Despite the increased cost of concert and festival tickets, production and hiring costs, accommodation, venue fees, and costs associated with travelling while on tour, a UK survey conducted by Pirate Studios has found that artist fees have actually fallen.
The survey gathered results from interviews with 1,700 band members, solo artists, and DJs. Of these, 29% reported a decrease in their fees.
88% of touring artists referred to rising costs for being on the road, with none reporting a decrease. Said costs include “travel, accommodation venue fees, crew wages, food, drink and promotions,” Crack Magazine reports.
After dealing with those costs, 26% of artists reported making a profit from playing gigs, and 29% profit from tours.
Everything is going up – including ticket prices. However, 86% of artists surveyed said they haven’t seen the increased ticket prices translate into a better, more memorable live experience for punters.
Out of all the artists surveyed, just 17% reported increased gig fees, while 54% of participants reported no change. The survey found that 72% of artists surveyed aren’t making a profit from their tours. Broken down, 48% of artists break even, and 24% operate at a loss. 81% reported a “significant impact” on their overall income.
Due to the rising costs around them and risks for artists, 36% of participants said they’re more likely to host local gigs rather than focus on extended tours.
In a statement, the CEO and co-founder of Pirate Studios, David Borrie, said: “If the cost-of-touring crisis isn’t addressed, we can expect to see a real impact on the industry at large, where the most exciting new acts are forced to stay at home.”
Last month, The Music reported on the federal government’s plans to boost live music venues with $2.5 million in funding. The grants will be used to improve sound and lighting equipment, pay artist fees, train staff, market, and assist with production costs.
