Majority of Musicians Say Being Independent Is Tougher Than Ever: Survey

As the music industry continues to evolve, the road to success for independent artists seems to be getting even steeper. 

A new report published by Right Chord Music and Musosoup, “The Musician’s Census 2024,” highlights a series of hurdles that make navigating the path of an independent musician more difficult than ever.

The Musician’s Census is one of the most in-depth surveys of grassroots musicians. The global study gathered responses from 300 independent artists across 64 countries, and the trends that emerge paint a stark picture of an industry where getting paid, being heard and building a fanbase are becoming monumental tasks for musicians trying to stay financially afloat.

One of the most alarming revelations of the data centers on payment. Nearly two-thirds of respondents admitted they aren’t fully aware if they are receiving the full extent of what they are owed, nor are they certain they aren’t. It’s a baffling reality that leaves musicians questioning how they can sustain their careers when financial transparency is often elusive.

Another overwhelming challenge, the report suggests, is the sheer difficulty of gaining exposure. A staggering 54% of musicians said getting their music heard is their biggest hurdle. Market over-saturation was cited as a one major factor, with the constant flood of new releases making it nearly impossible to stand out along with the proliferation of AI-generated music.

Ultimately, 68% of respondents agreed that the path of an independent musician is “tougher than ever,” underscoring the mounting obstacles in the bedrock of today’s music industry. You can read and download the full report here.