Goldsmith Speaks Up For Young Talent

The music industry needs to get behind young talent and to work together as never before, according to veteran concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith.

He told the Observer it’s the only way for the business to survive a period of dangerous change.

Goldsmith believes that unless music publishers and radio stations, among others, join forces to promote emerging artists, there will be a limited commercial future for musicians.

“We have got to take risks again. And we have to learn how to take new risks too,” he told the UK Sunday paper. “I am always looking out for new talent. It is the only way to get through this period and we have to do it collectively.”

Free downloads on the Internet have cut record sales and Goldsmith believes future talent will also struggle if there is no concerted effort to bring it to public attention.

“The music industry just watched it all happen without thinking about how it could provide a quality service for people,” he said. “People don’t wake up thinking, ‘What music can I steal today?’ They do it just because they can and it is there. Even young fans don’t mind paying, if they get value.

“You can only stay locked in your room so long – there is nothing better than a live show,” he said.

Goldsmith is preparing to give a public talk about his career.

Much of it is expected to focus on 1985, his “vintage year,” when he put together Live Aid with Bob Geldof and Midge Ure.
Goldsmith remains confident about the enduring appeal of live music in the Internet age.