Electronic artists are still earning less than pre-pandemic levels, according to the IMS Business Report 2024, despite the industry growing by 17% last year. The report, produced in conjunction with MIDiA Research and published ahead of the International Music Summit, found that 40% of DJs are paid less than before, while 40% are struggling to find gigs. However, 85% of those surveyed said that DJing was not more important than making music, despite more than 50% claiming that performing was their main source of income.
The annual report provides a “view of the current state of the global electronic music industry” and also revealed that women and non-binary artists experience greater levels of discrimination than male artists. It found that women creators are almost twice as likely to be paid less than their male peers in similar roles. “Women and gender-expansive creators are still treated differently to their male peers in the music business, which often holds them back from fulfilling their potential”, said the report.
On top of this, the report found that non-major record labels grew by 17% in 2023, with majors growing by 7% overall. Beatport sales indicated that afro house had risen in popularity, moving from the 18th most popular genre in 2022, to ninth in 2023. Tech-house remains the most popular sub-genre of electronic music, followed by house and techno.
The IMS Business Report 2024 also found that the music industry is still recovering from the pandemic, with many artists struggling to make a living. The report is a reminder that, although the industry is growing overall, specific areas are still in need of attention to ensure that all artists, regardless of gender or race, are treated fairly and paid appropriately for their work.
Becky Buckle, Multimedia Editor at Mixmag, said, “Electronic music has always been a pioneer in inclusive and diverse attitudes, but this report is evidence that there is still work to be done until all genres and sub-genres are pushing for fair pay and equal opportunities for all their artists”
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