James Bond composer on the industry crisis: 'It's almost impossible as a musician to make money'

Leading composer of five James Bond films David Arnold has described the music industry's current state as "on a precipice" as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.

Arnold co-wrote the music for BBC drama Sherlock and was musical director for the 2012 Olympics

Renowned for crafting the music for Casino Royale and Independence Day, Arnold was asked about his concerns for the future of live music.

"If there's no way of having a communal experience of live music I think that's going to be a disaster," he told the BBC.

While governments globally have invested billions in grant schemes for music venues and organisations, a question mark remains over the ethical methods of streaming.

Arnold said many musicians were earning most from live concerts, but these had been cancelled due to the lockdown.

"I think the manner by which music is distributed through streaming services is inequitable," he said.

Many musicians have spoke out about payments offered by services like Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal, which can be as little as $0.003 per stream, but streaming is increasing in popularity with the public.

"I think we are on a bit of a precipice," Arnold added. "It's almost impossible as a musician to make money. Some will, but an awful lot won't."

The composer said that the industry runs the risk of having "a pool of musicians from people who can afford to do it from a moneyed background... a terrible waste of potential".

The Irish Government has stated this week that it is considering live music gigs without alcohol being served as an allowance for musicians and industry workers.

Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht Catherine Martin and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly are to meet with arts campaigners today, to discuss what events and facilities could be reopened while abiding by Covid-19 guidelines.

According to The Irish Times, political sources have said that Catherine Martin will explore whether banning alcohol from events could allow the Government to increase the audience capacity beyond the current restrictions.

On August 20, the Government issued a statement about the numbers of people allowed to attend culture events, following consultation with Catherine Martin and Stephen Donnelly – announcing that businesses and services "such as museums, cinemas, theatres and art galleries are deemed to be controlled environments, with appropriate protective measures in place such as physical distancing between people."

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