Artists say live music venues in B.C. must be protected — but it’ll require help from municipal governments

The future of live music in Vancouver is a topic that weighs heavily on the mind of musician Jody Glenham. Vancouver is a city overflowing with musical talent, but the rising cost of rent for both musicians and music venues is making it increasingly challenging for individuals to pursue a full-time career in music.

“People are leaving the city because they have no other choice,” Glenham expressed, highlighting the dire situation faced by many musicians in Vancouver. To make ends meet, Glenham balances her work as a musician, a DJ, and a talent booker.

As the cost of living continues to soar and performance spaces dwindle, the need for municipal music strategies becomes more apparent. Municipal music strategies are a set of policies created by local governments to support and promote local musicians. Both Vancouver and Victoria have implemented music strategies in an effort to bolster their respective music scenes.

Matt Dell, a Victoria city councillor and musician, emphasized the importance of these strategies in light of the affordability crisis affecting the arts and culture sector. Glenham, having read Vancouver’s strategy and being an active musician in the city, questions whether these policies are being effectively implemented.

One key aspect of supporting live music is the protection of music venues. The Canadian Live Music Association recently released a study showcasing the significant economic impact of live music in Canada. Despite its importance, venues like the Victoria Events Centre and nightclubs on Granville Street are closing, posing a challenge for musicians to continue contributing to the economy.

Tarun Nayar, board chair of the Canadian Live Music Association, emphasized the economic significance of live music and the need to protect existing venues. Victoria’s music strategy led to the city purchasing the building housing Hermann’s Jazz Club to safeguard a vital live music space.

Saadi D’hoore, music officer for the City of Vancouver, highlighted the importance of working with musicians, businesses, and audiences to address challenges within the music community. He suggested exploring community-owned venues or cultural land trusts as potential solutions.

Glenham proposed ideas such as rent control for music venues or financial relief for live music spaces to alleviate the burden on musicians. While D’hoore acknowledged the complexity of such solutions, he emphasized the importance of discussing and exploring various options to support the music community.

The future of live music in Vancouver remains uncertain, but with the collaboration of musicians, policymakers, and communities, there is hope for a thriving music scene in the city.