Are Concerts Still Worth It? What’s the Best Way to Support Musicians?

(Title image by DALL-E 3)

Hi WA Friends!

Being a musician today isn't what it used to be.

The music industry has changed, and making a living can be pretty tough. Although musical superstars like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars are doing great, the average musician is facing a variety of financial problems, and many are barely getting by.

But one thing hasn't changed: musicians need their fans to keep the music alive. So, what's the best way for you, the fans, to support them, and are live concerts still a viable source of income for the average act?

Here are a few options, each with its own benefits and potential downfalls.

Buying Albums

Buying albums might seem old-fashioned, but it's still a great way to support musicians. When you buy an album, whether it’s a digital download, a CD, or even vinyl, you’re directly helping the artist make money.

But it’s not just about the cash. Buying an album keeps the music alive. Albums are special projects where musicians tell a story, and you’re helping keep that story going.

Plus, there's something cool about holding an album in your hands, flipping through the cover art, and listening to the music the way it was meant to be heard.

I have a huge collection of albums on vinyl and CD. Both of these formats sound better than streamed music, but nothing beats the mobile convenience and variety of streaming!

Going to Concerts

There is nothing like the energy of a live show! If you want to support musicians and have an amazing time, going to concerts is the way to do it. I've been to hundreds in my lifetime, and the musical memories are mostly fabulous!

When you buy a concert ticket, you help musicians pay for gas, food, and all the gear that makes the show happen. Plus, live concert income helps to offset some of the monetary losses musicians face with people streaming single songs instead of buying entire albums.

Even more than that, live shows are what many musicians love the most because connecting with their audience face-to-face is where the magic of music really happens. Therefore, playing live is one of the primary incentives for writing and recording new music.

So, if you want to show your support and have a blast, buy that ticket, go to the show, and rock out with them. More importantly, you will be helping to keep the concert experience alive!

Purchasing Merchandise

Buying merchandise is more than just showing off your love for a band; it’s a huge help to musicians. Those T-shirts, hats, posters, and stickers you see at the merch table help them get by, especially when times are tough. Touring costs a lot, and merch sales help cover those expenses.

And, when you wear a band tee, you’re not just supporting them financially; you’re also spreading the word about their music. Every time someone sees you wearing their merch, they might decide to check them out. So, merch isn’t just gear; it’s part of the mission to keep the music going.

There's also the nostalgic component of buying merchandise. My music studio is full of posters, concert programs, hats, and mugs that I've purchased from as far back as in middle school! Beyond their nostalgic value, many types of vintage merchandise can appreciate significantly in retail price! I've had offers to buy vintage merch for hundreds of dollars!

Streaming Songs

Streaming has changed the music world, both in good and bad ways.

It’s true that streaming doesn’t pay musicians as much as album sales or downloads, and the small payouts can make it hard for many artists to make a living.

But it’s still an important tool. Streaming gets their music out there to new people all over the world. It helps them get noticed, and that can lead to more concert tickets sold or more merch bought. If you stream their music, musicians really appreciate it - every play counts, even if it’s just a little bit. And if you like what you hear, think about buying an album or going to a show!

I stream music and music videos throughout most of the day on Amazon Music Unlimited and YouTube while working on my laptop, tablet, and my smartphone, not to mention all the music I stream in the car on Sirius XM.

When I relax at home, I listen to music on vintage vinyl and watch music concert videos on DVD and Blu-ray.

Tell Me What You Think

Every way you support musicians makes a difference and helps keep the music alive!

But do you think that, despite the high ticket prices, live concerts are still a viable resource for musicians and fans?

What's your favorite way to support your favorite musicians? Please choose only one answer.

• Buying Their Albums
• Going to Concerts
• Purchasing Merchandise
• Streaming Their Songs
• Other

Let me know in the comments, AND ...

Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘

(Pin created by DALL-E 3)

Frank 🎸

~75% Human written content.