The average lifespan of an underground artist today
 

I was just wondering if anyone knows what the average lifespan is of an underground artist today in the era of downloading.

When I was growing up, an indie or underground artist could make a decent living as a musician, largely in part to merchandise and album sales.

From what I understand today, with all the free downloading, is that young underground artists are forced to constantly be on tour in order to turn a profit, because they hardly make anything from downloads.

As consequence, I've been told that a lot of them burn themselves out fast because your only way of making money now is being out on the road. Can't be good for your body or ears.

Anyone know the new lifespan, thoughts?

I'm an underground artist who has made 10+ albums and has made a total of 0$ from those albums

:O

Ok that's cool, but I'm specifically talking about underground artists who are trying to survive primarily off their work as musicians.

(For instance, how long do people think that a band like Death Grips will hold out for? As long as Killing Joke? Skinny Puppy? Has the lifespan of bands that go against the mainstream been shortened?)

Sounds like we're doing them a favor. I doubt Killing Joke make enough money to ever retire with, so unless they can keep going till they drop dead, eventually they're going to be screwed.

I'd say about 24 seconds.

I suppose that is one way of looking at it, but I guess I see it as a loss of great artists, I'd at least like underground bands to last a good 8 years.

I think this is particularly relevant to metal bands these days, metalcore aside, it's pretty much become an underground genre.

Thus is a band like Toxic Holocaust still going? and if so, how long do you think they can hold out before they get sick of touring & being perpetually broke?

I am severely doubting "underground" artists made more bank than underground artists now.

I can't imagine that the music industry is particularly kind or rewarding to the "underground" artists. But I'm not sure that the now is any different from then in regards to the sustainability of these artists. Music has always been harsh on the independents, and I imagine it will remain the same into the future.

Bands that were on SST, Touch and Go, Alternative Tentacles, etc were living the dream. At least compared to my ****ty life.

Today, you can put your music online so if you're worth listening to you should be able to get people out to your shows. There's a lot of competition in every niche these days because everyone is up against everyone online. There are lots of teenagers whose favorite artists are just people who sing along with records on YouTube or do a capella versions of classic songs. Like some 14 year old singing an Al Green cover or whatever. People who can't make a living at it still get relatively incredible exposure. I used to play in bands. I never made money but when I got to the point where bars started giving our band drinks on the house I thought it was amazing. I'm getting drunk for free just for playing music! That guy from the Meat Puppets says he couldn't believe he didn't have to work a day job for years especially since their music was obviously mediocre after Meat Puppets 2. I also remember getting to chat with a member of Napalm Death after a show and he wasn't complaining he was like saying touring America was amazing and was describing the different clubs in different cities. I don't feel sorry for anyone who plays music and enjoys any success at all. I'm just thankful I have easy access to whatever I want to listen to. The musicians should feel the same way. I don't want to hear boohoo I'm broke. So what? I'm broke too bitch.

Are music careers more short lived or burn outs even quicker? Nah. Musicians burning out and dying young is as old as music itself.

"God help the troubadour who tries to be a star"

A lot of hiphop artists I know have been on the grind for over 10 years and slowly gaining recognition. I know others who completely fell off. Idk enough about the industry to understand what happens, but based on interviews it seems like you either through all your money on the line and hope to get some recognition or you fall flat on your ass.