MWA’s FULL REPORT from the *HOW ARE WE SURVIVING* SURVEY
Released 12/17/2020
TOP FINDINGS
71% of musicians and DJs surveyed have lost three quarters or more of their income during the pandemic.
Overall, more than $8.5M was estimated as reported lost by 213 of the survey respondents since March. This is consistent with the national Artist Relief survey which estimated artists had lost on average about $30,000 each due to the pandemic this year. The data tells the story another way as well, only 2.5% of respondents were not impacted financially.
Formerly working musicians and DJs are facing significant precarity even while receiving unemployment. 33% have depleted their savings, 33% are considering finding new jobs in other fields, and 15% have had to move to save money. As the first wave of initial relief rolled out in April and May recedes, many artists see their options shrinking without continued assistance.
Many noted that they did not receive the correct right amount from unemployment, because they were either mixed income workers or received income from multiple states.
While much was made of PPP Loans being made to individual artists, only 11% of responding artists received them. This is consistent with the finding from a recent ExtendPUA report that only 9% of their constituents benefitted from PPP.
A small minority of musicians and DJs are working during the pandemic. And when they do it is often for free or for less than they would have before the pandemic. Less than 20% of musicians and DJs are active with livestream and online performances, and only 10% are performing live in a significant way. Most musicians and DJs are asked to play for free or are underpaid for online / livestream performances
READ THE FULL REPORT HERE
FULL SURVEY QUESTIONS ARE AVAILABLE HERE
RELATED ACTION:
MWA VIRTUAL TOWN HALL, DECEMBER 17, 3PM ET
