Birmingham ranked among best cities for indie musicians to live in, according to new study

Birmingham has been named as one of the best places for aspiring musicians to move to, thanks to its many venues, live music events, affordable rent prices and available part time jobs a new study reveals.

Despite the music industry still thriving, things aren’t the same as they used to be with many musicians struggling to make ends meet, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis. In light of this, latest research by music distributor iMusician, measured a number of factors, including the number of venues, festivals, available part time jobs and rent prices across the country to create a definitive list of locations best suited to independent artists, outside of London. Liverpool ranked number one followed by Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol. 

Considered one of the world’s most famous musical cities, birthplace of the Beatles and home to some of the best independent venues in the country, Liverpool scored an impressive 6.7/10 for being the best city to live as a musician. In 2023 alone the city hosted 15 music festivals and with an average rent price of £717, it's no surprise the world capital of pop ranked first. 

Meanwhile Manchester ranks second on the list with a score of 6.0, boasting 14 live music venues and one of the best universities in the country to study music related degrees. Major bands such as Oasis, Simply Red, and Take That all hail from the city. In third place, Birmingham receives a score of 5.8. According to iMusician, the city has 1.6 music venues per 100,000 residents and roughly 6,690 people search for live music events in the city on Google. 

Commenting on the results, Simon Gardner, industry expert at iMusician said: “Breaking into the UK music scene is no easy task and where you live can greatly influence your chances at ‘making it’, along with your sound and craft. 

“Our study aims to showcase the cities outside of the capital, highlighting the opportunities that can exist there, along with their affordability and suitability for independent artists. With the cost of living crisis continuing to affect young people, it’s important to emphasise the affordability of these cities along with job availability for young people to be able to thrive whilst pursuing their passion.”

Top 5 Affordable Towns for Aspiring Musicians

By analysing and scoring UK towns affordability out of 10, the study was also able to unearth the most cost-effective locations in the UK. 

Topping the ranking the North East town Gateshead could see a number of musicians settling in the area. With its affordable rent prices and pints costing as little as £2.80, musicians can take advantage of the location’s proximity to Newcastle, without breaking the bank. 

The Merseyside town of St Helens ranks second with an affordability score of 9.4. Sitting just 16 miles east of Liverpool, and 28 miles from Manchester it is a well-situated affordable option and boasts its own nightlife scene to boot.

Representing Wales in the study, Rhondda Cynon Taff is ranked fourth as the most affordable place for aspiring musicians to move to. Stereophonics and Tom Jones both hail from nearby and with transport routes to Cardiff costing as little as £5, this old mining town could be the perfect place to get started on the Welsh music scene.