In a significant move for the UK’s grassroots music scene, Spotify has announced a partnership with Youth Music to create a dedicated fund aimed at supporting 15 youth spaces at risk of closure. This initiative provides vital resources to sustain creative hubs in underserved and underrepresented communities.
The fund, which is part of Spotify’s ‘Creator Equity Fund Program’, comes at a critical time. According to Youth Music’s recent ‘Sound of the Next Generation Report’, two-thirds of grassroots music spaces are focused on short-term survival, while a quarter face potential closure. Rising costs, dwindling funding, and increased demand for services have compounded the challenges for these spaces, which are crucial for young people’s mental health and artistic growth.
“The grassroots music sector is the beating heart of our world-famous music industry.” We’re teaming up with @YouthMusic to make sure it stays that way—here’s how. https://t.co/SNENwSiApH
— Spotify News (@SpotifyNews) November 27, 2024
Spotify’s funding will support diverse projects, such as a youth-led studio in a coastal town and a music initiative for minoritised women and marginalised genders. Dina Gabriel, Spotify’s Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Impact, emphasised the importance of these spaces in nurturing future talent, stating: “By working with Youth Music, we can safeguard these spaces and the opportunities they create.”
Grassroots music venues are not just performance spaces—they are cultural and community cornerstones, employing locals and providing a ‘third place’ for people. Yet, financial instability has led to widespread closures, with 125 venues closing their doors in 2023. Rising rents and utility bills have forced many operators to consider drastic measures, threatening the foundation of the UK’s live music industry.
Government interventions, such as a recently proposed voluntary £1 ticket levy on arena shows, aim to redistribute funds to struggling grassroots venues. Overseen by a sector-linked charity, the levy’s effectiveness will be reviewed after 12 months, with potential to become mandatory.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted the vital role of such spaces: “The grassroots music sector is the beating heart of our world-famous music industry. It is vital for emerging artists to hone their talents, as well as providing thousands of jobs and spaces for young people to explore their love of music.” She praised the Spotify-Youth Music partnership as a step toward protecting the talent pipeline.
Elsewhere, initiatives in Merseyside and the West Midlands are exploring long-term solutions. £6.75m of investment in Liverpool City Region’s MusicFutures will fund training, technology integration, and sustainability projects, in a push to ensure the sector will no longer need to rely on outside support.
While the Spotify and Youth Music fund addresses immediate needs, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of grassroots spaces. Charity leaders and government officials agree that systemic change is needed to ensure these hubs don’t rely solely on short-term funding.
