THE Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) has just released the findings from its study looking at how Brexit has affected musicians’ ability to tour, gain work in the EU, and overall impact on work. The negative impact is plain to see with half of the musicians losing potential engagements work.

For many this will be of little surprise. Two flaws do appear within the research, however. First, it is unclear how much the Covid pandemic has impacted on touring — many musicians the globe over lost work.

Second, it is unclear if income from the EU prior to Brexit was taken into account. Musicians’ careers are, at times, strange and fluctuating beasts. To use myself as an example: I lived in Lithuania for two years prior to Brexit but I have received more work offers in the EU since Britain made its unceremonious departure.