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Independent musician says the touring industry is a “rollercoaster”

Aug 8, 2023
Sarah King, an independent musician, is currently on tour. But the steps getting to this moment have been challenging.
Independent musician Sarah King is touring on her own, a more financially viable option than touring with a group.
Courtesy Arielle Thomas Photography

Live shows are back. But the economics behind them aren't great.

Oct 28, 2022
Many musicians rely on touring for revenue. But they are facing inflation, supply chain problems and a lot of competition.
L7 performs in Los Angeles in January 2020. This year, the band is selling a pre-show experience to defray costs of the tour.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium

Bands are small businesses, too

Jul 1, 2021
When the pandemic hit, Western swing group Asleep at the Wheel lost 75% of its income. So it cut expenses and applied for federal relief funds.
Ray Benson and Katie Shore — then Katie Holmes — of Asleep at the Wheel perform in 2014. Because the band is a small business, it received a PPP loan during the pandemic.
Karl Walter via Getty Images for Stagecoach