A survey conducted by PIRATE, a network of DJ, rehearsal, and recording studios, found that 29% of musicians experienced a decrease in gig fees in recent years. The survey, which involved 1,700 band members, DJs, and solo artists, further reported that 54% of artists noticed no change in gig fees, while only 17% received an increase in their payments for gigging despite the rising prices of gig tickets. Additionally, the study discovered that 88% of artists experienced an increase in touring and gigging costs, leading to The Guardian coining the term “the cost of touring crisis”.
David Borrie, PIRATE CEO and co-founder, cautioned that the industry would face consequences if the cost-of-touring crisis was not addressed. Borrie warned that the most promising new acts would be hindered from touring if the issue persists. Moreover, the study revealed that 72% of surveyed artists made no profit from touring, with 24% incurring losses. About 81% of the artists who incurred losses noted a significant reduction in their income.
According to the report, one of the primary obstacles to charging a decent fee is a lack of transparency concerning what an artist should be paid, as well as the absence of negotiation skills. PIRATE also noted that 86% of those surveyed experienced an increase in the price of gig tickets, which is beyond their control, while 71% of artists believe that these higher fees did not improve the show experience for fans. Urma, a budding DJ, stated that promoters’ exploitation of new talent, particularly female talent, became more accessible as the bar for financial success got higher.
The full PIRATE report is available for access here
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