After Peter left the band Genesis in 1975, he joined the Peace Choir and performed in the single “Give Peace A Chance.” As a prominent figure in promoting peace. He has participated in many ‘human rights’ campaigns. Significantly, Amnestry International 1988 Human Rights Now.

Artist for Action to Prevent Gun Violence, is said not to be a political stand, but rather to encourage America’s to volunteer and vote to eradicate gun violence in the US. With over 470 mass shootings in 2023 already, their voices will be needed more than ever.

Peter Gabriel said in an interview “This needs to stop. So many needless deaths. So much needless suffering. It just needs a little common sense.”

Behind the voices of Artists for Action is the founder Mark Barden. Whose son was tragically and fatally wounded in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012. As a former professional guitarist himself, he put it all on hold, to dedicate his time to preventing gun violence in the US.

Mark launches the series of united and passionate artist, with it’s first event taking place in New York on September 22nd. Presented by AFA (Artists for Artists) who are known for their support and advocacy in social impact events.

This was their message, “Artist For Action: We are a coalition of artists, musicians and influencers who are taking action towards eliminating the epidemic of gun violence in America. Our platform makes it easy for artists to activate their fans in taking 3 simple steps to prevent gun violence – Volunteer, Donate, Vote. Artist For Action To Prevent Gun Violence is a non-political movement that has come together as one to help prevent future tragedies. We must act now!”

No further dates have been listed as of yet and currently Peter Gabriel is touring in Canada and the US promoting his latest album in 7 years called i/o, which began in May 2023. 

Peter Gabriel has a profound and unique empathy that he communicates through his music and lyrics. His voice will be a invaluable against the prevention of gun violence, due to his knowledge and understanding of the world around him. And that is clearly demonstrated when hearing Peter describe the meaning behind the songs on his new album and the deeper mindset that we must adapt and move forward.

This collaboration is to help build a platform were artists can inspire their fans to get active in the prevention of gun violence. A web page is set up for those who wish to volunteer, donate and vote in this prevention of gun violence and purchase tickets to each show of ‘Artists for Action.’

BBC Radio 1 Xtra announce their hot for 2022 artists list, each year the station announces 10 artists who they predict to do big things and have big years in the following years.

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The station list for 2021 included artists such as Central Cee, Pa Salieu, Berwyn and Ivorian Doll, artists who all took their next step to stardom in 2021 with the central cee arguably having the biggest year taking home 2 GRM rated awards, a Mobo award and two songs in the top 10.

This years list has some big names and has artists from all over the country including one international act from Nigeria.

The 10 name list starts off with RnB singer Amaria, Amaria has gone from strength to strength every year since her arrival into the music scene around 2 years ago, she has grown immensely in 2021 collaborating on tracks alongside Jamaican dancehall artists Skillibeng, releasing her stand out track “Slow Motion” which currently sits on 1.5 million views 6 months after the songs release and selling out her first headline show without having even released a body of work.

The list moves on with Enny, whose break out year came with the success of her track “Peng Black girls” which became a viral hit after Jorja Smith jumped on the remix and introduced Enny to a much wider audience. This year also saw the release of her debut project titled Under Twenty Five as well as a standout performance at this year’s Mobo Awards.

Gabzy is next on the list and is an artist who takes a modern approach to RnB mixing it with genres such as funk and dancehall.

Croydons Jords is next and after a year that saw him start his own free school uniform initiative as well as hosting the turning on of the Christmas lights in his hometown croydon, the singer/ rapper looks as though he is destined to continuing growing.

Knucks is next and is an artist who has been rapping for just over 5 years, his style differs from the norm of most UK rappers but in the last year, his audience and appreciation has increased with his standout track “Home” currently sitting on 9.1 million views on his own youtube channel after being out for just over a year.

The next artists for 2022 all come from up north, Birmingham’s female rapper miss la Familia has had a year that has seen her become one of the leading voices for women in the UK rap game, manchester Pip Millet is a singer that has released tracks alongside MOBOs male artist of the year Ghetts as well as releasing her EP Motion Sick a 5 track project that currently sits on over 5 million Spotify streams. Manchester Meeks is the last artist from up north, Meekz has been one of the biggest artists in the UK scene who consistently gains over 5 million views on his videos that are uploaded on his own channel. The rapper has been quiet this year only dropping two tracks “Respect the come up” which he dropped 6 months ago and currently sits on 7.7 million views and “More money” which he released 3 weeks ago and has already amassed 1.3 million views.

East London Rapper Rimzee is next on the list and after being released from jail in 2019 he hasn’t taken his foot off the gas and is one of the leading rappers behind the resurgence of what fans call “Real rap”.

