Juliet England: Better access in store for deaf people at live music performances

Could it be that live music for deaf people is having something of a moment?

The arrangements at Glastonbury for deaf people are well documented. Then, at the start of last year, a deaf mum sued Little Mix concert promoter LHG Live for not providing a sign language interpreter during the band’s support acts the previous September, a case which continues.

It’s not just fans who are in the spotlight. Recently, the charity Attitude is Everything has announced plans to create an extensive artistic network linking those with access requirements to fundraising and showcasing opportunities in a bid to make the music industry more accessible to performers as well.

At the same time, new wearable technology allows fans with a hearing loss the chance to ‘hear’ music through the brain.

So, as the Guardian wrote earlier this year, the notion that deaf people can’t enjoy music is slowly being debunked. However, for many, lingering attitudes remain a problem, as the paper also reported.

Someone who understands all the issues very well is Marie Pascall, who founded Kent-based Performance Interpreting Ltd some three and a half years ago, and works all over the UK providing BSL interpretation for live events.

Interpreters are matched with performers according to their skill set and style to suit a particular musical genre.

She says: “It’s driven by deaf people, for deaf people. It’s about social inclusion, and about being able to share an experience just as everyone else does. Music is so powerful, and can have such a positive impact on our wellbeing.”

The consultancy first came about after a friend of Pascall’s was refused an interpreter for a music festival. After some persuasion, the festival reluctantly allowed four volunteer interpreters on stage, a move which proved so popular there has been full BSL access at this event ever since.

“Historically, festivals have relied on volunteers, but this just seems wrong,” she insists.

Seeing such enjoyment at that first event encouraged Pascall to do more.

Today, she covers festivals up and down the country, from Reading and Leeds to the Proms, from modest community affairs to high-profile gigs. And Pascall’s company works with more than 30 music venues which are developing their BSL access.

Meanwhile, although Pascall stresses that her job is not about mingling with stars, the list of artists she has provided interpretation for reads like a Who’s Who of the music industry. It includes Ed Sheeran, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Culture Club, Kylie Minogue, Adele and Sam Smith, among many, many others.

She adds: “The doors to the music industry have been closed for so long because of misconceptions, ignorance, finance…the list goes on! But we have finally got their attention. Every week I get messages from deaf people asking how to book tickets for events, or saying a venue has refused access and asking for our support.

“There are barriers to inclusion every step of the way. Where access is allowed, it’s often granted reluctantly, not widely advertised, left unregulated and is often inadequate.

“Tickets sell out so fast that by the time the customer asks for an interpreter the event has sold out. People are relying on pot luck, buying tickets on the hope they might get an interpreter, or deciding not to risk it and then missing out.”

Next year, Pascall aims to work with Attitude is Everything and deaf people to create national BSL user access guidance for the music industry. The aim is for all venues to embed access from the moment of first contact, including websites, booking systems, communication and advertising.

She also plans to do more to encourage deaf rappers in particular to train with BSL interpreters.

Pascall continues: “Recently, we’ve worked with Ed Sheeran’s promoters Kilimanjaro and DHP Family, the first to work with us on accessibility from the point of sale. This is a real breakthrough, and means deaf audience members can book their tickets at the same time as hearing fans, knowing their chosen specific date will be an interpreted gig.”

Tickets are even kept aside specifically for BSL users and their family or friends under this arrangement. And the accessible dates have proved so popular that organisers added more BSL-friendly dates to Ed Sheeran’s tour.

“There’s still a huge mountain to climb, and there are no easy answers, but at least now we’re heading in the right direction.”

Among the barriers, Pascall cites not having artists’ set lists ahead of a gig, or the (admittedly very few) occasions where she’s had to provide interpreting from a coffee table or box and not a safe corner of the stage.

“So it’s still far from perfect, and there’s more to do. But the world of music doesn’t have to be closed if you’re deaf; many can hear the music but can’t access the lyrics. Other use their hearing aids to amplify the sound, or enjoy music through vibrations. But however you experience it, music is felt on a physical level by everyone. It’s an emotional catharsis, a way to connect to others and communicate. No one should have to miss out on that.”

Read more of Juliet’s articles for us here.

Juliet England is a hearing-impaired freelance writer.