Started in 1999 (local label, then Roadrunner), went solo (three labels, biggest I won’t mention), quit in 2014.
Started again in 2017, been doing it ever since as a hobby. Touring is incredibly expensive now. The only real way to break even is by selling advance tickets (for venue assurance), selling merch, and hoping people will by physical media.
In Europe, touring is harder because of venues taxing merch in my experience. Transportation is a bit cheaper, but still a grind, and you’re lucky to break even.
Spotify and other streaming services are a blessing and a curse: the biggest labels can push spins, and services get paid from that + ad revenue. Indie artists get pushed downward, unless they’re playlisted a lot.
How long have you been in the industry loaf
Started in 1999 (local label, then Roadrunner), went solo (three labels, biggest I won’t mention), quit in 2014.
Started again in 2017, been doing it ever since as a hobby. Touring is incredibly expensive now. The only real way to break even is by selling advance tickets (for venue assurance), selling merch, and hoping people will by physical media.
In Europe, touring is harder because of venues taxing merch in my experience. Transportation is a bit cheaper, but still a grind, and you’re lucky to break even.
Spotify and other streaming services are a blessing and a curse: the biggest labels can push spins, and services get paid from that + ad revenue. Indie artists get pushed downward, unless they’re playlisted a lot.