Government funds UK pop acts to make it big in US.

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23 February 2006


British singer KT Tunstall.

EXCLUSIVE: GOVT FUND POP ACTS TO MAKE IT BIG IN US


£500k for 12 acts to make it in USA

By Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent

TWELVE British music acts are to be flown to the US by the Government to help them make it big there - and boost our global music market share.

Ministers are spending £500,000 so KT Tunstall, Goldfrapp and the others can perform at a music festival aimed at talent scouts.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson said: "From the Beatles, through David Bowie to Coldplay, the UK music scene has always led the world but we have not always capitalised on our talent to break America.

"I want to ensure that the Government works with the industry and our best artists to showcase talent in the US."


The Kooks, The Rakes, Jim Noir, The Feeling and Boy Kill Boy are among the acts funded to play at next month's South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. Ministers say the cost is worth it because Britain's export market for CDs and records is £1.3billion a year - and growing.

America controls 37 per cent of global music sales. Britain's market share crashed from 32 per cent in 1986 to 0.2 per cent in 1996. It now stands at eight per cent.


James Blunt and the Kaiser Chiefs, who swept the boards at the Brits last week, also had backing to play at South by Southwest. It also helped catapult glam rockers The Darkness to international stardom.


Mr Johnson plans a similar talent-spotting festival in Brighton in May. The Great Escape will be open to the public.


r.prince@mirror.co.uk

mirror.co.uk