Mic Drop

Abstract

This paper finds that musicians have more variable work schedules than comparable gig occupations and they are typically more disadvantaged in finding suitable employment opportunities. They are more likely to be self-employed and face the challenges that come with that status, and typically have less financial freedom. They also often work part-time due to the nature of the profession or take on multiple jobs to financially sustain themselves and their families financially. The pandemic has caused already-low hours for musicians to decrease further, still not fully recovering due to all live events being canceled, without the same ability to work remotely as similar gig occupations. These economic detriments have been accumulating for years as a result of the unstable music industry and the effects have multiplied after the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving musicians searching for a way forward within a broken system.