It’s interesting to hear the views of 1960s pop star Sandie Shaw, who this week told a government committee that it’s easier for musicians from privileged backgrounds to prosper in today’s music industry.

Of course there are many cases of working-class musicians who have made it (and continue to make it) in the competitive world of pop. Adele and Dizzee Rascal, for example, show us that great talent knows no barriers.

But it’s certainly true that launching a successful music career now requires a great deal of marketing, PR and funding.