As the music industry continues to evolve, the road to success for independent artists appears to become even steeper.
A new report released by Right Chord Music and Musosoup, “The Musician's Census 2024,” highlights a number of obstacles that make navigating the path of an independent musician more difficult than ever.
The Census of Musicians is one of the most in-depth surveys of grassroots musicians. The global study collected responses from 300 independent artists in 64 countries, and the emerging trends paint a bleak picture of an industry where getting paid, being heard and building a fan base are becoming monumental tasks for musicians trying to support themselves. afloat financially.
One of the most alarming revelations from data centers about payment. Almost two-thirds of those surveyed admitted that they are not fully aware of whether they are receiving the full amount they are owed, nor are they sure if they are not. It's a disconcerting reality that leaves musicians wondering how they can sustain their careers when financial transparency is often elusive.
Another daunting challenge, the report suggests, is the enormous difficulty of gaining exposure. A staggering 54% of musicians said getting their music heard is their biggest obstacle. Market oversaturation was cited as a major factor, as the constant flood of new releases made it nearly impossible to stand out alongside the proliferation of AI-generated music.
Ultimately, 68% of respondents agreed that the path of an independent musician is “more difficult than ever,” underscoring the growing obstacles at the foundation of today's music industry. You can read and download the full report here.
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