Stay Nation simply introduced its On the Highway Once more program at present (Sept. 26), which goals to offer assist for rising artists and their crew members on the membership stage and places an finish to merch cuts. Some artists and music trade personnel have since shared their ideas on the brand new initiative on social media.
The On the Highway Once more web site states that artists enjoying at small-scale Stay Nation-owned venues will obtain an additional $1,500 per present in gasoline and journey along with their assured compensation for the efficiency. The cash will probably be given to each headlining acts in addition to opening acts. This system additionally asserts that venues will not cost merchandise charges, so the artists will have the ability to preserve the entire income they earn for promoting their merchandise at reveals.
“These hardworking artists are impacted essentially the most as tour prices rise and fluctuate. Touring is a vital a part of an artist’s livelihood, and we perceive journey prices take one of many greatest bites out of artists’ nightly income,” the location reads. “By serving to with these core bills, we purpose to make it simpler for artists on the street to allow them to preserve performing to their followers in additional cities throughout the nation.”
You may see the total checklist of venues taking part in this system at this location.
Merch cuts have been a highly-discussed music trade matter during the last 12 months, with bands calling out venues straight on social media for his or her excessive percentages, and others in the end protesting the charges by refusing to promote merchandise at their reveals in any respect. Architects, Dangerous Omens, Monuments and In Flames are among the many artists who’ve led the battle in opposition to the apply.
“In the present day is the primary day that Stay Nation has halted merch cuts for smaller venues. It’s actual!! We is not going to be paying out at present,” Monuments vocalist Andy Cizek wrote on his web page. “Big W, nice job everybody!! Preserve making noise till it’s the usual in all places.”
READ MORE: Why Do Venues Take Merch Cuts From Bands? – We Requested Individuals Concerned
“Stay Nation simply formally launched a marketing campaign to knock out all their impartial rivals below the guise of serving to and supporting the smaller touring trade,” wrote Mike Ziemer of Third String Leisure.
Dangerous Wolves guitarist Doc Coyle, Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta and some different musicians have additionally shared their ideas on this system on social media. See their reactions beneath.