A survey of 1,700 artists found that 54 percent have seen no change in gig fees in recent years, despite record ticket prices.
Global rehearsal space network Pirate Studios recently conducted a survey which found that despite ticket prices for festivals and concerts skyrocketing, touring artists aren’t seeing changes in their gig fees to match this hike.
The survey, which interviewed 1,700 band members, solo artists and DJs, found that 29 percent have even seen a decrease in their fees. 88 percent of touring musicians also referenced rising costs associated with hitting the road, with none reporting a decrease.
These costs include travel, accommodation, venue fees, crew wages, food, drink and promotions. After these deductions, there’s usually little left for artists – only 26 percent reported a profit from gigs, and just 29 percent gain from tours.
Despite dwindling fee numbers, ticket prices for these shows are on an upward trend. 86 percent of surveyed musicians said they have seen this increase, but a majority haven’t noticed it translate into a better live experience for fans.
Speaking on the rise, CEO and co-founder of Pirate Studios David Borrie wrote: “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 home.”
In trying to tackle the issue, artists noted that they’re now looking for smaller venues to play, collaborating on tours with similar artists, playing fewer dates, or putting more focus on sponsorships and merchandise sales.
Founded in Bristol in 2014, Pirate Studios now runs a community of over 700 24-hour rehearsal studio spaces worldwide. Read their full survey findings here.