British singer-songwriter Kate Nash took to the stage in the UK Parliament on January 23, delivering a passionate performance on behalf of the Music Venue Trust (MVT). The event, part of MVT’s annual report presentation, highlighted the dire financial struggles faced by grassroots music venues across the UK. Nash’s appearance brought much-needed attention to the challenges confronting these cultural spaces, which serve as the foundation for emerging talent.
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Nash, who has been a vocal advocate for the survival of smaller venues, used her platform to stress the importance of grassroots music spaces in fostering new talent and keeping live music alive. “Thank you to all the MP’s who came to listen to all the passionate speakers about the state of the music industry. The future of UK music is in your hands (and my bum).” The singer said on her Instagram.
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Her advocacy work comes at a critical time. Over the past few years, the UK’s live music scene has seen a troubling wave of venue closures. Many venues, which often operate on slim margins, have been hit hard by rising costs, the impact of the pandemic, and a lack of government support. According to MVT, more than 35% of grassroots music venues in the UK have closed over the 20 years and the situation remains dire. The Music Venue Trust’s report highlights the urgent need for government intervention and new policies to ensure the survival of these cultural institutions.
MVT is a key partner in Independent Venue Week. Both organisations share a mission to support grassroots music venues and collaborate to amplify IVW’s impact. MVT provides resources, advocacy, and campaigns like ‘Save Our Venues’, which align with IVW’s efforts to celebrate and protect these vital spaces. Together, they raise awareness about the challenges venues face and highlight their importance to the music ecosystem.
Additionally, the ‘Foundations’ singer has turned to OnlyFans, a platform typically known for adult content but increasingly used by musicians and creators to engage with fans and generate income. Nash revealed that she had been using the platform to fund her career and creative projects.
Kate Nash is such a real one#MusicBusiness #LiveMusic #Touring pic.twitter.com/fnxtSNCnEt
— Julia Thee Junglist Historian (@Miss_Toppin) January 25, 2025
The singer’s activism and transparency about her financial struggles resonate with many other artists who are increasingly turning to crowdfunding, merchandise sales, and platforms like Patreon to fund their work. As Nash’s career continues to thrive outside the mainstream industry structure, her performance at Parliament underscored the broader issues facing independent musicians, who often rely on grassroots venues as much as they rely on independent funding to stay afloat.
The evening’s performance and advocacy brought together artists, industry leaders, and policymakers in a conversation about the future of live music and the survival of grassroots venues. Nash’s performance is a call to action for the government to do more to support these essential spaces, ensuring they continue to provide a platform for the next generation of artists.
