Coachella Economics: The Price of Exposure for Indie Bands
The economics behind playing Coachella reveal the harsh realities faced by emerging indie bands. While the allure of exposure and potential stardom beckons, the costs can be crippling.
Key Insights:
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Performance Costs: Bands may receive $15,000 for a slot but incur up to $145,000 in total expenses, including:
- Radius clause: Prohibiting shows within 1,200 miles, limiting income opportunities.
- Marketing: Must invest a minimum of $50,000 to promote their appearance.
- Production expenses: Custom setups can cost an additional $30,000.
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Opportunity Costs: Bands often forgo lucrative tours, which can net over $80,000, for fleeting viral moments.
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The “Coachella bump”: While some artists enjoy substantial gains, many are left deeper in debt—needing to chase bookings aggressively just to break even.
The Bigger Picture
As we navigate the complexities of the music industry, the struggle for fair compensation and visibility persists. The evolving landscape emphasizes the need for artists to tread carefully, balancing dreams of exposure against financial viability.
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