Bands everywhere - there's no need to worry about breaking America any more - the good old government's got it all sorted. Yep, they're launching a range of initiatives to help British artists break the American market.
At the heart of it all will be a marketing campaign based around the slogan 'We supported your feckin war, now support our musicians'. Actually, I made that up, though if any one involved in the initiative wants to use that one, you can have it. Somewhat less excitingly, the actual initiative will involve making new research on the US market available to UK music companies, a programme of showcase events featuring British artists and the launch of a website promoting talent.
Speaking ahead of UK promotional initiatives at this month's South By South West music festival in Austin, Texas, the Secretary Of State For Trade And Industry Alan Johnson told reporters yesterday: "From the Beatles, through David Bowie to Coldplay, the UK music scene has always led the world. But we have not always capitalised on our talent to break America. I want to ensure that government works with the industry and our best artists to showcase talent in the US."
Of course the scheme launches at a time when British artists seem to be enjoying new levels of success in the US. With James Blunt seemingly unstoppable over there, we hear those lovable Arctic Monkeys are also enjoying some early success in the States. Debut album 'Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not' has entered Billboard's US album chart at number 24, and sold 34,000 copies in its first week of release, apparently making it the fastest selling indie debut in US chart history. The band are, of course, currently in Europe hiding from the UK hype, but set out on a sold-out US tour on 13 Mar in San Francisco.