The Sons Of Liberty make quite an impression on stage and one of their members, Fred Hale, recently tried to have an impact on political decision making.
He supplied written evidence to a parliamentary enquiry, into the UK/EU Relationship post Brexit and how this might be improved. The enquiry is looking at four areas:
- The political, diplomatic and institutional relationship.
- Possible joint initiatives on foreign policy and security.
- Ways to work together on the environment and climate change.
- The relationship on culture, education & mobility of people.
Mr Hale’s submission naturally related to the latter of those and offered a useful, personal take on changes to date.
Barriers To Overcome
Sons Of Liberty are an independent, self managed band, who have long operated on a break even basis. As long as their costs are covered by gig fees they are happy, they perform for a love of what they do and for their fans.
As the image above shows, they are well booked in the UK and are asked to perform within the EU, with requests still coming in. The band have tried to accept them but face fresh issues following Brexit.
They did discover ATA carnets, which are a lower cost, less hassle option but not no cost, no hassle. Customs visits add 4 or 5 hours to their cross channel trip and increased costs take up more than half of their fees.
Ther are further burdens, restricted route choices, an inability to take merchandise to sell, a lack of clarity from venue and shipboard staff. Added to already needing to subsidise their trip, not too inviting.
An Imbalanced Situation
Mr Hale pointed out they help to stimulate the economy, by paying for studio time, rehearsal space, travel, hotels, food, sound engineers and photographers. Also how popular UK bands are in the EU and the cultural value of this.
He states that limiting exposure to the EU for our performers will have a detrimental impact on the UK creative sector. Not least how damaging this is to younger, or less established artists.
Even their experienced band struggle with the admin and the fear of getting things wrong. The same applies to bands coming from the EU to the UK, allied to cost, a clear way to discourage cultural exchange.
Improving The Outcome
Whatever your views, the UK voted to leave the EU and the band’s equipment is now effectively overseas freight. Even so, was this the intention of leaving, to block cultural exchange and leave the UK isolated.
This is not a case of a niche issue, Mr Hale’s views have been replicated many times by classical musicians, dancers, film makers and more. Smaller operations are especially vulnerable, preventing their growth.
One advantage of ATA carnets for the EU is they can be reused for 12 months, as long as you take the same equipment. There are still viable alternatives, based on cooperation and common sense.
You could ask why we mind, our business is supplying carnets. We also offer advice, to small as well as larger businesses and will go out of our way, to ensure any performer receives the support they deserve.
The point still remains that cultural decimation was not a Brexit objective, better options could be found and they should be.