The political chaos in the United States under Trump’s new government is impossible to ignore. With devastating anti-LGBTQ+ policies and other oppressive measures taking centre stage, the cultural landscape looks bleak. However, buried beneath the torrent of regressive legislation is an unlikely glimmer of hope for the music industry. In a strange twist, several bills introduced by Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn could revitalise the music industry in the United States, leaving the UK government looking woefully underprepared to match such support.
Boosting Music Tourism: The American Music Tourism Act
Music tourism is nothing new, but the introduction of the American Music Tourism Act could see the US cash in even further on its vast cultural heritage. Home to legendary landmarks like Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the US already rakes in billions annually from music-related tourism. This bill would leverage the Department of Commerce’s resources to create a strategic plan for boosting domestic and international visits to iconic sites.
What makes this initiative promising is its potential to amplify not only the economic impact of music tourism but also to place an even brighter spotlight on local artists and historic venues. If executed properly, this could create a virtuous cycle where increased tourism funding translates into better resources for preserving cultural heritage.
The legislation has even gained bipartisan support, with Democratic co-sponsors joining Blackburn, a rarity in today’s polarised climate. It’s a stark contrast to the UK, where the government has done little to protect its grassroots venues, let alone promote tourism with the same level of focus.
Tackling the Scalpers: The MAIN Event Ticketing Act
Ticket scalping has been a thorn in the side of music fans and artists alike for years, with bots swooping in to snag tickets and resell them at outrageous markups. The MAIN Event Ticketing Act seeks to address this by building on the 2016 BOTS Act.
While the original legislation outlawed bots, enforcement has been weak. This updated bill proposes stronger requirements, including mandatory reporting of bot attacks, a consumer complaint database, and new data security measures for ticket sellers.
While it’s tempting to scoff at the idea of meaningful reforms coming from the Trump administration, the MAIN Event Ticketing Act could be a genuine win for concertgoers. It offers a practical path forward by holding scalpers accountable while giving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the teeth it needs to enforce the rules. In contrast, the UK has largely failed to tackle ticket scalping in any meaningful way. For British music fans, who are fed up with extortionate resale prices, watching this unfold across the Atlantic may sting.
Levelling the Playing Field for Creators: The HITS Act
Perhaps the most significant development for independent musicians is the HITS Act. Currently, independent artists are excluded from the tax benefits afforded to film, TV, and theatre productions, leaving them with fewer resources to fund new projects. The HITS Act would allow musicians, songwriters, and producers to fully deduct their recording expenses in the same year they’re incurred, easing financial burdens for creators struggling to stay afloat.
This bill, endorsed by a wide range of music industry organisations, could be transformative. The ability to write off recording costs in real-time could help level the playing field for independent artists competing with major labels. It’s a pragmatic solution to one of the most significant challenges in the music industry: financial viability for smaller creators. For the UK music scene, which prides itself on its vibrant indie landscape, this serves as a reminder of how far behind British policymakers are in addressing similar issues.
Industry Backing and Bipartisanship: A Surprising Consensus
What’s most surprising about these bills is the widespread support they’ve garnered across the music industry and the bipartisan nature of their sponsorship. Organisations ranging from the Recording Academy to the National Independent Venue Association have thrown their weight behind these initiatives. This level of coordination between lawmakers and industry stakeholders is rare, especially in the fragmented political landscape of the US.
It’s hard to imagine the same level of collaboration happening in the UK, where support for the arts often feels like an afterthought. The UK government’s response to the pandemic laid bare its lack of understanding of the music sector’s needs, with grassroots venues and independent artists left scrambling to survive. Meanwhile, under Trump, the US appears to be taking significant steps to future-proof its industry, albeit unintentionally, under the guise of Blackburn’s agenda.
Conclusion: A Dubiously Bright Future
It’s impossible to ignore the broader context in which these bills are being introduced. Trump’s government is actively undermining equality and pushing regressive policies that threaten the fabric of American society. The progress represented by these music-related bills doesn’t erase the harm being done elsewhere. However, it does highlight the potential for meaningful change in specific sectors, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
For the UK, these developments should serve as a wake-up call. The American Music Tourism Act, MAIN Event Ticketing Act, and HITS Act demonstrate what can be achieved when lawmakers prioritise cultural industries. While the UK continues to coast on its musical reputation, the US is quietly laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future. Whether this momentum will continue remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a rare instance of cautious optimism in an otherwise grim political landscape.
Article by Amelia Vandergast