommendations that came out of our inquiry.”
Elliott said: “It was clear from our inquiry that there is appetite around the world for British music, so it is important that we continue to champion and support those audiences who love live music.
“But we also heard concerns from across the industry about the potential impact of Brexit, including on the ease with which musicians can tour to and from the UK. I look forward to discussing these issues with the panel.”
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