Musician Pricing & Undercutting

The Cost of Undervaluing Live Music: Why Undercutting Needs to Stop

For 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of playing live music at gigs, weddings, and events. It’s been a rewarding journey, but there’s a troubling trend that has persisted throughout my career—the stagnation of gig pay. I played in bands for the first 10 years, but twenty years ago when I began playing solo, I was earning the same amount per gig as I do today, in 2025. Adjusted for inflation and the rising cost of living, this effectively means I’m earning less now than I was decades ago. It’s a story many musicians can relate to, and a big part of the problem lies in undercutting.

Undercutting, where musicians lower their rates to secure work, might seem like a quick way to get gigs, but it’s a damaging practice with long-term consequences for the entire industry. In this post, I’ll explain why undercutting is harmful and explore possible solutions to ensure fair pay and sustainability for live musicians.

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The Problem with Undercutting

1. Devalues the Craft

Live music is not just entertainment; it’s an art form. When musicians consistently charge less than what their time, skill, and experience are worth, it sends a message that live music is a cheap commodity rather than a professional service. This perception can lead clients to undervalue all musicians, not just those offering bargain rates.

2. Stagnates Pay Across the Industry

When some musicians undercut, venues and clients start expecting lower rates from everyone. This creates a race to the bottom, where even seasoned professionals are pressured to match unsustainable prices to remain competitive. Over time, this stagnation affects everyone in the industry.

3. Erodes Professional Standards

Low rates often mean musicians can’t afford to invest in high-quality equipment, marketing, or even the time needed to rehearse properly. The result is lower-quality performances, which can harm the reputation of live music as a whole.

4. Strains Community Relationships

Undercutting breeds competition where there should be collaboration. Instead of fostering a supportive community of musicians, it creates tension and mistrust. This isolation ultimately weakens the industry’s ability to advocate for better pay and conditions collectively.

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Why Fair Pay Matters

The reality is that costs have risen dramatically over the last few decades. Equipment, fuel, accommodation, and even the basic cost of living have all increased. Meanwhile, many of us are still being offered the same pay for gigs as we were 20 years ago. Without fair pay, it becomes increasingly difficult for musicians to sustain their careers, let alone thrive.

When musicians are paid fairly, everyone benefits:

• Clients get high-quality performances from dedicated professionals.
• Venues attract more patrons because of the elevated experience.
• Musicians can continue to provide exceptional music without burning out or leaving the industry altogether.

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How Do We Stop It?

Addressing undercutting requires a shift in how we, as musicians, communicate and work together. Here are some steps we can take to create a more sustainable and supportive industry:

1. Open Communication Between Musicians

Musicians need to talk to each other about rates and expectations. Transparency can help establish a baseline for fair pay in different regions and gig types. For example, forming local musician groups or forums where performers can share insights about fair pricing can prevent lowball offers from becoming the norm.

2. Educate Clients About Value

Many clients don’t understand the time, effort, and costs involved in live music. Take the time to educate them about what goes into your performance, from rehearsals to travel and equipment maintenance. When clients see the full picture, they’re often willing to pay more for quality.

3. Support a Unified Pricing Standard

Consider creating a standard rate card for your area. This doesn’t have to be a rigid structure but rather a guideline that outlines fair minimum rates for different types of gigs. Sharing this with other musicians and even venues can set a precedent for fair pay.

4. Collaborate Instead of Compete

Rather than undercutting to secure gigs, work collaboratively with other musicians. If you’re unable to take a gig, refer it to someone else—but ensure they’re charging a fair rate. This fosters goodwill and keeps pricing consistent across the community.

5. Advocate for the Industry

Join or form local musician’s unions or associations that can advocate for fair pay. Collective bargaining and advocacy can help establish industry standards and push back against venues or clients that consistently undervalue musicians.

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Moving Forward Together

The problem of stagnant gig pay and undercutting won’t disappear overnight, but change is possible if we work together. By fostering open communication, educating clients, and setting fair pricing standards, we can create a sustainable future for live music.

Undercutting might seem like an easy way to get ahead in the short term, but it ultimately weakens the entire industry. When musicians support each other and advocate for their worth, everyone wins—musicians, venues, and, most importantly, the audiences who get to experience the magic of live music.

Let’s commit to valuing our craft and each other. Together, we can build a thriving, collaborative community that ensures live music remains a vital and respected part of our culture.