21 December 2022
Newsdesk
Seven in ten people in the UK (67%) ‘could not live without music’, with almost half (45%) believing it is ‘part of their DNA’. It also plays a key role in helping us understand other cultures and breaking down barriers.
This is according to research from charity Help Musicians, following on from a survey released by the charity last month which showed that close to half of professional musicians think they will be forced to leave the industry, due to the ‘brutal’ impact of the cost of living crisis, alongside the ongoing impact of the pandemic and Brexit.
The new research shows the significant impact this could have on many people in the UK. Music is especially important to younger generations - 83% of young adults aged 18-24 say they could not live without music with nine in ten (89%) saying it is an ‘important part’ of their lives. In total, 67% of the population listen to music on a daily basis.
Key to personal identity
The study further reveals how deeply rooted music is in how we see ourselves and others, and how it is part of all our identities, with 65% believing music is a big part of ‘who they are’.
Whilst people primarily listen to music simply for ‘enjoyment’ (80%), it also plays a key role in our welfare, with over six in ten citing benefits in terms of relaxation (63%), health and wellbeing (34%), and energy and motivation (29%).
Younger people (18-24 year olds) in particular have a strong connection with music, with 8 in 10 (80%) listening to it daily. It builds inclusion, acceptance, and perhaps an avenue to help them define themselves as people in what is a challenging period in their lives, with 71% of 18-24 year olds saying music gives them a sense of belonging.
Feeling connected and breaking down barriers
Music is a powerful way of bringing people together and creating memories, especially relevant now at Christmas time. Over half of respondents (52%) claim music can help them feel connected to others, whether that’s friends or families, or even strangers.
The research also emphasises how music can bring together people from different groups and communities, with over half of respondents (53%) saying music can help them understand other cultures and three quarters (74%) believe that music can help break down barriers. This shows how music can play a valuable role in a multicultural, diverse Britain.
Top 10 music genres in the UK
Alongside looking at why people listen to music, the new research also highlights what they’re listening to. While pop is living up to its name as the genre most listened to (75%), rock remains ‘rock solid’ in second place (58%). R&B is the nation’s third favourite music genre (34%), just above dance music (33%). Interestingly, a quarter (24%) of the nation are now listening to country music too – about the same level as classical and Hip Hop.
The top 10 most favourite music genres in the UK:
Pop (75%)
Rock (58%)
R&B (34%)
Dance (33%)
Alternative (29%)
Classical (26%)
Country (24%)
Hip Hop (24%)
Rap (20%)
Blues (20%)
Tastes change when it comes to experiencing live music, where rock is now the joint most popular alongside pop (both 55%). But the younger Gen Z audiences prefer going to pop concerts (62%), compared to only 35% choosing to rock out to rock music in person.
But what awaits the industry?
Whilst music is an essential part of daily British life, UK musicians themselves are struggling to make ends meet – many can no longer afford to make the music that people value and love so much. The charity revealed last month that the cost of living crisis, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic and Brexit, is having a brutal impact on UK musicians, with nearly half (49%) very concerned they will be forced to leave the industry.
At a time when music is more important to Brits than ever, six in ten professional musicians (60%) say they are worse off financially now compared to the same time last year. Nine out of ten (90%) are worried about affording food over the next six months, with 84% concerned about paying their mortgage or rent. The new survey today further reiterates why it is so important to protect them.
Commenting on the new findings, James Ainscough, Chief Executive of Help Musicians said, “Music has a power that we must not underestimate. It is a force that brings people together and is intertwined to their very identity. In recent years we have all become even more conscious of how music calms our souls, lifts our spirits, and binds together communities. How ironic then that musicians themselves are facing the most brutal conditions seen for decades.
“Musicians need a broad range of support to help them navigate the financial, career-building and mental health challenges they currently face. As a charity, we will continue to put significant time and resources into sustaining musicians over the coming, challenging months. The entire country will be poorer if we lose talented musicians from the profession. We want to continue enjoying their music in a thriving music ecosystem.”
