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Navigating The Challenges in Today’s Music Industry

March 2025

This article is related to a recently completed custom research project conducted on behalf of an ABA member. Our research team is always delighted to speak with members about tailoring research projects to your organization. To learn more or submit a custom research request, simply contact your member advisor or email us at info@advisoryarts.com.

An ABA member wanted to understand the current challenges in today’s music industry and how small and independent venues are addressing them. To answer this, ABA conducted in-depth secondary research and interviewed four organizations and individuals actively and creatively working on solving these challenges.

The study findings include:

  • Rising Costs and Changing Consumer Behavior Threaten Small/Independent Venues and Artists: Soaring rent, staffing expenses, touring costs, and other financial pressures are making it increasingly difficult for independent venues and artists to survive. Additionally, economic uncertainty has led consumers to attend fewer events, prioritizing high-profile shows over smaller, independent performances.

  • The Influence of Vertically Integrated Entertainment Companies Is Difficult to Measure: While the largest entertainment companies face scrutiny for anti-competitive practices, their true impact on the industry is challenging to isolate from broader economic factors such as inflation and rising energy costs.

  • Organized Efforts Are Emerging to Counter These Challenges: Nonprofits, charities, and artists are advocating for independent venues, musicians, and promoters. Rather than attempting to block major entertainment companies, these groups focus on collaboration, negotiation, and policy advocacy to sustain the music ecosystem.

  • Strengthening Independent Music Through Policy and Advocacy: Industry advocates are working within political and economic systems to secure policies that support independent artists and venues. While competition is inevitable, thoughtful policies can help create a more balanced landscape where independent music can thrive.

The full report is available to ABA members by clicking below.