UK Music Chief Executive has welcomed the Government’s “important vote
of confidence” in the music industry after ministers confirmed
that professional recording studios and music video productions
can continue under new national restrictions for England.
Prime Minister outlined more details to MPs on Monday about his plan
for four-weeks of tougher national restrictions across England
that will begin on Thursday November 5th.
Following ongoing engagement between UK Music, its members and
Government, ministers have reassured the sector that, in line
with the detailed guidance the sector developed earlier this
year, professional recording studios, including residential
studios, can continue to operate under the latest regulations and
guidance. It is expected to come into effect from Thursday. Music
video production can also continue.
UK Music Chief Executive said:
“This is extremely welcome news and an important vote of
confidence by the Government in the UK music industry and our
world-leading recording studios.
“I am delighted that ministers have recognised the huge amount of
work that has gone into stringent measures to ensure that our
studios are Covid-safe environments where work can and should
continue.
“Studios are a key part of the ecosystem of the UK music industry
that contributes £5.2 billion a year to the economy and employs
190,000 people.
“We are determined to continue to work with the Government to
keep as much of the music industry open as possible as we strive
to get the whole industry back on its feet.”
Minister of State for Digital and Culture said:
“Our world renowned recording studios form the backbone of the
recorded music sector, provide vital employment for musicians,
engineers and producers, and make important contributions to our
economy.
"As well as allowing artists to continue making albums, studios
such as AIR Studios and Abbey Road produce soundtracks for
blockbuster movies and our favourite TV series that have kept us
entertained throughout the challenges of the pandemic.
"The Prime Minister has been clear that workplaces should stay
open where people cannot work from home. This includes
professional music recording studios, where work activity can
continue in line with Covid-secure guidance.”
AIM CEO Paul Pacifico said:
“Even though the live music side of our industry remains
shuttered, recording studios, rehearsal facilities and music
video shoots continue to be able to operate safely under the
guidance developed in consultation between key industry bodies,
government and public health officials.
“The fact that recording can carry on, reinforces the continued
vibrance and viability of the British music industry, and
demonstrates how it will be an essential driver for recovery of
the economy, and our national sense of wellbeing.”
Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI, BRIT Awards and
Mercury Prize, said:
“Artists and labels will applaud this decision to keep music
production open, which shows faith in the robustness of the
production guidelines painstakingly developed to create a safe
recording environment.
“This will allow for continued investment into new music,
providing work for musicians and new releases for fans to enjoy.”
Olga Fitzroy, Executive Director of the Music Producers
Guild said:
“Many of our members are right in the middle of big productions,
including one studio which is recording music for a weekly
topical TV show throughout November and December.
“They were understandably concerned about the potential impact of
this new lockdown. There was also the real risk that much of the
brilliant work done in studios here would disappear abroad
“Members will be reassured that they can stay open for business
and help play their part in working towards getting the whole
industry reopened.”
Phil Kear, Musicians’ Union Assistant General Secretary
said:
“It's great news for the recording sector that studios will
remain open during the coming lockdown. It's testament to the
excellent health and safety work undertaken by the studios,
producers and our members that this is seen as a safe option.
“Producers will be able to continue making superb recordings with
highly-talented UK musicians and we are delighted that our
members who work in this area will be able to continue to make a
living. The overwhelming majority of musicians have been hit
incredibly hard by the pandemic, with minimal work and often
little financial support, so this will be a great relief for
those involved.”
