Musicians address the financial challenge of livestreaming

A research project is investigating how musicians can monetise live streamed concerts as an additional income source, to plug the earnings gap created due to Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

It will identify the barriers musicians can face as they attempt the challenging task of reimagining relationships with audiences online, without the atmosphere of a live concert.

Led by  Middlesex University and King’s College London, with project partners including the Musicians’ Union, the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the Music Venue Trust, and jazz promoter Serious, the project will culminate with a report offering guidelines on all aspects of  livestreaming concerts.

A survey aimed at both musicians and concert goers is investigating participants’ experiences and expectations of livestreamed concerts. Middlesex lecturer and jazz pianist Sam Leak describes the internet as “the Wild West when it comes to monetizing music”. He hopes the project will provide the facts and figures musicians need to operate in this “new and potentially intimidating performance format."

The research is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council as part of UK Research and Innovation's rapid response to Covid-19. www.livestreamingmusic.uk