More than a third of Australian independent music acts have been impacted by event postponements over the last year, according to a new survey.
Some 37.1% of acts have had shows cancelled or postponed over the last 12 months according to the SoundCheck annual report from GyroStream, the digital music distribution and artist services company. 2024 saw a number of festivals postponed or cancelled due to rising operational costs, poor ticket sales and the lasting financial impact of the pandemic. Splendour in the Grass was among the major casualties.
Over the last 12 months, there was a significant rise in the number of acts who only played non-ticketed shows. The figure went up from 24.7% in 2023 to 36.3%.
Just 19% of artists consider that their music career is sufficient to support them financially. As budgets tighten, artists are finding new ways to make an impact, with 43% of respondents identifying content creation, such as social media posts, as their most powerful promotional tool. Some 40% are now leveraging AI to enhance their career and artistry, which was up by 13 percentage points compared to 2023.
The SoundCheck report raised concerns about the rising number of acts who did not play at all during the reporting period. It suggested this could be because of barriers to entry in the sector. However, more acts are searching for assistance, with 48.5% applying for grants compared to 32.8% in 2023.
The SoundCheck report, first conducted in 2021, captures a snapshot of today’s music landscape in Australia and New Zealand. It explores how independent artists are releasing music, promoting themselves, engaging with AI, and adapting to live performance challenges.
GyroStream said: “Despite the many roles they juggle, an impressive 63.8% of indie artists prefer to stay independent. Maintaining creative control and the ability to drive their own careers outweigh the challenges artists face. Yet, this passion for independence doesn’t come without its hurdles.”
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