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Iconic British musicians call Brexit a “self-built cultural jail”

Brian Eno, Damon Albarn and more sign open letter penned by Bob Geldof…

A number of music figures have put their backing behind an open letter led by Bob Geldof arguing that Britain’s music industry will be worse off post-Brexit.

Amongst those who’ve endorsed the statement, which is addressed to Theresa May, are Brian Eno, Damon Albarn, Rita Ora, Jarvis Cocker and Ed Sheeran.

“We are about to make a very serious mistake regarding our giant industry and the vast pool of yet undiscovered genius that lives on this little island,” the impassioned letter argues. It goes on to suggest that the reach of British music will be limited by a “self-built cultural jail” following the UK’s exit from the European Union. 

The letter adds that Brexit will impact numerous aspects of the music industry. “From touring, sales, copyright legislation, to royalty collation. Indeed it already has. As a result of the referendum vote, the fall in the pound has meant hugely increased equipment costs, studio hire, and touring costs all now materially higher than before – and not forgetting that squeezed household incomes means less money to go to clubs and buy tracks, T-shirts, gigs and generate the vast income necessary to keep the up and comers on the road and musically viable.”

Geldof’s letter also points out that 60% of all royalty revenue paid to the UK comes from Europe. An increase in import duties in the wake of Brexit will mean any source of income that goes to British artists “will cost significantly more,” according to the letter.

Earlier this month, DJ Mag took a close look at what Brexit might mean for UK DJs