How the will of the people is creating a new democracy in music

Today is 4 July, and there is no more fitting a date to hijack for the purpose of celebrating our independent musical history than the American Declaration of Independence. After breaking from the British, the Americans enshrined a constitution so all-encompassing in its vision of law, governance and society, that it has provided stability to a diverse and massive geography and population for more than 200 years.

The 1776 Declaration of Independence remains one of the best-written documents on the characteristics and behaviour of tyranny – in the Americans’ case, of course, of the British King and the British Government.

It states: “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive? it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organising its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

This is a wonderful, simple and eloquent statement which refers to the notion of happiness as a goal, as a right, and as a responsibility of State. Balancing power between the will of law and the individual rights of the people has since produced a society in which popular music, art, film and literary expression have flourished.

And so it is in the music industry today. After many years of the seemingly unstoppable growth of the multinationals, the will of the People is creating a new democracy in which popular music, art and film are being produced in an explosion of creativity. Freedom of musical expression is with us again, and it is making people extremely happy.

Happiness is a seemingly odd goal in today’s uncompromising world, but music does make people happy, and that’s why thousands will congregate in the fields and streets of Britain over the summer to listen to music.

Linking the American Declaration of Independence and the Independents Day, our own musical celebration, is a bit of a stretch, except that both share the same principles – to be free from a controlling, overbearing, Old World system of control whosetime has past, and which can no longer seek to dominate and repress freedom of artistic expression and the right to be happy.

So, to all Americans, a very Happy Independence Day, and to all music lovers, Happy Independents Day.

Alison Wenham is chairman and chief executive of AIM (The Association of Independent Music) www.musicindie.com