How to save money as an Artist
Being a performing artist can be expensive, here are some useful tips to help you save money as a musician.
It’s no secret, that many artists are struggling financially, with rising costs of touring and fewer opportunities being made available. This makes it even more difficult for musicians to earn a living. If you are an artist seeking to reduce expenses and make the most of your resources, here are some practical tips to help you save money without sacrificing your art.
Distribute your music for free
Most music distributors charge fees to upload your tracks to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon. However, RouteNote, offers free music distribution. This is a great way to save some money when making sure your music is available on all major platforms. By exploring alternatives that allow you to distribute without monthly fees or expensive contracts you can cut your distribution costs dramatically.
Carpool
Traveling can be a huge expense for artists and musicians and can get especially expensive if you’re touring regularly or performing in different cities that are further away If you’re in a band or playing with other artists at the same gig, try carpooling to split the cost of fuel. This can significantly reduce your travel expenses over time. Plus, it’s eco-friendly!
Streamline your merchandise
You don’t need to sell every type of merchandise under the sun. Focus on items that your fans are most likely to buy, like T-shirts or vinyl. Once you know what’s popular, shop around for the best deals. If you are selling shirts, try contacting local screen printers, as smaller businesses often have promotions or discounts, especially if you’re ordering in bulk. Being selective with your merch helps you avoid overstock and wasted investment.
Save money on sponsored ads
Sponsored ads and posts can be a powerful tool for artists, but they’re most effective in the first few days. After that, their impact tends to drop off quickly. Make sure you’re not wasting money by letting ads run longer than necessary. Set a clear budget and time limit for each campaign, and consider rotating different ads with new content every few days to keep your content fresh and engaging.
Reduce studio costs
Studio time can be one of the biggest expenses for musicians, but there are ways to try and reduce the cost.
- Plan ahead: Before heading to the studio, create a clear schedule outlining what needs to be recorded and how long it should take. Sticking to a plan helps you stay on time and within budget.
- Practice beforehand: Being well-rehearsed will save you both time and money. Make sure everyone knows their parts inside and out before the session to avoid wasting time (and money) on unnecessary retakes.
- Discuss pricing upfront: Agree on a price with your recording engineer before the session starts to avoid hidden fees or extra charges. Many studios offer package deals, so make sure to ask.
Meal prep
Touring is also an expense for musicians, especially if you’re constantly eating out. Save money by meal prepping ahead of time. Bring a cooler with sandwiches, pre-cooked pasta, or other easy-to-pack meals. A little planning can cut your food costs down significantly. Not only does this save money, but it also saves time between shows.
Buy secondhand or borrow gear
If you need new equipment, consider buying secondhand or borrowing from fellow musicians. Sometimes if you are lucky you can find communities of local artists who are willing to lend gear for short-term use. Buying used equipment can save you a ton of money. If you’re in need of an amp or other piece of gear for one specific show, ask around before making a needless purchase.
By cutting unnecessary expenses and being resourceful, you can significantly lower your costs and make the most of your budget as an artist. Implementing these strategies will allow you to focus on creating and performing without the added financial stress.