Kate Nash Launches OnlyFans Campaign to Support Tour Expenses
English singer-songwriter Kate Nash has turned to the subscription-based platform OnlyFans to finance her current European and UK tour. Her campaign, dubbed "Butts for Tour Buses," aims to gather funds necessary to cover the steep costs of touring, which includes travel, accommodation, food, promotion, and staff salaries. The tour, which started last month, includes stops in major cities like Utrecht, Osnabrück, Berlin, and Cologne, and is set to run through early December.
Economic Challenges in Music Tours
Nash has publicly addressed the financial hurdles involved in organizing and executing music tours. Despite the surge in ticket prices, Nash referenced findings from a Pirate Studios survey, indicating that most artists do not see substantial financial benefits. She noted that performance fees have not kept pace with the rising expenses, making it tough for artists and their crews to sustain themselves.
Why OnlyFans?
The decision to join OnlyFans, under the username "katenyash87", comes as a strategic move against the minimal earnings artists receive from music streaming services. Nash highlighted the disproportion in music streaming revenues, revealing that artists earn roughly 0.003 of a penny per stream. This platform offers her a way to earn directly from her supporters, ensuring fair compensation for her and her team.
Critique of the Music Industry's Financial Model
In her critique of the existing economic structures in the music industry, Nash targeted major players like Spotify and Live Nation. She condemned Spotify for its financial model that benefits platform shareholders considerably, with over $419 million reportedly divided among them. Additionally, she pointed out Live Nation’s significant revenue increase to $22.749 billion, which marked a 36.38 percent rise from the previous year, critiquing them for not supporting grassroots music venues as recommended by the government.
Broader Implications for the Music Industry
Nash's move to OnlyFans is more than just about covering tour costs—it's a commentary on the need for artists to explore alternative revenue streams. This reflects a shift in the music industry, urging artists to find innovative methods to maintain their artistry and the quality of their performances amidst an economically challenging environment.
