Musicians have lost many opportunities to make money through live performance. This unit explores ways in which online opportunities can be used to create alternative revenue streams related to live performances.
Live performance is a key component of every musician’s work. The income from gigs, and the additional streams of income through the sale of merchandise or recordings directly to fans at gigs, have been sorely missed by many musicians during the global pandemic.
Although live streaming is becoming more popular, in order for this to be sustainable for bands it is important that this becomes an income-raising activity. This can be done in at least two different ways: through donations or via the imposition of a paywall (essentially a ticketed approach). In terms of donations, online tools such as PayPalme and Buymeacoffee provide a simple way for your audience to contribute and reward you for your work online.
In terms of a more formal, ticketed approach, there are a range of services that allow users to create a paywall. Tickets are sold and only those with the direct URL can view your performances online. Sites that offer this functionality include such as TicketCoTV or Songwall. The ISM has published a great guide on how to live stream a gig and create a revenue stream from this.
Merchandise is a popular way of generating income. Historically, revenues from grass roots level gigs have been low, and selling merchandise to fans can be a good way of supplementing income and sustaining activities. In the current climate of global pandemic, online options for selling merchandise can be useful. BandZoogle have produced a very good guide to this activity should you want to pursue it further.
As part of the Interface:Response project, we have a team of mentors available to help you as you develop your work in this (or other) areas. Please get in touch should you need support with generating new income streams associated with your work as a musician. This support is available free of charge to all musicians working within the UK.
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