Being in a band might look like a pretty simple job from the outside, bang out some songs, play some gigs, release an album and hope people turn up. In reality, making a living from music can involve quite a few different income streams. The days when selling records was the main way for a band to make money are long gone.
Streaming royalties
Streaming is now a huge part of the music business. Spotify, Apple Music and other platforms pay royalties when people listen to tracks, although exactly how much an artist receives can vary. For most musicians, a single stream isn’t worth very much. The numbers have to add up.
That means having a big audience can make a real difference. A successful track that gets played millions of times can bring in a useful amount over time, while smaller artists often use streaming as one part of a much bigger picture.
Music and games
Music has also found its way into the online casino world, and some bands have gone much further than simply having their songs used in films or adverts. There are plenty of well known slot games online, including titles based directly on major rock acts.
Def Leppard has Hysteria from Play’n GO, while KISS has Reels of Rock, also from Play’n GO. Motörhead and Guns N’ Roses have their own slots from NetEnt too. It is an interesting way for musicians and bands to extend their brands into another form of entertainment.
Merchandise sales
T-shirts, hoodies, posters, vinyl and other merchandise can be an important source of income, especially for bands with loyal fans. A concert is not just about the ticket anymore. There is often a merchandise stand waiting for people before and after the show.
For some artists, limited-edition items can become particularly popular. Fans get something to keep, and the band gets another way of making money from its audience.
Music publishing
There is also the money that comes from the songs themselves. Music publishing covers the rights connected to songwriting and composition. If a song is played on the radio, used in a television programme, covered by another artist or licensed for another purpose, the people who own the relevant rights can receive royalties.
Live performances and tours
For many musicians, playing live is still where things really happen. There is ticket money, merchandise, VIP packages and sometimes sponsorship deals attached to a tour.
Of course, touring costs plenty too. Transport, hotels, crew, equipment and venues all need paying for. Still, a successful tour can bring in serious money and gives artists something streaming simply cannot provide, a direct connection with their audience.
Physical music sales
CDs have come and gone the market, but physical music is certainly not dead. Thanks mainly to hipsters, vinyl has enjoyed a strong comeback, and collectors are often willing to shell out impressive sums for special editions, coloured records and box sets.
Fans, brands and teaching
Crowdfunding and direct fan support have also opened another door. Platforms and membership schemes allow musicians to get financial backing directly from the people who follow them.
Then there are brand partnerships and sponsorships. A well-known musician can be useful to a company looking to reach a particular audience, whether that means a clothing deal, instrument partnership or something completely outside music.
And finally, there is teaching. Musicians can make money from private lessons, workshops, songwriting sessions and online courses, which might not be as glamorous as stepping onto a festival stage, but it can at least help pay the bills.
So, yes, musicians make money from music. But these days, they can make it in quite a few different ways too. From streaming and touring to merchandise, teaching and even online slots, the modern music career is a much broader business than simply selling records.
