The Decline of the Middle-Class Musician

Middle-class musicians often earn little or no money from streaming and remain in debt due to unfavourable record deals.

Independent artists rely on advances and 360 contracts that require labels to recoup expenses before paying royalties.

Live tours were once a main income source, but post-pandemic costs, competition, and inflated expenses make tours unprofitable for many.

Streaming platforms pay fractions of a penny per stream, leaving most artists with only a few dollars even for songs with millions of plays.

Grants and government arts funding help sustain artists but are limited, highly competitive, and subject to future budget cuts.

Rising touring expenses, including visa fees, travel, crew, and accommodation costs, often push touring artists into financial losses.

Financial instability and industry pressure have created a mental health crisis among musicians, with high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Proposed solutions include universal basic income, reforming royalty models, artist-led direct-to-fan sales, and collective activism to improve streaming payouts.