The Core of Live Music: Addressing Artist Value and Concert Industry Disparities

Amidst the financial intricacies of concert production and ticket sales, a fundamental truth often gets overshadowed: without artists, there is no show. Artists’ talents and time are the cornerstone of the live music industry, drawing crowds and creating memorable experiences that fans cherish. Yet, paradoxically, the current industry model frequently sees them receive a disproportionately small slice of the revenue pie.

This incongruity arises from a system where the lion’s share of profits often ends up with promoters, ticketing platforms, and other intermediaries. In some instances, promoters may prefer to keep artists at arm’s length from the financial and planning aspects of events, sometimes without offering incentives that would acknowledge the artists’ central role in attracting attendees. This approach not only undermines the artists’ financial well-being but also neglects to recognize their contribution to the live music experience.

The question of why entities other than the artists themselves often reap more substantial financial rewards from concerts is a complex one, rooted in traditional industry practices and power dynamics. However, it underscores a pressing need for change. The industry must acknowledge and rectify the imbalance that sees those who create the art, and by extension, the demand for live events, being undervalued and under-compensated.

By fostering a more equitable environment where artists are actively involved in the planning and financial aspects of their shows, the industry can begin to realign its practices with the value artists bring to the table. This shift would not only ensure fairer compensation for artists but also potentially enhance the live music experience for fans, knowing their support more directly benefits their favorite musicians.

Incorporating this understanding into the broader conversation about transparency, technology, and the distribution of revenue in live music is essential. Recognizing and rectifying the disparity in how artists are valued and compensated is not just a matter of fairness—it’s about preserving the vibrancy and sustainability of live music itself.