The Financial Landscape for Touring Musicians

Touring as a hired musician can be both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. While it offers a unique opportunity to travel and perform in front of large audiences, understanding the financial dynamics involved is crucial for anyone considering this path. This blog post delves into the financial realities of touring musicians, drawing insights from a recent discussion by Nicky V., a studio and touring musician based in Nashville.

Earnings by Era: Nicky V. provides a comprehensive breakdown of earnings based on different eras in the music industry.

1990s Legacy Acts:

• Musicians touring with legacy acts from the 90s, such as Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson, can expect to earn between $300 to $500 per show. These acts often take good care of their musicians, with some paying as much as $1,500 per show. This higher pay is a reflection of the lucrative CD sales and large-scale tours that characterized this era.
  

2000s Artists:

• Musicians working with popular acts from the early 2000s, such as Jason Aldean and Little Big Town, typically earn between $450 to $800 per show. These artists benefit from the robust income generated from CD sales and merchandise during that time, which trickled down to the musicians.
  

Modern Day Stadium Acts:

• Surprisingly, musicians touring with current top-charting artists playing in stadiums often earn less, typically between $150 to $250 per show. While some may earn up to $500 or $600, the majority fall within the lower end of the spectrum. Despite the glamour associated with these tours, the financial rewards for musicians are not as substantial as one might expect.
  

Additional Financial Considerations: Nicky V. also highlights several other important financial aspects of touring:

• Travel Days: Some acts pay musicians for travel days, either partially or fully, depending on the management and the artist's policies. This can be a significant factor when calculating overall earnings, as travel can consume a considerable amount of time.

• Salaries vs. Per Show Pay: While most musicians are paid per show, some legacy and high-profile acts put their musicians on annual salaries, offering a stable income regardless of the number of performances. Salaries typically range from $60,000 to $85,000 per year, with some going up to $110,000.

• Session Work and Side Gigs: Many touring musicians supplement their income through session work and smaller gigs when not on tour. This flexibility allows them to maintain a steady income and continue honing their craft.

Market Realities: The market for touring musicians is highly competitive, with only a small percentage of musicians landing lucrative touring gigs. Despite having elite skills, the pay often does not reflect the level of talent and dedication required. Musicians must diversify their income streams and strategically choose their engagements to achieve financial stability.

Psychological and Career Benefits: Beyond the financial aspects, touring offers psychological benefits and career leverage. Playing with well-known acts can enhance a musician's reputation, leading to more recording work and other opportunities. Nicky V. shares his personal experience of leveraging his touring credits to build a solid foundation for his studio work and teaching career.

Conclusion: Touring as a hired musician presents a mixed financial picture. While the earnings can be substantial for legacy and early 2000s acts, modern-day stadium tours often pay less than expected. Musicians must navigate this landscape with a strategic approach, balancing touring with other revenue streams to achieve financial success. Despite the challenges, the experience and exposure gained from touring can significantly boost a musician's career.

So, what do you think? Has Nicky V hit on something that reflects your experience? Comment below and if you found this information helpful, please like and subscribe to stay updated on more insights into the music industry. For personalized lessons and more, follow Nicky V. on Instagram at @NickyV_Music.