We need change in the energy networks to reduce the footprint of the pressing plants we use,” says Peter Quicke, co-chief of Ninja Tune.īut musicians have platforms and the cultural clout that can inspire audiences in large numbers. “We need change in the transport networks to make our record distribution more sustainable. Much will depend on forces beyond the music industry’s direct control. And with fans snapping up tickets for festivals and gigs, there’s a risk that the industry’s carbon emissions could rebound to a higher level than they were before the pandemic. These recent initiatives are not the first signs of change: Coldplay, Massive Attack, Ellie Goulding and Radiohead have all spoken out on the climate crisis and made changes to the way they work, while Shambala festival has removed meat from its on-site catering and is powering the event with 100% renewable energy.īut touring is set to get under way again this summer: England’s first non-distanced large gig of 2021 will be a trial run headlined by the Stockport band Blossoms in May. “We need to be looking at how live shows, touring, recording, streaming, merchandise and engaging fans can function in a way that ensures artists and their teams can make a good living while minimising environmental impact.” “This is the time to shake up how things are done across the industry,” says Sarah Ditty, head of programs at Earth Percent. The proposal is for artists, companies and individuals to commit a small percentage of their revenue to Earth Percent, which will redistribute the money to organisations working on the climate emergency, including those focused on the music industry, such as A Greener Festival, Music Declares Emergency and Julie’s Bicycle. One new idea – also announced this week, and affiliated with Brian Eno – is Earth Percent, which is aiming to raise $100m (£72m) by 2030 from the industry itself to transition towards sustainability. We need everyone involved – the live sector, record companies, streaming partners, and of course artists.” Head of sustainability Will Hutton says that “the arts have an immensely powerful platform to help ignite social and legislative change. Across the manufacturing and distribution of vinyl and CDs, digital distribution, and business travel, the group aims to cut their emissions almost in half by 2030, at a rate they say is aligned with the Paris agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The label’s funds and pensions are divested from fossil fuels, it is installing renewable energy systems in its London headquarters and it is encouraging the pressing plants that supply its vinyl to switch to green energy.īeggars Group, which includes indie labels such as 4AD, XL and Rough Trade, also announced major new carbon reduction commitments this week. “It can become the exemplar of a green recovery, and help the public to understand and support what that idea means.”īritish independent label Ninja Tune has just announced ambitious and detailed plans in response to the new sustainability drive from the European Independent Music Companies Association. “The music industry has the opportunity to lead here,” says Lewis Jamieson, a spokesman for Music Declares Emergency.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |