Minneapolis music gigs pay less than in other cities, survey shows
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A show at downtown Minneapolis' Fine Line Music Cafe in 2011. Photo: Marlin Levison/Star Tribune via Getty Images
The average musician is paid a lot less per gig in Minneapolis than in peer cities, according to a first-of-its-kind survey funded by the city.
Yes, but: Most of the 2,200 local industry professionals polled plan to keep playing and working here.
Why it matters: "There will be no comeback of Minneapolis without arts," Mayor Jacob Frey told music pros at a Wednesday event unveiling the results.
- A thriving creative scene is good for the economy, research suggests.
By the numbers: Minneapolis' per-gig pay of $231 for local shows was the second-lowest among 17 communities where the Texas-based survey firm ran similar research, including New Orleans and Cleveland.
Between the lines: Survey firm president Don Pitts told Axios that he hasn't calculated national figures yet, but said other cities' gig rates weren't much to brag about, either.
- Nashville's census found musicians earned $333 per local gig. Washington, D.C. was an outlier, with artists earning $446 per show.
What they're saying: Minneapolis' numbers suggest "people aren't really buying tickets, going to shows or drinking," Tanner Montague, co-owner of Uptown's Green Room venue, said during a panel discussion about the results.
- That's because cover charges and bar revenues affect performer pay, he said.
Friction point: The survey showed local artists' top concern was stagnant pay, while venue owners' top concern was the cost of talent.
- "That's a serious paradox that pits us against each other, fighting for scraps," drummer Nadi McGill told attendees.
Zoom in: Most performers surveyed (61%) reported working second jobs because their music income didn't cover their expenses or provide stable benefits.
- Most venue owners (84%) said they want financial incentives like tax discounts for hosting live events — and expressed a desire for a more streamlined city permitting and regulatory process.
Reality check: The survey might not be demographically representative.
- Pitts told attendees the response rate from Minneapolis' Black music pros was lower than they had hoped. Those who did answer were more likely to report facing racism and elitism in the industry.
- Plus: In a renter-majority city, most survey respondents reported owning their own home.
The good news is that solid majorities of respondents — performers, industry workers and venue owners — "definitely" or "probably" plan to remain in Minneapolis' music industry for the next three years.