Rina Sawayama, Hot Chip, IDLES and Steam Down have joined calls for the UK Government to intervene on the US Department of Homeland Security’s plans to increase costs for certain touring visas.
All are backing #LetTheMusicMove, a campaign originally created by the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and Music Managers Forum (MMF) to push for reductions in costs and red tape for UK acts touring post-Brexit Europe. #LetTheMusicMove was expanded following a recent announcement by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which would result in stratospheric increases to filing fees attached to specific visa applications – including O and P artists visas.
Under these proposals, the cost of artists visas – which already run into thousands of pounds – would increase by more than 250%. The plans would make performing in the world’s biggest music market unaffordable for many emerging, mid-level and independent artists.
The DHS and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services have opened a comment period until 6 March 2023, allowing the public, including those from overseas, to send feedback. The public response will then be reviewed and further adjustments considered.
The MMF and FAC are calling on artists, musicians, performers and their business representatives to sign up to the #LetTheMusicMove campaign, complete a short questionnaire on the proposed changes and potential impacts to present to the UK government and complete the US consultation. Artists can also contact their US booking agent or live representative and encourage them to submit feedback to the official process.
This week, trade body UK Music published a letter calling on Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch to lend her support to the campaign against the US visa price rise.
Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor says, ‘Performing in the US has been one of the most important – and significant and enjoyable – aspects of touring for our band. We’ve been lucky enough to do it for the last 15 or more years. It helped us reach and then, over time, be supported by a very loyal and ever-growing audience. It’s probably the biggest territory in the world for us as a band. To make it almost impossible for bands to afford to tour the US when coming from overseas is unthinkable, and will derail so many careers, as well as not allowing new ones to start properly, and will stop fans from being able to connect with live music from bands that they love. It seems like a completely destructive approach and many bands will get together to lobby to prevent this change.’
Rina Sawayama says, ‘After what we’ve been through with Brexit and the pandemic, the implications of these new visa proposals are incredibly worrying for all artists wanting to travel and perform in the US. I travel with 15+ crew on a tight margin, and any increase in costs sadly gets passed onto concert goers through higher ticket prices, which is not fair. Live music should be democratic and accessible and this is just another blow to the arts sector and the experience of concert goers.’
‘Britain is renowned for its hugely profitable musical exports, however with pointless and costly restrictions such as these, British artists will struggle to make a name for themselves in the US, which would be a huge shame. I’m calling on the UK Government to oppose these changes.’
Adam Devonshire, IDLES, says, ‘As a fledgling musician, you dream of being able to go on tour in the states. This increase is putting the viability of this dream out of reach for so many, that we need to shout and holler from the rooftops about what a tragedy this would be for so many hard working and talented musicians across the globe.’
Ahnansé, Steam Down, says, ‘Steam Down have performed at shows and festivals across the UK, Europe and Latin America, and this year we are hugely excited to be travelling to Austin, Texas for SXSW – one of the biggest stages and showcase events in the world. For a 10-piece music collective, such events are logistically challenging at the best of times, but these new visa proposals would effectively shut the door on projects like ours.’
