EU referendum: Music fans could suffer in the event of Brexit, according to survey
The prospect of Brexit is sounding decidedly off-key for the UK's music lovers.
A survey from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has found an overwhelming majority of UK labels are Backing Remain, with 78 per cent saying walking away will damage business prospects and undermine the success of British music in Europe.
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of BPI and the Brit Awards, said: "British music is riding high and now accounts for a quarter of the total market in Europe for recorded music. This success helps to create jobs in the UK and fund exceptionally high levels of investment by British labels into new music.
Read more: Clegg says Remain has "comprehensively" won the economic argument
"A strong majority of the UK labels we polled believe remaining in the EU is critical to their business and leaving would risk harming their future prospects.
"Music and the wider creative industries are a major success story for the UK economy. Given the importance of exports to Europe to our business, we believe the prospects for British music are brighter if the UK remains within the European Union."
The poll found 90 per cent of respondents believed it's important for the UK to have influence in framing rules that govern the sale or use of British music in Europe, while 70 per cent said the union is important to their future prospects.
Read more: Dumbed down Brexit row patronises voters
Some 70 per cent were concerned the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, and any ensuing uncertainty, could create difficulties for their business, while 56 per cent believed withdrawal from the EU could have negative consequences for fans.
Jamie MacColl of Bombay Bicycle Club, said: "Being part of Europe is a huge advantage for bands of all sizes as it means we and our fans can travel freely, have our music protected by vital copyright rules and gain access to the world’s biggest market."