U.K. MUSIC REACTS TO TRUMP PRESIDENCY

Amidst concerns over the ability to work across European borders thanks to Brexit, the U.K. music industry has raised fresh doubts over the implications Trump’s win will have for British bands touring in the U.S. Visas have long been a contentious and expensive issue; is it about to get worse?

Jo Dipple, chief of political lobbying trade body U.K. Music, has pondered the “clear similarities” Trump’s victory has with Brexit. “There is a political mood which favours protecting national interests both in the U.S. and in the U.K,” said Dipple, going on to discuss the “ongoing concern” about the visa system for British musicians overseas.

"The Trump victory will undoubtedly bring with it visa implications for overseas nationals and therefore British bands who want to work in the U.S. This compounds ongoing concern about the visa system for British musicians visiting the US, as well as the 27 remaining EU markets which are dependent on the yet-to-be detailed withdrawal from the EU."

Discussions with U.S. consul general Debra Heien next week may shed light on the new administration's approach, Dipple added. "There are many questions over Trump’s plans in so many areas of policy, details of which are yet unknown. And like Brexit, the implications and impact of his Presidency will take months and years to be felt."

However, every cloud has a silver lining, and Dipple hopes Trump’s skepticism of Google could bring about an “opportunity to challenge the grip that Google has had over White House copyright policy." She continued: "If Trump refuses to play the game like his predecessors—and we know he doesn’t like the old game.”

How will this new world order affect the close relationship between the British and U.S. music industries? We're contemplating a swift exit to Necker Island and you're very welcome to join.