“Being a musician means cobbling together many different gigs without weekends, sick days, or savings. Costs of living and touring keep rising, yet I continue because music brings people together and restores humanity in a divided world.”

Tomo Nakayama

Musician & Producer

Sources of Income

Sources of Income (2019 vs 2023) — Music share rose from 26.9% to 29.0%, while non-music declined from 63.0% to 60.5%. 2023 shows 1.5% from grants and 9.1% from other sources.

Income and Expenses

Grants & Local Support

Many commercial musicians don’t know where to start when it comes to grants. Programs like Sonic Guild Seattle have proven successful by:

  • Offering paid performance opportunities
  • Providing meaningful grants that help artists record, tour, and grow
  • Building a strong community of supporters

Despite these successes, programs like Sonic Guild face real limits. Without broader investment, many deserving Washington musicians never access the support that could change their careers.

IN ACTION: SONIC GUILD

“Touring independently is a challenge, and this support helps ease the financial strain so we can stay centered on the music and the communities we’re reaching. It allows us to cover essential costs like lodging, backline, and van rentals so we can focus on putting on a impactful show and creating meaningful connections while on tour. It also helps us connect with artists and audiences in vibrant global music hubs like NYC. These relationships are key—not just for inspiration, but for bringing artists back to Seattle to help grow and diversify our local scene, reflecting and supporting our Latinx and immigrant communities. We’re truly grateful for this support.”

Martin Selasco (Terror/Cactus)

Sonic Guild Grant Impact

  • $36,000 In SUPPORT IMPACT
  • 225+ TOUR DATES ACROSS US+EU
  • 100+MUSICIANS ON THE ROAD

The Touring & Exposure Gap

Most bands hit a ceiling beyond regional circuits. National or international touring opportunities are scarce, which limits growth and often pushes artists to relocate to states with stronger music infrastructure (California, New York, Tennessee).

97.8%

Washington State

46.6%

Other State

17.7%

International

Local Venues & Community Impact

Talent buyers emphasize how critical support slots are for local artists:

“No matter what, we are always working with the local community in mind, especially local musicians. They are the lifeblood of what Neumos and Barboza have always been about. While it has become increasingly difficult to add locals as openers on touring shows, it is still something we are constantly pushing for because the value is undeniable. It gives locals a platform to make new fans and connections, it ties in the local community to the touring show, and it usually strengthens ticket sales, promotional efforts, etc.”

Evan Johnson

Talent Buyer, Daydream State

Local Openers Matter

They connect communities, grow audiences, and keep the Seattle live music ecosystem alive.

Building Artist Retention in Washington

Washington artists are facing tremendous pressures to build their careers with limited support from local infrastructure & service businesses (record labels, management companies, booking agencies, etc.) Nearly 40% of local artists are considering leaving Washington to pursue their careers elsewhere. The time to invest in our musicians is now and can look like:
  • Expanding grant funding
  • Strengthening touring support
  • Building national/international connections
  • Ensuring local talent has opportunities to grow at home