Music by Numbers

While looking for songwriting inspiration this week, I came across “107 Song Prompts for When You’re Really Stuck” put together by Ed Bell on his website The Song Foundry. #95. Write a song about the life and death of Hildegard von Bingen. I thought, "Hum . . . who would be interested in collaborating on this one? Hit potential?" But then surprise, surprise, I found myself thinking about this one for several days . . .  then I wrote a verse . .  . that’s where the muse took me. I bow to the muse. A song could be waiting in a secret doorway, in a can of spinach or on the tip of your tongue . . . you just have to find it.

The recent closings of many small music venues is a growing concern not only in North America, but also in the UK, (and everywhere). An organization called Music Venue Trust supported by Sir Paul McCartney, has worked hard behind the scenes in the UK, to keep small venues from closing. When John and I went to see The Pretty Things at the historic 100 Club in London several years ago. Sir Paul’s roadies were just packing up the gear, while we lined-up outside. He had just done a fundraiser to save that club. Totally amazing, because it is a very small club. I only wish we’d been in-the-loop and had seen this show.

Our economy is stimulated by investment in music. A study commissioned by London’s mayor found that every £10 ($17 CAD) spent on a ticket at a London music venue makes an extra £17 ($30 CAD) for the local economy. This is just one of the great reasons local governments have to work with musicians and advocates to keep venues running and to help indie music makers.

A 2019 BBC evening news report about Music Venue Trust, with an optimistic spin.