In a recent interview with Canada’s Q with Tom Power, Gavin Rossdale said he worries about young rockers struggling financially.
“I’ve been a musician my whole life, and I’m at a loss to explain to someone how to do it, how to build from the ground up, how to get a career in that,” the Bush frontman mentioned his concerns about the modern music industry. “It’s just terrifying because how do musicians, how do young bands get paid? I can’t work it out.”
Rossdale also said the music industry still favors record labels over artists. He noted that streaming brings exposure but not always money. While touring helps, it takes time to build a fan base. He also talked about how making it was easier in the ’90s with CD sales and MTV.
“I think it’s much, much harder now, and it was nearly impossible then. So, I don’t know what the odds are, but they don’t feel good for young musicians, which breaks my heart for them because we always need music,” the singer explained.
Apocalyptica’s Paavo Lötjönen also agrees with Rossdale. He talked about today’s music scene and the struggles of new bands last year. When asked if social media and streaming make it easier for new bands, he explained, “No, not really. I would say I’m really sad for the newcomer bands.”
“It’s so difficult to start touring and get some money for touring. We are lucky we’ve done it already in the past. To make this as a profession, it’s difficult… And people [have] kind of learned to get everything for free, and that’s a bit tricky if you really would like to create proper shows and live with this, ’cause many bands, newcomer bands, they are doing other jobs on the side and they can’t concentrate [on] playing and creating music. Only lucky ones,” he added.
Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme also previously said it’s harder than ever for young bands to tour and make a living. He noted that being in a band isn’t about money or fame—it has to be for the love of music.
