James Ainscough: Last News

Rebecca Ferguson and Lily Allen have spoken out about the harassment they have experienced and what needs to be done to support musicians experiencing such difficulties.At present, there is no similar initiative in place in the UK but Help Musicians hope to bridge this gap with the helpline by ensuring that those working in the music industry have a place to turn for advice and practical help.James Ainscough, Chief Executive of Help Musicians, said, “Bullying and harassment requires a collaborative response across the music industry. The creation of the helpline is a vital next step and Help Musicians is well placed to provide this service, as an independent charity.”Today we announce a new Bullying & Harassment helpline, open to anyone working in the music industry.If you work in music and are concerned about a bullying or harassment situation, you can call us confidentially for free on 0800 088 2045.

A new book titled ‘Touring And Mental Health – The Music Industry Manual’ is set to be published this spring, offering musicians and those working in live music a guide to help them “identify, process and manage the physical and psychological difficulties that can occur on the road or as a result of touring”.Edited by promoter turned psychotherapist Tamsin Embleton and supported by Live Nation, the book covers a wide range of topics, including anxiety, depression, crisis management, physical health and post-tour recovery. It also includes personal recollections from artists including Radiohead’s Philip Selway, Katie Melua, Four Tet, Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry and Will Young.“I wish this book had been around when I first started touring”, says Selway.

DEALSNew Order managers Rebecca Boulton and Andrew Robinson have announced a new partnership with SJM Management to co-manage the band. “We have sought to future proof the band’s management and protect their legacy so the merger with SJM management is a good fit and maintains our independent sensibilities”, says Boulton and Robinson.————————————————–APPOINTMENTSLondon’s Royal Albert Hall has appointed James Ainscough as its new CEO. Formerly COO of the venue, Ainscough is currently CEO of Help Musicians and will move into his new role in the spring.

APPOINTMENTSMusic charity Help Musicians has named cellist Abel Selaocoe as a new ambassador and Abbey Road Studios MD Isabel Garvey as a new trustee. “Abel and Isabel are two of the very best in their respective fields.

"Our survey evidence proves that the good is not yet good enough"

"The government must act with urgency if musicians are to have any hope of surviving financially"

coronavirus crisis is on the brink of running out of cash after just five days.More than 3,500 artists have applied for financial assistance since the Help Musicians UK fund opened last Friday (June 5).But the fund is now on the verge of reaching capacity, meaning that some applicants may fail to secure funding.Speaking to the BBC, chief executive James Ainscough warned: “It’s a bigger, longer crisis than any of us could have thought possible.”The current Help Musicians fund is targeted at providing funding for self-employed workers, following an initial phase in March that offered grants of £500 to any musician who faced immediate financial difficulties.A study conducted by the organisation also found that 99% of musicians had worried