Title: The Financial Struggles of Touring Musicians
In a recent exploration of the financial realities of touring, indie rock frontman Sam Griffiths outlined the financial challenges faced by musicians. Griffiths meticulously listed his band, The Howl & the Hum's expenses for an upcoming European tour, totaling £24,990, against an income of £14,664. The Leeds-based musician, who supplements his income with a day job in NHS administration, shared that managing band finances has become considerably challenging.
The band's financial issues began after they consumed the £200,000 advance received from AWAL in 2018. Despite initial successes, including sold-out tours and a performance at South by Southwest festival, the band had to rely heavily on digital promotion during the pandemic, eventually leading members to obtain day jobs.
Similar stories emerged from over 100 musicians who responded to inquiries from The Guardian after it was reported that English Teacher, another band, had never turned a profit from touring. Many artists echoed the sentiment that touring, due to its high costs, was not a financially viable option. Additional layers of complexity such as Brexit, and the requirement for an ATA carnet, which costs around £750, have exacerbated the financial strain.
PJ Johnson of the alt-rock band Bug Teeth highlighted another dimension to the issue. Despite their popularity and frequent tours, the majority of their earnings are spent on essentials like petrol and accommodation, leaving little for further recording or touring, necessary for broader recognition. Johnson, who also works as a copywriter, pointed out the paradox faced by many musicians: needing to work full-time jobs limits their ability to commit fully to music.
Fiona Fey, a folk musician in London, chooses to practice in her apartment to cut costs, a move that has caused friction with neighbors in the past. Following Brexit, she noted a significant reduction in performance opportunities in Europe, where conditions and compensation for musicians are generally better compared to the UK.
Manchester-based producer Dean Glover observed that some musicians even sacrifice meals to fund their music, highlighting the extreme measures artists undergo to pursue their passion amidst financial pressures. Glover’s firsthand experience with numerous bands at his studio in Cheetham Hill underscores the persisting desire among musicians to record and succeed, despite dwindling support and clear pathways in the industry.