David Boyle Audience Strategies:
“Electronic music might seem like just another genre (or worse!). But this research shows it is SO MUCH more. It is a thriving community, a sizeable economic contributor, and a hotbed of creativity and innovation. Electronic music is story of resilience, diversity, and richness that rivals any other cultural force. It energises spirits, unites diverse communities, and pushes creative boundaries. Its impact permeates boardrooms and pop charts, movie studios and fashion houses, high streets and homes. But the report shows it is also an industry at a crossroads, facing immense challenges … yet, fortunately, equipped with the ingenuity and passion to innovate.”

“Electronic music is not just a genre; it is a cultural phenomenon that has woven itself into the very fabric of the UK’s music scene. Warehouse Project and Parklife festival, as torchbearers of this sonic revolution, exemplify the genre’s ability to captivate, inspire, and unite. As we celebrate the undeniable success of these events, let us also recognise the enduring value of electronic music in shaping the collective narrative of our society.”

Carly Heath is the Night Time Economy Advisor for Bristol
“Dancing as a community is a joyful human tradition, as old as time. Anyone who regularly seeks the skin-tingling sensation of dancing in front of a sound system will understand the value of electronic music to their lives. Nothing matches those moments of bodies in motion, palms and arms in the air, repetitive beats moving dancing feet.”

“Dance spaces are community places. They are a unique feature as ‘beacons of joy’ on our high streets. Clubs are a unifying public place to explore identity, connect through culture, and reset bodies and minds at the end of a stressful week.  Dance spaces deserve celebration for their significant contribution to British Culture, yet the financial support and public funding for our culture is woefully inadequate. I’m hopeful that future generations will recognise club culture as a British cultural institution. The government should better support the scenes of today to create the legendary artists of the future.”

Wez Saunders, CEO & Co-Owner, Defected Records:
“Electronic music holds significant importance in the UK, serving as a cultural, economic, and social pillar. It has been instrumental in shaping the UK’s nightlife and music scene, contributing significantly to the economy through festivals, clubs, and music sales. Electronic music has fostered community and identity among fans, promoting inclusivity and innovation. Its global appeal has also enhanced the UK’s international reputation as a leader in music production and live events, making it a key player in the worldwide music industry.”

While the primary aim is to highlight the electronic music industry’s value, underline its importance, and pinpoint both the challenges it faces and the opportunities it offers, the report also highlights the need for funding mechanisms for artists and DJs and bolster support for grassroots venues and promoters, the role of education in securing the industry’s future, the effects of gentrification, licensing, and zoning on the sector and the unique role of electronic music nightclubs in cultivating community, inclusivity, and tolerance.

Electronic music continues to electrify the UK’s cultural and economic landscape, albeit with nuanced shifts in its trajectory over the last year.  The genre’s increasing popularity, as evidenced by its leading presence in festival line-ups and its substantial share of the UK singles revenue, speaks to its enduring appeal and its role in enriching the UK’s cultural landscape. The shift towards smaller, more intimate festival experiences and the notable increase in festival attendance highlights a community seeking meaningful connections through music. Furthermore, the global influence of UK electronic music, illustrated by artists like Calvin Harris commanding significant international airplay, reinforces the UK’s influential position on the world stage.

However, the industry faces challenges, marked by a 6% decrease in its total measurable economic impact, now calculated to be £2.5 billion. Since the start of the pandemic, 396 nightclubs, or 32%, have been lost. In the last year alone, we lost 31 nightclubs (4%), and nightclub visits for electronic music saw a 9% decrease, reflecting broader trends affecting nightlife and social spaces which underscores the pressing need for strategic interventions to preserve and promote these vital cultural arenas.

Despite these hurdles, the report reveals a resilient and vibrant community, with 97 million nights out enjoyed based on electronic music over the last 12 months. The engagement with electronic music also extends beyond mere listening, profoundly impacting social connections, community building, and individual well-being. The fan survey highlights the genre’s role as a vital catalyst for inclusivity and mental health benefits, with 80% of respondents experiencing emotional and mental health improvements through dance and electronic music events. These gatherings are not just entertainment venues but community hubs, where 75% of attendees feel a sense of belonging, underscoring the genre’s ability to foster strong social bonds and ability to promote wellbeing and enhance community cohesion.  The genre’s events are celebrated for promoting diversity, inclusivity and serving as hubs for creativity and community building. Notably, 98% of clubbers feel safe in club environments, indicating the significance of these spaces beyond mere entertainment.