In the era of AI and corporate giants like Live Nation and Spotify reshaping the industry, Minnesota performers are campaigning to win state investments that keep local music alive.
From Prince to Hippo Campus, local music makes our state great and fills our favorite venues. But right now, local music is on the verge of going extinct. It’s becoming financially untenable for most musicians to record new music or go on tour. Like any small business, our bands can’t keep going if we keep losing money.
Our survey of musicians from across the state shows the urgency of the crisis:
Nearly60%
have said they considered quitting music in the past year due to financial challenges
Over95%
said touring would not be economically viable for a band like theirs within 5 years if the industry stays on its current course
Over85%
said recording new music would not be economically viable
The local venues we love are disappearing – despite the crucial role they play in our communities and economy:
$1.2 billion — the amount Minnesota’s independent live entertainment industry contributed to state GDP in 2024, according to the National Independent Venue Association
17,500 jobs — the number of jobs supported in 2024
Only 36% — the percentage of local venues that were profitable that year due to inflation, anti-competitive practices, and predatory resale
Minnesota United Performers is organizing to win public investment to make sure performers can continue to perform locally, tour in Minnesota and beyond, and record new music.
FAQ
This is super cool. How do we actually make it happen?
We’ve got to start by setting up the conditions to win.
Performers, sign our pledge to share your story and get in formation to act together.
Everyone, grab your tickets to a MN Needs Music show this fall to be part of our campaign, and sign up to canvass key districts in competitive races in MN. To make this campaign possible, we need leaders at the state level who are ready to listen – and even organize alongside us to win.
What exactly is the campaign trying to win?
We’re calling for new economic incentives that ensure Minnesota artists can afford to record new music and to tour, and that allow our great venues to keep hosting the smaller shows at the heart of our music scene. We’re working on state legislation and will share more details soon!
Do other places have economic incentive programs for local music?
Yes. Texas financially supports small live music venues statewide. Memphis and Tulsa generate tourism to their cities by funding local bands to tour out of town. Our neighbors in Canada subsidize musicians to release music, tour and more. Minnesota can be a leader in creating a comprehensive state-based model that works for our great music scene.
What kind of money does it take to be a local musician?
What you see on stage is just a glimpse of everything musicians do. It takes time and resources to put on a great show or write and record a hit.
Why should we care about local music?
Minnesota music creates joy and community – and right now, those things are more important than ever. Local music keeps our beloved venues alive and drives investment to our neighborhoods. When musicians tour and record – in Minnesota and beyond – that drives tourism to our state.