The last artist is the only international act, 26-year-old songstress Tems is a Nigerian artist who in the last year has worked alongside Wizkid, Drake and Brent Faiyaz showing the world her effortlessly outstanding vocals and songwriting.

For more information on the artists on the Hot for 2022 list by BBC radio 1xtra can be found here.

The new update supports ticketed live-streams at a price of the artists choosing, which have a live chat and a virtual merchandise table where artists can sell their products. To be notified, listeners should follow their favourite artists, and they will be notified when they stream. Alternatively, they will automatically become a follower when they make a purchase, or can optionally sign up to the mailing list.

It’s true! Bandcamp Live is a new ticketed live streaming service integrating merch and everything else you love about Bandcamp. Read more here:https://t.co/2gnE4kCZTK

— bandcamp (@Bandcamp) November 17, 2020

This is a great new way for artists to earn money as their live shows are cancelled and government support is failing musicians. Luckily, Bandcamp will only take a 10% fee from ticket sales, though this will not be in place until 31st March 2021 – until this date, artists will receive 100% of their earnings.

In a post on the website written by Ethan Diamond, Bandcamp Live was promised to be easy to set up even for those who have never live-streamed before. He said of the current circumstances, “When the pandemic eliminated a major source of musicians’ income, we immediately began working on ways to help the artists and labels on Bandcamp, without whom we would not exist.”

He continued, “Streaming will never replace the experience of in-person performances, but we believe it’s the next best thing, and will provide artists with a powerful tool to build and connect with their fans both now, and when Covid is behind us and we’re all out enjoying the magic of live music once again.”

Already, a number of acts have been announced including David Allred, Chris Farren, and Brin who will kick things off. Find the full list of performances below, with more to be announced soon.

17/11/2020 – David Allred
20/11 – Chris Farren
21/11 – Brin
04/11 – Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti
04/11 – Madison McFerrin
05/11 – Hanna Mia
10/11 – Butcher Brown
10/11 – (Liv).e
10/11 – Eyedress
12/11 – Frente Cumbiero
12/11 – Aroma
13/11 – Bobby Oroza
17/11 – Demae
18/11 – Dezron Douglas and Brandee Younger
21/11 – Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
13/11 – Moaning
27/11 – Cloud Nothings
TBD – Hatchie
TBD – Pedro the Lion
TBD – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
TBD – Louis Cole
TBD – Genevieve Artadi
TBD – Surprise Chef

It is reported in The Guardian Newspaper that Committee chair, MP Julian Knight said that it would inquire as to whether, “The economics of streaming could in future limit the range of artists and music that we’re all able to enjoy today.” He went on to describe the way that music is being promoted for the rising UK talent as a “blunt tool to operate in a creative industry with emerging talent risking failing the first hurdle.”

Streaming has changed the music industry – but do the economics of music streaming work for everyone?

We’re launching an inquiry into the economics of music streaming today and want to hear from you.

Find out more and submit evidence here: https://t.co/tj3lUEVnZ2 pic.twitter.com/7fov9s99of

— Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (@CommonsDCMS) October 15, 2020

The investigation has been launched after the, ‘Keep Music Alive’ campaign was founded by the Musician’s union and Ivors Academy due to insufficient royalties given to creatives and performers in the music industry. The Daily Mail reported that Chief Executive of the Ivors Academy, Graham Davies stated,

“On behalf of all music creators we are delighted that Government will investigate the streaming market so it can work for all parts of the music industry. Most creators cannot make a living from streaming, it simply does not pay enough and millions of pounds each year is not properly allocated due to poor data. Following our campaigning with the Musicians’ Union, performers and creators to Fix Streaming this is an opportunity to create a transparent, fair and equitable approach.”

According to the Ivors Academy, noted by the Daily Mail, the UK brings accumulates over £1 billion a year in revenue and bringing in over 114 billion pounds in revenue for music streams in the last year. Companies such as Spotify pay as littles as £0.002 and 0.0038 per stream. Apple music pays £0.0059.

MP’s are requesting written documents from industry professionals from experts with the music sector, music labels, streaming platforms and artists themselves to address the business tools being used to promote the music and the long term affect these could have on the industry without changes being pursued.

Deezer, a French streaming company is currently the only leading streaming platform which uses a user centric payment system (UCPS) which ensures subscriber’s that revenues go direct to the artists. However, this is a growing platform, which is not currently a dominant feature in the way to download music.

Alexander Holland from Music Ally, a glowing streaming platform told The Guardian, “This can only happen in the context of agreement with our label partners. We cannot unilaterally introduce UCPS.”

The piracy of digital music has spiked since lockdown from the coronavirus in the spring and the government is keen to look at the consequential effect this could have long term for the industry. It will be looking at the EU copyright opposed to the UK equivalent to see if changes can be made to support the industry in these challenging times to protect the industries future.