The live music scene has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The effect of declining recorded music sales has led record labels and bands to tour extensively to supplement their income. Many artists sign 360 deals with labels meaning the label can also profit from touring income.
The public it seems is more than happy to spend their hard earned money on going to concerts even if they are not prepared to buy the recorded music. Live music is much more of an experience and a social event.
Music festivals are still doing well with record numbers of attendees. We have seen some of the biggest selling tours in history over the last few years from bands such as U2. Even though economic times are hard live music is beating the odds.
Shows such as the X Factor who also tour the artists after the final have helped contribute to the increase. Increased media exposure brings concerts and festivals to the forefront of people minds with live TV coverage of Glastonbury.
The internet also plays a huge part with social networking sites making communicating with music fans easier. Tickets are also easier to purchase than ever before from reputable online ticket agents.
For amateur musicians though it is a different story
With fewer music venues open the scene has taken a hit. In order for new artists to develop their talent they urgently needs places to play and for audiences to support them. A lot of artists learn their trade by gigging at local pubs and clubs and the impact the economic downturn has had on them is immense.
There is a rise though in local communities getting together and putting on local events. Function bands and tribute bands are still seeing a strong market as well as corporate bands that are still highly in demand for corporate events.
The live music scene is thriving but not everyone is seeing the impact of it. It is unfortunate that for a number of up and coming musicians they are being squeezed out of the market.
Something needs to be done to protect the interests of those who could be tomorrow’s superstars. The industry has to support new music. The evidence shows that music fans love live music and the trend looks set to continue.
Some of the income from live music needs to be funneled into funding up and coming talent to make sure the growth in this sector is not short lived.
Sam Chapman writes about various live performance topics.