Reside Nation simply introduced its On the Highway Once more program at this time (Sept. 26), which goals to supply assist for rising artists and their crew members on the membership degree and places an finish to merch cuts. Some artists and music trade personnel have since shared their ideas on the brand new initiative on social media.
The On the Highway Once more web site states that artists enjoying at small-scale Reside Nation-owned venues will obtain an additional $1,500 per present in fuel and journey along with their assured compensation for the efficiency. The cash will probably be given to each headlining acts in addition to opening acts. This system additionally asserts that venues will not cost merchandise charges, so the artists will be capable of preserve the entire earnings they earn for promoting their merchandise at exhibits.
“These hardworking artists are impacted essentially the most as tour prices rise and fluctuate. Touring is an important a part of an artist’s livelihood, and we perceive journey prices take one of many greatest bites out of artists’ nightly earnings,” the positioning reads. “By serving to with these core bills, we intention to make it simpler for artists on the street to allow them to preserve performing to their followers in additional cities throughout the nation.”
You possibly can see the total listing of venues collaborating in this system at this location.
Merch cuts have been a highly-discussed music trade subject over the past yr, with bands calling out venues straight on social media for his or her excessive percentages, and others finally protesting the charges by refusing to promote merchandise at their exhibits in any respect. Architects, Unhealthy Omens, Monuments and In Flames are among the many artists who’ve led the struggle in opposition to the follow.
“In the present day is the primary day that Reside Nation has halted merch cuts for smaller venues. It’s actual!! We is not going to be paying out at this time,” Monuments vocalist Andy Cizek wrote on his web page. “Big W, nice job everybody!! Hold making noise till it’s the usual in all places.”
READ MORE: Why Do Venues Take Merch Cuts From Bands? – We Requested Folks Concerned
“Reside Nation simply formally launched a marketing campaign to knock out all their unbiased rivals below the guise of serving to and supporting the smaller touring trade,” wrote Mike Ziemer of Third String Leisure.
Unhealthy Wolves guitarist Doc Coyle, Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta and some different musicians have additionally shared their ideas on this system on social media. See their reactions under.