Punk singer leads battle against illegal downloads

The former lead singer of the Undertones, Feargal Sharkey, has today been unveiled as the chief executive of UK music, an umbrella organisation that represents composers and musicians, as well as record labels, managers, publishers, advertisers and producers across the British music industry.

Sharkey’s chief role will be to help eradicate illegal music downloads in the UK, which cost the industry £1 billion each year, by spearheading tough talks with government officials and broadband operators. Illegal downloads are of increasing concern to those in the industry, with the first warning letters from broadband operators due to be sent in a matter of weeks to those thought to be downloading large volumes of music for free.

“I think people do realise once you explain it to them that music isn’t for free. There is a harmful impact and, ironically, the people it most harms are the ones people are most engaged with and have most respect for – the songwriters, composers and musicians. For some reason people don’t make that connection,” said Sharkey last week.

As part of the plan he will also put forward a number of proposals to ensure that talented youngsters continue to contribute to one of Britain’s largest export industries. In one of the initiatives, secondary school pupils throughout the UK will be invited to write and record their own tracks, produce and market a CD and come up with their own record label. Another plan involves channelling funds from unused, dormant bank accounts into building practice rooms and recording studios for youngsters.

“The music industry is in an extraordinarily unique position in that young people are not going to stop being creative. And at the other end of the scale there’s more demand for music in 2008 than any time in history. Name me one industry that has certainty at both ends of the supply chain,” Sharkey continued.

In his current role, Sharkey will work closely with key government figures including Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Culture Secretary Andy Burnham. He is also in close contact with the Conservative chairman of the culture, media and sport select committee, John Whittingdale, who was an Undertones fan in his youth.

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