MusicFreaks

Tag: Gig economy

  • Beyond The Music 2026: Andy Burnham & Steve Coogan Among First Speakers at Conference

    Beyond The Music: Where Culture, Politics, and Creativity Collide in Manchester

    Get ready for an event that promises to rewire how we think about the future of art, entertainment, and policy. Beyond The Music is set to bring together industry leaders, cultural activists, and political figures in Salford, Greater Manchester, from October 6th to 9th.

    This isn’t just a festival; it’s a crucible where the high-stakes world of politics meets the vibrant energy of music culture. The gathering is anchored by an extraordinary lineup of speakers, including U.K.’s prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham, who will host the Global All Content AI Summit. This event will serve as a crucial day for policymaking debate, focusing on how to navigate the complex landscape of the music and creative industries.

    Burnham, known for his history as Manchester’s former mayor and his ambition to lead the Labour party, brings a unique perspective to the table. He will delve into the economic and creative challenges facing the sector, setting the stage for critical conversations about growth, ownership, and sustainable practice in the arts.

    The event kicks off with a dose of cultural nostalgia, featuring a special 24th-anniversary screening of the cult classic 24 Hour Party People. This cinematic treat will be paired with an exclusive keynote conversation between the film’s star, Steve Coogan, and director Michael Winterbottom, offering a deep dive into the history of Factory Records and its influential Manchester-formed acts like Joy Division and New Order.

    Beyond the retrospective, Beyond The Music is packed with forward-thinking panels designed to tackle pressing industry issues. Attendees will explore challenging topics such as The Art of Resistance: Creator Industry Activists Assemble, which addresses the urgent need for ethical new right-holder models within the creative system. Another essential discussion, The Music Industry Is for Sale — But Who Is Buying?, will dissect the current trends in intellectual property and catalogue acquisitions and their impact on artists and fans.

    Furthermore, the event addresses the evolving structure of live entertainment with a panel on The Gig Economy: Recharging The Long-Term Live & Entertainment Ecosystem. This session explores new long-term strategies and sports monetization methods aimed at creating a more sustainable ecosystem for music and performance.

    Adding depth to the discussions are insights from key figures, including Ivors Academy chair Tom Gray, influential DJ Mike Pickering, and the co-founders of Beyond The Music, Sarah Pearson and Oliver Wilson. These voices ensure that the event is not just about policy, but also about the craft and community driving the creative world.

    For those looking to immerse themselves in this convergence of history, innovation, and political vision, tickets and passes for the full experience are available now at here.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Is This Gig Actually Worth It? Here’s How to Tell…

    Landing a gig feels like a victory. But for countless artists in the live touring world, accepting that offer often comes with a sinking feeling that it might be a mistake.

    While there are many factors influencing whether an artist accepts or declines an engagement—from creative alignment to personal schedule—when money is the driving force, clarity is paramount. A beautifully written contract doesn’t automatically translate into a profitable weekend once you factor in travel, lodging, fuel, crew wages, commissions, taxes, and countless other moving expenses. This gap between the guarantee on paper and the actual profit often forces many performers to rely on optimistic estimates when making their call.

    This uncertainty is amplified by the current state of the live touring industry. The costs are relentless: fuel prices, lodging rates, crew wages, equipment transport, and venue expenses have all escalated dramatically. Despite these rising pressures, independent artists continue to face the demand to stay on the road to build audiences and maintain momentum. This creates a frustrating reality for many musicians: being busy does not necessarily mean being profitable.

    Fortunately, a new solution is stepping in to change this dynamic. A platform called GigLogic is emerging as the first “gig intelligence platform” designed specifically to help artists, managers, and entertainment professionals determine the true profitability of a performance opportunity before any contracts are signed.

    Instead of waiting until tour budgets are built after dates are confirmed, GigLogic shifts the focus. It asks the simple yet powerful question: “Is this show worth taking in the first place?”

    Users input the details of a potential engagement—including performance fees, travel costs, commissions, and all associated expenses—to generate a clear projection of actual earnings once the gig is over. This tool effectively replaces spreadsheet guesswork with a precise picture of financial viability before any commitment is made.

    This shift is rooted in firsthand experience. Founders Craig A. Meyer and Gary Arbuthnot developed GigLogic after realizing how promising opportunities could quickly turn into disappointing paydays once every expense was properly accounted for. They understood that many existing software tools focus on organizing schedules or managing accounting after the show, but they miss the critical financial decision that must happen before anything else.

    As independent artists increasingly operate as their own managers, accountants, and business strategists, financial literacy is no longer a secondary skill—it is just as vital as creative talent. This intelligent tool provides the clarity needed for modern creative indiepreneurs to make informed decisions, ensuring that their time and investment lead to genuine success.

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    Credit: Hypebot