```html Tinie Tempah on His Return, Venue Closures, and Songwriter Rights

British rapper Tinie Tempah, best known for his chart-topping hits like "Pass Out," is making a return to the music scene after a period of relative quiet. In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, he discussed the changing landscape of the music industry, his concerns about the closure of grassroots music venues, and his advocacy for songwriter rights.

Navigating a Crowded Music Landscape

Tempah acknowledges the increasingly competitive nature of the music industry. "It's way more of a competitive space," he said, highlighting the sheer volume of music being uploaded daily to streaming platforms. "You've got a hundred thousand songs being uploaded to all the different streamers every day - that's your competition." Despite this, he expressed excitement about the challenge, embracing new platforms like DJ AG’s livestreamed sets and performing on reality shows such as Love Island.

While acknowledging the potential for viral moments to boost visibility, Tempah cautioned against relying solely on fleeting trends. "A push of one post can change your life," he stated, adding, "At the same time it doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be able to sustain that or have longevity within your career." He emphasized the importance of building a sustainable career beyond viral success.

Concerns Over Venue Closures

A significant concern for Tempah is the decline in the number of grassroots music venues across the UK. He emphasized the vital role these venues play in nurturing emerging talent. "Something that's really great for artists, where you can do your 10,000 hours, build up your confidence, build up your fanbase is performing in some of these venues," he explained.

Recent figures indicate a worrying trend, with approximately 400 clubs closing in Britain over the past five years, representing over a third of the total. "By 2029 we're not going to have virtually any clubs or night-time venues left in the UK," Tempah warned, expressing his unease about the potential impact on the future of the music industry. The Music Venue Trust has been actively campaigning to protect these vital spaces, arguing they are essential for the development of musicians and the cultural vibrancy of local communities.

Advocating for Songwriter Rights

Tempah is a member of the Ivors Academy board, which champions the rights of songwriters. He highlighted the issue of songwriters often being undervalued and underpaid within the industry. He referenced singer Raye's complaint at the 2023 Ivor Novello awards regarding the practice of asking songwriters to work for free.

This advocacy contributed to a recent agreement with major labels guaranteeing a minimum daily session fee and expenses for songwriters. "It's very sad to me that songwriters are usually the last people that are thought about," Tempah stated. "It's great we're finally having conversations about how that can be changed." He recognized the importance of compensating songwriters fairly for their work, especially considering the time and effort they invest, even on projects that may not ultimately be released.

Expert Perspective: The Changing Value of Music

Dr. Sophie Bennett, a music industry analyst at the University of Liverpool, commented on the challenges facing artists and songwriters in the digital age. "The democratization of music production and distribution has undoubtedly created opportunities for more artists to be heard," she said. "However, it has also led to a devaluation of music, with streaming services often offering minimal royalties. This makes it increasingly difficult for artists, particularly emerging ones, to earn a sustainable living from their work. Tinie Tempah's concerns about venue closures and songwriter rights reflect these broader systemic issues."

A Renewed Passion for Music

After a period of focusing on other ventures, Tinie Tempah has returned to songwriting, fueled by a "new revitalised lease on life." He has been working on new music for the past three years, inspired by the artists passing through his recording studio. The positive reception to his latest release, "Eat It Up," featuring Skepsis, and the connection he feels with fans who share memories associated with his older tracks have further motivated him.

"It feels amazing that for more than half of my life, I've been giving people music that has been the soundtrack of their life and music they'll associate with certain memories and emotions," he said. "If I've brought joy to this many people just by making music, writing the lyrics I write, why stop now?" His experience in the industry, witnessing periods of both high and low interest in his work, has prepared him for the challenges of re-entering a constantly evolving music scene.

Historical Context: From Physical Sales to Streaming Dominance

The music industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades. The shift from physical sales to digital downloads and, ultimately, streaming services has fundamentally altered the way music is consumed and monetized. While streaming has made music more accessible than ever before, it has also presented challenges for artists and songwriters in terms of earning revenue. The rise of social media and online platforms has further complicated the landscape, creating new avenues for promotion and engagement but also intensifying competition for attention.

Tinie Tempah's journey reflects these changes, highlighting the need for artists to adapt and innovate in order to thrive in the modern music industry. His advocacy for fair compensation for songwriters and his concerns about the decline of grassroots venues underscore the importance of preserving the infrastructure that supports the creation and performance of music. ```