Moving on from grass roots culture, I thought I would end this year’s writing by looking at musicians and money, especially at this time of year when everyone is overspending!
Let’s be honest: the idea of “making it” as a musician is often more fantasy than reality for many. It is really a game of luck to a certain extent. Or at least right time, right place (although I do believe we can maximise our chances). While we all love the stories of rags-to-riches rock stars or overnight viral sensations, the truth is, most musicians are hustling constantly just to get by. And that constant hustle or financial struggle places a massive burden on mental health (Spotify, live Nation... cough cough). I’ve been lucky at times to make a living out music and other times less so.
Being a musician is one of the most financially unstable careers out there. Gigs get cancelled, album sales barely make a dent (thanks to streaming services), and the money from that packed-out show? In some cases, most of it goes toward venue costs, travel, or paying the band. What’s left is often not enough to cover basic living expenses. Many of us end up piecing together our incomes from teaching, side jobs, or session work, which can create an endless juggling act. This uncertainty about when (or if) the next wedge will come, leads to constant stress, anxiety and at times a sense of hopelessness.
Financial insecurity can make us question our worth. Society often measures success by how much money you make, and for musicians, who already operate in a field where validation can feel fleeting and nebulous this can hit doubly hard. Imagine pouring your soul into an album or performance only to find that it barely pays enough to cover rent or buy lunch. It’s not just a financial blow; it’s an emotional one.
Then there’s the grind of trying to “make it” in a world that often undervalues art. Streaming platforms like Spotify pay artists literal fractions of a penny per stream. Think about that: you could have thousands of people listening to your music and still struggle. Touring, once a reliable source of income, is now more expensive than ever, with rising costs for fuel, accommodation, and even visas for international gigs. The result? Us musicians are often left running on empty - financially and emotionally.
This financial precarity also impacts basic self-care that others can take for granted. Therapy, mental health resources, gym memberships, or even just taking a break - these things often feel out of reach when every penny has to be accounted for. Self-care might mean choosing between buying new strings for a guitar, putting he heating on or eating.
And let’s not forget the stigma... There’s still this pervasive, age old, cliched myth that musicians should struggle for our art, that financial hardship somehow validates our dedication. That’s nonsense. Constant stress and burnout don’t make anyone more creative; it just wears people down and promotes burnout.
Ultimately, the financial challenges musicians face aren’t just about money - they’re about everything tied to it: self-esteem, security, and the ability to live a healthy, balanced life. Addressing these issues means creating a culture that values art for more than just entertainment and ensures artists are fairly compensated for their work.
So, the next time you’re streaming your favourite artist or buying concert tickets, remember this: behind that music is someone who’s likely fighting battles you can’t see. Supporting musicians isn’t just about enjoying their art - it’s about recognising their humanity too. Recognising the blood, sweat and tears that goes into the daily living of musicking. Yes mental health is often about our internal processes but let’s forget the social aspect of it, the lack of opportunity, the grass roots scene getting swallowed up by the big boys (see last week’s blog), the digital streaming services rinsing profits. On that note, it's a tough time of year for some so go easy!
Christmas is often painted as the most wonderful time of the year - twinkling lights, festive music, gift-giving, and time spent with loved ones. But behind the cheerful façade, it can also be one of the most emotionally challenging times for many people. The combination of financial stress, social pressure, family tensions, and the weight of expectations can take a serious toll on mental health.
If you’re struggling, then don’t forget the resources offered by Tonic Music through the Tonic Rider programme offering groups, courses or therapy, there is support out there even if it feels bleak. It passes!
Adam Ficek hosts a monthly show 'Tonic Music' on Totally Wired Radio, where he talks to various guests about music and mental health. You can listen again to any of the previous show on the Tonic Music Mixcloud page.
