Music

Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3, has insisted disbanding the BBC Singers is not on the broadcaster’s agenda.

In his first interview since becoming Controller in April, Jackson told The Times that the BBC does not intend to renege on its u-turn on plans to close down the professional choir.

“We are exploring some really exciting plans for the BBC Singers. We’re working on on-air plans for them right into next year. The BBC Singers have a long-term future,” Jackson said.

His comments follow claims from the Musician’s Union late last month that alternative funding models were being considered for the choir.

Speaking to the Times, Jackson confirmed discussions are confidential, but “happening at pace”.

“They are very meaningful, and I wouldn’t simply be sitting here saying that to you now if there wasn’t a lot of substance,” he added.

When asked if a new funding model could mean BBC Singers does more commercial work, Jackson replied: “there could be elements of that, but it can’t be anything that reduces the distinctiveness of who they are and what they do.”

Just Stop Oil protesters disrupted the opening night of the BBC Proms, setting off confetti cannons and sounding air horns before being removed from the stage.

The Independent reports that the protesters attempted to address the audience at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday (14 July), drawing boos from the crowd.

The environmental group tweeted that the action was "in response to the BBC’s underwhelming coverage of the climate emergency". 

"In recent weeks, the BBC has been accused of ‘false balance’ as well as uncritically regurgitating government and oil company propaganda."

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer tweeted: “Eco zealots shouldn’t disrupt sports events, weddings or the Proms.

“My message is this: Leave people to enjoy the events they love, and stop damaging your own cause.”

UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin has written to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer calling for reassurance that artificial intelligence (AI) firms will not be allowed to “crush the human creativity which is the beating heart and soul of our world-leading music industry”.

Njoku-Goodwin’s letter warns the rapid advance of AI poses many “difficult questions” government must urgently address.

It comes amid the growing use of AI to clone voices of musicians to create new music, creating issues around copyright and consent. UK Music and its members have put forward a five-point plan to support musicians in the face of developing AI technologies, which Njoku-Goodwin’s letter calls on the government to support.

The five principles include ensuring the creator or rights holder retains the legal rights to their creative output, and ensuring technology providers keep an auditable record of the music ingested before an algorithm generates new music.

It also suggests music generated by AI should be labelled as such, and that a new 'personality right' be created to protect the personality and image of songwriters and artists.

“As we look to unlock the potential of the creative industries, we must ensure the music industry and the tech sector grow in partnership, and the right guardrails are in place as we develop our AI sector,” Njoku-Goodwin’s letter states.

“I would be delighted to discuss this further with you or your officials and look forward to working with you to ensure the development of AI is a benefit rather than a barrier to our fantastic music industry.”

New research from Youth Music has found 63% of young creatives are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help them produce their art, including music making. 

In comparison, the charity found that among those aged over 55, only 19% said they would use AI to assist with their creative vision, highlighting how different generations are reacting to shifting technologies.

Young creatives using AI in music making said that it made creating both quicker and easier, which the charity suggested might help to equalise access to the music industry. 

Dr Robert Laidlow, AI Expert at Jesus College Oxford, told the charity, using AI as a “human collaborator” could be helpful for young people attempting to discover new sounds.

Against concern from industry leaders and established artists that AI could lead to a decline in human creativity and innovation, the charity’s findings suggested it could offer to ways to improve imagination and creative thinking.

“There are still important questions to be addressed around the monetising of AI and the ownership of content, for example,” said Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music.
 
“However, what we're hearing right now from the next generation of creatives is excitement around its potential to equalise access to making, learning and earning in music. 

“Especially those who don’t have the advantage of expensive music education or equipment to aid their learning process, or paid support to run their business.”

The charity said overall young creatives expressed a positive outlook on the future of the industry, viewing AI as a way to assist with the creation of new music, rather than a way to generate it outright.

Four artists have been commissioned to create new works as part of reopening plans for Bristol Beacon following its £132m redevelopment.

Artists Rana Begum, Linda Brothwell, Giles Round and Libita Sibungu will create new works for the city centre concert hall.

Bristol Beacon Chief Executive Louise Mitchell said the venue's public art programme "will help us to ensure we make the most of and celebrate this special space, reflecting the 150-plus years of history whilst also looking forward to the future".

She added: "The four artists that were selected to deliver these commissions have proposed exciting new works that are sympathetic to their surroundings and will help to create an uplifting and joyful space that enhances the music and welcomes people in".  

The Grade II listed venue, which changed its name from Colston Hall last year to "distance itself from any association" with its namesake, 17th Century slave trader Edward Colston, is set to reopen in November.