Music Industry

Canadian musicians continue to struggle with no gigs in sight

Music Canada, the organization that lobbies for music labels in this country, commissioned a new study on how Canadian musicians are managing during the coronavirus pandemic. Abacus Data returned the following:

  • In a normal year, the average Canadian musician would have about 96 gigs in a year. Each performance helps support 11.15 other people (band members, roadies, etc.)
  • Normally, a Canadian musician would have 87 gigs remaining this year. In 2020, the number is eight.
  • More than half the respondents in this survey say they have ZERO concerts scheduled for the remainder of 2020.
  • 85% say that without being able to play live, they’re going to struggle to pay the bills.
  • The majority are worried about all the health risks associated with COVID-19. Despite wanting and needing to play, most just don’t want to take a chance of getting sick.
  • 78% say that anxiety caused by the pandemic has negatively effected their creativity and productivity.
  • Canadian musicians are willing to go digital, but they’re having issues adapting to the digital experience.
  • Until there’s a treatment or a vaccine, things aren’t going to get much better.

For the full report, go here.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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