Chappell Roan Pt.2: "We got you, but do you got us?"

Although Chappel Roan was talking about a distinctly American problem, that of not being able to afford basic medical care, she raised a broader issue affecting most musicians at the moment. Despite the UK music industry reporting record revenues, there is a growing financial divide between the top artists and everyone else. 

Whilst artists such as Taylor Swift make millions from touring, most musicians can barely break even from performing live, and add this to the pitiful income from streaming services, becoming a full-time musician is quickly becoming only viable for those from an affluent background.  

Speaking in a recent interview with BBC 6 Music, Kate Nash, a popular artist with a No.1 record, described how she feels lucky if she doesn’t make a loss from a series of shows even though she sells out large venues. She added that she is finding it increasingly unworkable, and if she is in that position given her standing in the industry, then how are musicians at the grassroots level expected to see a future in it?

Phebe Lunny of the Lambrini Girlz, also speaking with BBC 6 Music, believes that being successful in the music industry is becoming dependent on two things, class or a record deal. If a person can’t work full-time to pay the rent and be a full-time musician.  Her view was that basically, if you don't have money behind you, it doesn’t matter how talented you are, you won’t make it.

If the music industry is a growing economy, where is all the money going? Live Nation recorded profits of 2.1 Billion last year, and yet the majority of artists who are performing live can barely make ends meet. Something needs to change radically or all that will be left will be those with rich parents and ‘fake’ AI artists, if the record industry isn’t careful, I believe it will eat itself in the name of shareholder profit.