After 10 years we have decided that from the end of our scheduled 2022 shows we will be closing this chapter of the band’s life for the foreseeable future. We’re excited to play our remaining gigs for you and to make this summer a fitting send off pic.twitter.com/3OceZqj1jz

— Sons Of Kemet (@SonsOfKemet) June 1, 2022

While this may come as a disappointment to fans, the wording of the statement may not actually imply the abrupt ending that we’re all worried about. If we take the group for what it is they are – a jazz quartet – then we can find some solace in a certain amount of transformation. Because (and I don’t mean to get all existential on this) isn’t this what jazz is actually about? Yes, it’s about a shared ambition and direction, but what’s jazz without change? Or surprises? While Shabaka Hutchings could probably be taken as the leader of the band – if we even need to throw around labels like this – the dub and hip-hop influences cover such a broad range of influences that a lot of willing musicians are probably on the horizon. Again, just speculation, but when was the last time you saw a jazz band without a special guest for the evening?

But that being said these are confirmed to be the final shows for a while. There are a handful of European festival dates, a brief trip to the states, and a night in Peckham on June 2^nd at GALA 2022. You can try and bag any remaining tickets to any of the dates here.

If all you’re actually after is a bit of Tom Skinner’s drumming chops, then you’re in luck! As you’re probably aware he joined forces with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead and created The Smile. The group are currently on tour and has just completed their sold-out stint of UK shows (except for one tonight, but it’s a bit late to make any plans really), debuting tons of new music on the way, so check here for any remaining tickets to any other European festival dates and you can get your fix of one of the best Radiohead side-projects to date (yeah).

Alfie Templeman
BABii
Black Country, New Road
Eloise
Employed To Serve
Far Caspian
Gunship
Idles (pictured)
John Smith
Max Cooper
Poppy Ajudha
Puma Blue
Sainté
Snapped Ankles
Strawberry Guy
The Anchoress
Theon Cross
Violet Skies
Walt Disco
Yard Act

British music is undeniably a global export, 1 in 10 songs streamed globally are produced by British artists. But this number is not as high as it used to be. In 2015 the UK’s share of the global market was at 17%, now that has slipped to 10% today. This scheme is here to allow some smaller British artists to achieve their full potential overseas, by giving larger access to equipment, licensing, travel, and any other aspects of a band’s routine that allow their music to be heard in other countries. In 2020, the scheme generated £36 million in revenues. Put another way, for every £1 put in by the government, the artists generated 12x that amount. Geoff Taylor, the chief executive of the BPI, backs this by saying “The UK punches well above its weight as the largest exporter of music in the world after the US”.

In regards to boosting the UK’s music scene after covid, Taylor said “Labels continue to invest very heavily in developing new talent and they’re working on new ways to get artists out there. As an industry, we are working on new ways to bring new music to fans, but there’s no doubt it’s harder under a Covid environment.” He adds, “MEGS funding provides a crucial avenue for UK artists to invest early and develop audiences in markets that are traditionally expensive to break. For years, Idles’ renowned live show has been in demand across LATAM, and this support helps us meet that demand with genuine marketing and promotional activity and continue to grow their profile”.

Mike Freer MP, Minister for Exports at the Department for International Trade (@tradegovuk) praised the UK music industry, and reiterated the ambition to grow British music.

Read the story in full https://t.co/yY9GjZgxL6 pic.twitter.com/LPeDHhUhGD

— BPI (@bpi_music) November 18, 2021

The scheme tries to cover as much popular music as Britain has to offer. IDLES, Black Country – New Road, Yard Act, and Snapped Ankles all fall under the ever-increasing brand of Post-Punk. Eloise, BABii, and Sainté are all making moves in the realm of British Pop. Acts like Strawberry Guy and Gunship also offer their own takes on folk and synthwave that also prove that British music comes in many, many forms.