The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has presented its first UK Electronic Music Industry Report, which has demonstrated the economic, community and cultural value of the electronic music industry, and the genre’s interwoven presence in live concerts, events, venues and festivals.
Published in collaboration with Audience Strategies, the report showcased how electronic music has had a significant economic impact on nightclubs, concerts and festivals. In particular, the report notes that the UK is the second largest music exporter globally with exports hitting a record high of £590.8m (€668m/$715m) in 2021, with £41.2m attributed to electronic music.
Across recorded music, publishing and exports, electronic music is worth £181.7m and the total measurable economic impact of electronic music in the UK, including concerts, festivals and nightclubs is estimated at £2.63bn.
Live electronic music including concerts, events and festivals is a popular way to experience the genre, which is also the most common genre showcased at UK festivals. Some 29% of artists performing at these events are active in the electronic music genre and over 2.4 million people attended UK festivals with electronic music in the last 12 months.
Nightclubs also present a space for people to further come together and experience music, generating revenue through tickets, drinks and more.
Grassroots music venues and nightclubs have struggled during the fallout of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, which has seen fewer people willing to dance the night away or watch local live music. Venues and nightclubs have also struggled under the weight of rising costs, including spiralling energy bills.
The main objective of the report from the NTIA is to work towards building funding mechanisms for artists and DJs, support grassroots electronic music venues and promoters, and building a strong platform for education. The report also examined the impact of gentrification, licensing and zoning regulations on the industry, and the need for support from the UK Government and stakeholders.
The NTIA’s report also suggested that the UK Government has the ability to support electronic music by appointing a nighttime advisor, reducing regulatory burdens, providing financial support, promoting the UK as a destination for electronic music, encouraging community involvement and investing in electronic music education.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said: “Electronic music is one of the UK’s understated phenomena, it shapes and embraces communities, educates, inspires and unites the UK with its unique form of culture.
“For the last two years we have been formulating a strategy to deliver this report, alongside key stakeholders and leaders in this space, to substantiate the true economic, community and cultural value of the electronic music sector.
“The foundation of this work was born from the realisation during the pandemic that the Government has a limited understanding of the industry, but also considers the responsibility of the sector to educate decision makers.
“This was highlighted when the Government’s financial support in the UK excluded electronic music in its scope, as part of the wider Cultural Recovery Fund through the Arts Council. Through the efforts of millions of electronic music supporters, we convinced the Government to recognise the importance of counter culture and include the sector in its support.”
He added: “We hope that the Government, through industry insight, will have a greater understanding of the sector, and support it in a way that cements its future in British culture.”
Read the full report here.