Island artists head to Europe to avoid new U.S. permit fees

Facing increased feesand long waits for permission to play in the United States, many Island artists are opting to play in Europe instead.

"It's a big barrier for a lot of bands. And when you take that and add the travel costs to go down there you've got to be making really good money to make it worthwhile," said Rob Oakie, executive director of Music PEI.

That's right musicians wanting to play gigs in the United States have to pay before they can strike a note. They have for years.

Next month the costof a performance permit fee, also called a P2, isincreasing 42 percent to $460 USD for a single artist around $620 CDN.

'It scares a lot or presenters from hiring Canadian bands'

"I did a bit of math and if it's a band of four for example, each additional member it's another one hundred and sixty bucks," added Oakie.That sends the cost to over $1,200 CDN and you have to pay that every time you enter the States for a new tour or to play a festival."

Then there's the up tofour month wait for the okay to play.

"Unfortunately the repercussions are it scares a lot or presenters from hiring Canadian bands," said Oakie.

U.S. artists wanting to play here face no fees, and don't need any government permission to do shows in Canada. In fact Music PEIwas part of a group that successfully fought a plan to charge Americans to play here years back.

European invasion

In his role with Music PEI, Oakiehelps artists make a living playing music.

More and more he's telling musiciansto look east not south.

"Our artists are starting to focus more on Europe because it is easier to get there."

"We already have some great success stories like the East Pointers, Gordie MacKeeman has been touring the UK for quite a few years now, Ten Strings and Goat Skin have had great success in Europe," said Oakie.

Oakiesaid there is a lobbying effort underway by some U.S. music promoters and those in the cultural industry to ease the costs and restrictions.

"It's a shame because it's so close to us," Oakie said of the American market. "You know it's right across the street kindathing."

The new fees for the U.S. performance permit will go into effect on Dec. 20th.

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