Dwell Nation’s new On the Highway Once more program goals to pay headliners and assist acts $1500 per present for fuel and journey bills.
The corporate guarantees to disperse “tens of thousands and thousands of {dollars} in additional earnings to membership artists and crew” over the following few months. This comes at a time when inflation and unpredictable attendance have made touring a tougher endeavor for a lot of artists.
The initiative is called after the well-known tune by Willie Nelson who partnered with Dwell Nation to make the announcement.
Who qualifies for Dwell Nation’s tour help?
This system is meant for acts that carry out in 77 taking part Dwell Nation venues. And it’s rolling out alongside an announcement that these identical venues will not maintain a share of the artists’ merch gross sales.
Whereas this can be a incredible program, it’s additionally price placing in context:
On the Highway Once more solely applies to a sure tier of touring musicians booked for specific Dwell Nation venues. Regardless that that listing consists of small to mid-size golf equipment, let’s bear in mind an organization like Dwell Nation could have a unique definition than most for “rising artist.”
Via their lens, a small act might be one that may nonetheless promote a whole bunch of tickets in dozens of cities. That degree of artist could have a workforce, modest tour infrastructure, and a loyal buyer base.
So whereas Dwell Nation’s program will provide significant help to many eligible artists, serving to them make touring extra sustainable, it won’t present reduction for almost all of touring acts at the actual “rising artist” or DIY degree.
I’m not saying this to critique this system. It is sensible Dwell Nation would prolong advantages to venues and acts inside their speedy purview. However there may be usually a disconnect between how these tales get instructed within the music press and the way they really affect musicians.
So in case you’re an artist who must get again on the street, however you don’t know if it’ll be a leap of religion or foolishness, it’s time to return to a few of the essential guidelines for worthwhile touring.
