Unpacking the Debate on Sault's Sold-Out Concert and the Value of Artists
This is an opinion post about artists. Institutions and their financial gains from artists which leave them with limited financial benefits is a discussion reserved for a separate blog post if I can ever be bothered to write it.
While swaying to the soulful rhythms of Wildfire by Sault, I feel compelled to first express gratitude to the band for the musical journey they've taken us on over the past 4 years. They’ve given us uplifting music, that got us through the tough times - remember when Untitled (Black Is) came out in June 2020?
On a Monday, whilst tens of thousands of feet in the air, and connected, having shamelessly paid for in-flight wifi, I found myself scrolling through messages buzzing with both excitement and disappointment. Sault's highly anticipated tickets for their FIRST EVER live performance, to be held at Drumsheds had sold out rapidly, leaving fans disheartened not just by the speed of the sell-out but also by the unexpected £99 ticket price. Social media became a sounding board for discontent, with fans expressing frustration and questioning the affordability of such an event.
Amidst the uproar, mainly on X (surprise surprise), a broader conversation emerged about an artist's worth and the factors influencing ticket prices. Sault comprises multiple band members, and putting on a live gig is EXPENSIVE. Costs to be considered are equipment hire, security, transportation (of people and gear), venue staffing, technicians of all kinds from lighting to sound, documentation crew, insurance, administration, and catering amongst a long list of other expenses. Also, does the band not deserve to be paid well? Who knows if a rather costly spectacle has been invested in by the band? These are aspects that often escape notice in the midst of debates such as this.
The band have gifted us with 10 albums in 4 years—an impressive feat that highlights their dedication to artistic expression. It's crucial to recognise that behind the scenes, artists invest time, energy, and resources into their craft. As fans, we benefit from their creativity, but it's essential to acknowledge the financial commitments that sustain such prolific output.
In the arts ecosystem, artists are the driving force, without whom there would be no art. Many artists dedicate years to training, and rehearsing, and often engage through unpaid labour to reach where they are. Some willingly take pay cuts for the love of their craft, only to still face unwarranted accusations of greed.
I don’t work in the music industry, but know people who do as promoters, organisers and independent singers, and who put in so much work with high overheads and for very little profit. I get that there are financial risks that come with putting on a live concert, and the unpaid labour that comes with it. The driving force is usually the labour of love. But that doesn’t always pay the bills, and so living costs are supplemented through other means of income, sometimes completely away from the music. I have grappled with a sense of guilt when artists (in the visual and performing arts) haven't been fairly compensated. Working primarily in the public sector, I've faced budget limitations that can be disheartening when compared to other sectors, and in my journey, I've been learning to do better and make fair pay a priority, even if it means limiting programme activity to ensure artists receive their due compensation, especially as most of what I work on is not for profit - actually, free of charge for audiences.
Artists contribute not just their talent but their time, energy, and passion, and it's only fair that we acknowledge and support them, even if it means sometimes paying a higher price for a ticket if we want to experience the art and have the financial means to do so. If we can’t that’s fine. I am all for accessibility, and many of us will still have direct access to their artistry in other ways for no additional cost which is a gift in itself. I am in no way denying that £99 is a lot of money for most people, however, I am certain that the band have their reasons that in due course will justify the ticket prices.
Also, the gig is sold out, so 🤷🏾♀️
BIG UP to Sault - wishing them all the best for tonight, and to all who were fortunate to get tickets to the show - ENJOY! May this live performance be a celebration of artistry, a testament to the value of such special musicians, and a night filled with delight.