The Cost of Live Music

What are We Willing to Pay?

Edmonds, like Seattle and many cities in the US, is at a crossroads when it comes to the business of live music. While many local establishments aim to support artists and boost their own profiles by showcasing live performances, the financial equation behind the music is often as complex as a jazz improv. And, like jazz, it is at risk of becoming something pushed to the background of our existence.

The High Notes of Investment

Businesses that endeavor to host live music face surprising reality when it comes to costs. Space, which is at a premium in Edmonds, must be configured to accommodate both performers and audiences comfortably. Overhead expenses such as sound equipment and staffing for events add layers of financial burden, not to mention hiring someone with the right skill set to operate the gear and keep it running. Then comes the crucial act of vetting musicians—a time-consuming process ensuring that the quality of the music and musicians aligns with the venue’s brand and audience’s expectations.

Many audiences enjoy listening to their favorite songs performed live. However, for a local artist to cover a song by another artist, the venue must pay over $1,000 annually to three separate performing rights organizations. These organizations (PROs) then distribute a small amount for the song's performance, if they are aware it took place. While this amounts to just pennies for the songwriters, it represents a significant expense for the business aiming to support local music.

The Low Notes of Compensation

The going rates for live performances is stunningly low. Restaurants and bars may dish out $100-$300 for a couple hours of music by a soloist or small ensemble, possibly along with a meal or drink. While that sounds like a nice hourly rate for the artist, it rarely offsets the taxes, travel, maintenance, and expenses the artist has to manage, particularly if there are multiple members of a band. Most musicians, driven either by a passion for music or pure madness, are happy to offset their raw costs with the amount they take home in a night, leaving them to rely on another full-time job to fuel their obsession. 

A significant drawback is that when artists reduce their art to a hobby, they are unable to fully commit to it. This situation directly affects the quantity and quality of songs produced—songs that we might have danced to, cried with, or played repeatedly until we felt okay. Humans need art, including music, to understand our world, particularly the one within our own minds.

Establishments struggle with this reality too, knowing they need to maintain a viable business model while also wanting to support the musical community. Many venues have grappled with whether to charge a cover fee or enforce a minimum purchase to offset these costs, leading to mixed feelings among patrons who wish to support the scene but face their own budget constraints.

A Diminishing Stage

The past decade has seen the closure of several iconic Seattle music venues, including Cafe Racer, Studio Seven, and even El Corazón. The reasons are many, from rising rental costs to changing consumer habits, with many potential patrons now opting for digital streaming over live attendance. These factors create a challenging environment for venue owners who must constantly innovate to keep their doors open while nurturing the local music scene.

Now is the Time to Harmonize Support

Despite these challenges, the spirit of Seattle’s music scene remains resilient. Venues that successfully integrate live music often see a boost in patron loyalty and community profile. They become cultural hubs, where patrons not only come for the food and drinks but for the irreplaceable ambiance that live music provides. This can elevate sales, but even when it doesn’t move the bottom line, it still makes us nod our heads, move our hips, shuffle our feet, and close our eyes while we soak it all in.

Your Call to Action

This delicate balance between fostering artistic talent and running a profitable business calls for community action. Anyone can support live music by attending shows, participating in venue promotions, and spreading the word. Every ticket purchased or meal ordered during a performance doesn’t only contributes to a vibrant ecosystem that benefits artists and businesses. It also feeds the soul of anyone who participates in the experience. Live music is a critical element to a thriving community.

A Future of Harmony

As Seattle continues to evolve, our hope is that both new and established venues find innovative ways to sustain and expand their live music offerings. Support from the community is what makes the difference, transforming financial burdens into investments in cultural enrichment. Let’s not allow the music to stop where it first began—instead, let it play louder and reach further, echoing through the streets of Seattle.

In a city synonymous with iconic music, supporting live performances is more than preserving a cultural legacy—it’s about creating a thriving future. As we enjoy the rhythms and melodies woven into the fabric of our community, remember that each note played is a step toward sustaining the soul of Seattle. Support local music venues, and keep the music alive for generations to come.

Be good. On purpose.

-Alan