A recent study has uncovered a stark reality for aspiring musicians in Northern England: a staggering 98% have never had the chance to perform live at local music venues. This revelation comes from the "Sound of the Next Generation" (SONG) report, conducted by Youth Music, a prominent charity supporting young musicians across the UK.
The study, which surveyed 2,100 young people nationwide, highlights a significant disparity between opportunities available to young artists in the North and South of England. This lack of exposure and experience has led to a noticeable impact on how young people in the North perceive their musical abilities.
According to the report, only 52% of young people in Northern England - encompassing the North East, North West, Yorkshire, West Midlands, and East Midlands - view themselves as musical. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 62% of young people in the South who share this self-perception.
Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music, emphasizes that this disparity is not due to a lack of talent in the North. Instead, he points to the struggles faced by grassroots organizations, which are often forced to focus on short-term survival rather than long-term planning and development.
The study also reveals that young people in Northern England are 18% less likely to play an instrument compared to their counterparts in London. Many cite feeling less supported by the music industry as a key factor in this trend.
In response to these findings, Youth Music is calling on the new Labour government to increase funding for aspiring musicians through their Roots For Grassroots initiative. Griffiths stresses the need for investment in infrastructure and workforce to provide safe, creative environments for young people across the country.
As the music industry continues to evolve, addressing this regional imbalance in opportunities and support for young musicians will be critical in nurturing the next generation of talent in the UK.