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Fewer fans spending less rising costs straining Canada live music industry

The Economic Impact of Live Music on Canada

The Canadian Live Music Association’s (CLMA) latest economic report highlights the significant contribution of the live music industry to Canada’s economy. With a total contribution of $10.92 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, the live music sector is a vital component of Canada’s economic landscape.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

  • $92 billion: The total contribution of the live music industry to Canada’s GDP in 4%: The percentage of Canada’s GDP accounted for by the live music industry. 1 million: The number of jobs supported by the live music industry in Canada.

    The live music industry is being reshaped by shifting consumer patterns and technological advancements.

    The Changing Landscape of Live Music

    The live music industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by shifting consumer patterns and technological advancements. According to Erin Benjamin, president and CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, audience interest in live music events can vary greatly depending on the specific show. This variability is a key factor in understanding the evolving landscape of live music.

    Factors Influencing Audience Interest

    Several factors contribute to the fluctuation in audience interest, including:

  • Demographic changes: Shifts in population demographics, such as aging populations or changes in urbanization, can impact the demand for live music events. Technological advancements: The rise of streaming services and social media has altered the way people consume music, with some opting for digital experiences over live performances. Economic factors: Economic fluctuations, such as recessions or inflation, can affect the willingness of people to spend money on live music events. Cultural trends: Changes in cultural trends, such as the resurgence of vinyl records or the popularity of specific genres, can influence audience interest in live music. ### The Impact of Streaming Services
  • The Impact of Streaming Services

    The proliferation of streaming services has significantly impacted the live music industry. With the rise of platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok, people can now access vast libraries of music digitally. This shift has led to a decrease in physical album sales and a change in the way people engage with music. Decreased physical album sales: The rise of streaming services has resulted in a decline in physical album sales, as people opt for digital experiences.

    Live music boosts local economies with significant job creation and increased property values.

    The report also highlights the economic benefits of live music to local communities, including job creation and increased property values.

    The Economic Impact of Live Music in Canada

    A Growing Industry

    The live music scene in Canada has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the number of live music events increasing by 15% annually. This growth has led to a substantial economic impact, with the live music industry contributing to the country’s GDP.

    Economic Contributions

    The report estimates that Canada’s live music companies contributed $2 billion to GDP. This contribution is significant, considering the industry’s relatively small size compared to other sectors.

    The Journey Begins

    Jully Black, a name synonymous with soulful R&B, has been a staple in the music industry for over two decades. With a career spanning multiple genres, including R&B, pop, and rock, Jully Black has proven herself to be a versatile and talented artist. Her latest endeavor, a national headlining tour, marks a significant milestone in her career, as it’s been over a decade since she’s embarked on a tour of this magnitude.

    The Unconventional Approach

    This time around, Jully Black has taken an unconventional approach to touring. Instead of relying on a traditional tour bus, she’s opted to travel by van. This decision is not only a reflection of her independent spirit but also a nod to her desire to connect with her fans on a more personal level. By doing so, she hopes to create a more intimate and immersive experience for her audience. Key aspects of the tour: + National headlining tour + First tour in over a decade + Traveling by van instead of bus + Focus on creating an intimate and immersive experience for fans

    The Significance of the Tour

    Jully Black’s decision to embark on a national headlining tour is significant not only for her career but also for the music industry as a whole. In an era where touring has become increasingly commercialized, Jully Black’s approach stands out as a refreshing alternative. By choosing to tour independently, she’s able to maintain creative control and connect with her fans on a more meaningful level.

    She also suggests that the touring schedule be adjusted to allow for more time off between shows. The CLMA is also pushing for better working conditions, including more comfortable seating and improved lighting for the live performances.

    The CLMA’s Fight for Fairness

    The Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA) has been actively advocating for better compensation and working conditions for musicians in the Canadian live music industry. The organization, which represents over 1,000 music professionals, has been working tirelessly to address the concerns of its members and promote a more equitable and sustainable industry.

    Key Demands

  • Fair Compensation: The CLMA is pushing for fair compensation for musicians, including a more equitable split of revenue between the artist and the promoter. Improved Working Conditions: The organization is also advocating for better working conditions, including more comfortable seating and improved lighting for live performances. Touring Schedule Adjustments: The CLMA is suggesting that the touring schedule be adjusted to allow for more time off between shows, which would help to reduce the physical and mental strain on musicians. ## The Benefits of Better Compensation and Working Conditions**
  • The Benefits of Better Compensation and Working Conditions

  • Increased Job Satisfaction: Better compensation and working conditions can lead to increased job satisfaction among musicians, which can result in improved performance and a more positive overall experience.

    The Impact of the Pandemic on the Music Industry

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the music industry, affecting not only the artists but also the venues, promoters, and fans. The pandemic has disrupted the traditional touring model, leading to a significant increase in costs for artists and a decrease in the number of gigs.

    The Rise of Touring Costs

    Touring costs have skyrocketed in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for artists to afford the expenses associated with traveling and performing live. The cost of touring now “is off the charts,” according to industry experts. This is largely due to the rising costs of:

  • Fuel and transportation
  • Accommodation and hospitality
  • Equipment and technical requirements
  • Marketing and promotion
  • These costs can add up quickly, making it challenging for artists to break even, let alone turn a profit.

    The Decline of Live Gigs

    As a result of the increased costs, many venues have been forced to shut down or significantly reduce their operations. This has led to a decline in the number of live gigs available to artists. According to a recent report, the number of live music events in the US has decreased by over 50% since the pandemic began. The decline of live gigs has had a ripple effect throughout the industry, impacting not only artists but also promoters, sound engineers, and other support staff. The loss of revenue has also led to a decrease in the number of new music releases, as labels and artists struggle to make ends meet.*

    The Impact on Artists

    The pandemic has had a devastating impact on artists, who are struggling to make a living from their craft. Many artists are forced to choose between touring and recording, or to prioritize one over the other.

    The Power of Collaboration

    Collaboration is a powerful tool in the music industry, and Black has experienced its benefits firsthand. By opening for Yellowcard, she was able to tap into their existing fanbase and gain exposure to a new audience. This experience not only helped her build a larger following but also gave her the confidence to pursue her own music career. Black’s success with Yellowcard can be seen as a prime example of how collaboration can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.*

    The Importance of Diverse Perspectives

    Black’s decision to invite emerging artists on her tour is a testament to the importance of diverse perspectives in the music industry. By showcasing a range of styles and genres, she is able to attract a broader audience and create a more dynamic live experience. This approach also allows emerging artists to gain exposure and build their own fanbase, which can be a crucial step in launching their own music career. By providing a platform for diverse perspectives, Black is helping to create a more inclusive and vibrant music scene.*

    The Value of Mentorship

    Black’s experience as an opening act for Yellowcard has also given her a unique perspective on the importance of mentorship in the music industry. She recognizes the value of having a supportive network of peers and industry professionals who can offer guidance and advice. By sharing her own experiences and insights, Black is helping to create a more supportive and collaborative environment for emerging artists.

    The Unwavering Spirit of Black

    The world of music is known for its unpredictability, and for many artists, the road to success is paved with twists and turns. For The Weeknd, the Canadian R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer, the journey to stardom has been anything but straightforward. Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial struggles and a scaled-back tour, Black remains undeterred, driven by his unwavering spirit and passion for music.

    The Financial Struggles

    For Black, the financial challenges are just a minor hurdle. Even a scaled-back or shorter-than-expected tour is still a triumph in his eyes.

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