New Survey Reveals Most Working Musicians Not Adversely Affected by the Economy

Last month I ran an online survey to find out how the weak global economy has affected working independent musicians. The results may surprise you.

I wanted to know how musicians were faring, compared to one year ago, in four areas:

• Online music sales
• Live show music and merchandise sales
• The number of live bookings and performances
• Sideline music income (giving lessons, running sound, etc.)
  

Respondants had six choices for answers:

• Much lower
• A little lower
• About the same
• Up a little
• Much higher
• Doesn't apply to me
  

342 people responded. What were the results?

Well, contrary to what most people probably assume, half or more of the working musicians who took the survey have NOT been hurt by the economy.

Online music sales got the most positive results, with 55% of respondants reporting about the same or higher numbers compared to last year.

Live performances seem to have suffered the most, with 38% saying they are worse off than last year. But even in this category, 50% reported about the same or higher.

You can see a more complete overview of the responses in this two-page 2009 Music and the Economy Survey PDF file.

But here are some of the music survey highlights:

Online music sales:
41% about the same
14% higher
25% lower
55% have not been hurt by the economy (*report about the same or higher)

Live show music and merchandise sales:
34% about the same
16% higher
32% lower
50% have not been hurt by the economy *

Number of live shows booked and played:
25% about the same
25% higher
38% lower
50% have not been hurt by the economy *

Sideline music income:
34% about the same
17% higher
23% lower
51% have not been hurt by the economy *

Again, you can download this two-page 2009 Music and the Economy Survey PDF file to see a more detailed listing of results.

-Bob

Check out Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook, the classic guide to indie music promotion. Now revised and updated, with four new chapters on Internet and Web 2.0 music marketing.