SD's indie music venues fuel state economy, local artists
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California's independent music venues contributed nearly $11 billion to the state's economy in 2024, according to a first-of-its-kind report released this week.
Why it matters: The report was produced by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) to inform policymakers and music industry stakeholders about the importance of independent venues.
Yes, but: Its findings weren't all cause for a standing ovation.
- In 2024, 69% of California's independent stages were not profitable.
The big picture: It's a gritty time for indie music venues, which NIVA categorizes as those not owned by a multinational corporation or a publicly traded company.
- The live music industry is dominated by corporate giants like Live Nation and AEG.
- Independent venues in major cities are also facing escalating real estate costs and inflation.
Zoom in: San Diego's independent venues like Belly Up, Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay and Casbah have been driving San Diego's live music scene for decades.
- They "stayed presenting live music in a quality setting when the corporate world wasn't that interested," Belly Up president Chris Goldsmith previously told Axios.
- And now, the storied music club that's hosted legendary performances for 50 years is growing by booking more shows at other venues in town.
Between the lines: Exposure at local venues like Music Box and Soda Bar can also help propel local artists' careers and foster a loyal fanbase.
- San Diego-based soul trio Thee Sacred Souls was selling out small clubs before their quick rise to global fame.
- And Blink-182 didn't start out playing arenas.
What they're saying: "It's important to have a place for bands to nurture their craft, write songs and try them in front of people," Kevin Hellman, San Diego Music Awards producer, told Axios.
- "The night club Brick by Brick was named for that exact reason," he said.
By the numbers: According to NIVA's report, which tracked data in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., independent venues generated $86 billion to the U.S. GDP and $153.1 billion in total economic output in 2024.
- They also supported 907,000 jobs and paid over $51.7 billion in wages and benefits.
- In California, they generate $18 billion in total economic output and the spending created $829 million in state and local tax revenue.
What's next: Building on its success lobbying Congress for safety net funding, NIVA wants policymakers to use the data as motivation to back policies that preserve music venues.