South London could ‘lose entire generation of musical talent’

The cost-of-living crisis could cost South London an “entire generation” of musicians as many can no longer afford to live in the capital.

The stark warning comes from Music Union committee member Hailey Williamson, as the organisation launches its Musicians’ Census – a first in the UK.

The nationwide census for musicians will help the industry understand the “experiences of musicians and the issues facing them”.

“So many friends and colleagues have already been pushed out of the city,” said Hailey, 31, who lives near Croydon hospital with her husband who is also a musician.

“Payments fees for performing are not going up in line with inflation,” she said. “It has a big impact on grassroots performers in the industry. If young musicians are not able to live and work here we might lose an entire generation of talent.

“The London music scene is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world, if we don’t have people performing and creating there’s a massive gap. It will have a knock on effect on the economy.

“Lots of musicians have already been forced out of the industry.”

Recent research from charity Help Musicians shows the cost-of-living crisis, ongoing impact of the pandemic and Brexit are having a “brutal” impact on the UK’s musicians, with close to half, 49 per cent,  concerned they will be forced to leave the industry.

Linton Stephens, 37, is a musician in Peckham who currently plays bassoon chair for Chineke! Orchestra and said “more needs to be done about realising the importance of funding arts”.

“It’s not just about money, because when you give to something you take away from something, but recognising the value of art which has an impact on everyone’s life in a multitude of ways. There’s a wider impact on mental health and the opportunities it provides.”

Linton believes South London will see the effects of underfunding musicians as “new professionals just don’t have the options to make money anymore”.

The Musicians’ Census will be repeated every three to five years and data will be gathered on demography, diversity, health and wellbeing, and the breadth of working patterns and income. 

To ensure all musicians, and everyone working on behalf of musicians, can benefit from the project, key findings will be shared with partner charities and music industry bodies. 

The Musicians’ Census officially launched on Monday 16th January. To find out more and take part, please visit: https://www.musicianscensus.com.  

Pictured top: Hailey Williamson and Linton Stephens (Picture: Hailey Williamson/Linton Stephens)