[darpa_escapee]

> it seems clear to me that from a macro economic perspective, the only scarce things a musician can provide are (a) experiences and (b) physical goods

As someone who is close to people in the industry: this is very true.

If you aren't a top act, money is made through merchandise and gigs like writing and recording music for video content, events like weddings and if you're lucky enough to get your act to the point that businesses will pay you to play at their venue, shows and touring.

There are businesses who approach musicians with the 'free shows at our venue for exposure' or 'perform at our venue and possibly collect on ticket sales' angle. Inexperienced or desperate acts will fall for these.

> Is anyone here that is more knowledgeable about the industry able to comment on what tech-enabled avenues exist (or may come into existence in the short term future) for younger musicians to make a living

By necessity, musicians need to look at these tech platforms not as sources of revenue, but as marketing platforms.

[jv22222]

> By necessity, musicians need to look at these tech platforms ... as marketing platforms.

Yes, that's exactly the way to look at it.

But, even to get noticed on those platforms you'll need to do marketing. So, now there's two layers of marketing!

[gomox]

Thanks for your input. One takeaway from talking to my friends is that the "play for free for exposure" also happens at some very high profile venues that I wouldn't have guessed did that kind of thing.