Singing Local

How supporting up-and-coming music artists became the budget-friendly concert solution

Illustration: Keira Sainsbury

Concerts will always be my favourite form of listening to music; they fill your soul in a way that I don’t think words alone could come close to describing. Being a part of the music on such a personal level is what makes the experience so encapsulating as you can feel the energy pulse from the stage and through the crowd. The music resonates with you in such a unique way every time. With over 30 concerts under my belt and more planned before the year ends, my passion for live music runs deep. However, as a student managing my own finances, keeping up with my concert obsession has become increasingly challenging. That is why this summer, I have discovered a new way to indulge in my love for live music without breaking the bank: attending performances by emerging artists. This shift has been an exciting way to fuel my passion for live music from a budget-friendly perspective.

It is important as a consumer to recognize that the extreme asking prices for concert tickets are not the fault of the musicians themselves but rather the money-hungry industry. When comparing ticket prices from Beyonce’s 2016 Formation Tour to her Renaissance Tour in 2023, the price difference for the same seat was over $900, according to CBC. Another comparison from Toronto Star explains that tickets for the Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in the 300 section at the Rogers Centre, originally priced at about $200 on ticketmaster, but resellers like StubHub were asking for over $2000 for the same seats. This drastic inflation highlights the monopoly that resellers have on ticket prices, making it nearly impossible for fans to afford to be a part of the live concert experience that they eagerly crave. Being at live concerts isn’t solely about the singer themselves, but also the atmosphere around you; it's so much more impactful to a person when you can fully immerse yourself in the live music.

As I am in charge of managing my own funds, attending smaller shows has become my go-to solution for participating in live shows. These more intimate venues not only offer a more personal connection with the music and artists but also come with a much friendlier price tag. This summer, I attended multiple concerts featuring lesser-known artists, often with groups of friends, creating memorable experiences that were both budget-friendly and deeply enjoyable.

There are so many benefits to supporting emerging artists that go beyond a cost-friendly perspective. Smaller, more intimate venues allow for the audience to connect better with the band, music, and energy of the crowd. I have found that experiencing the music in these tighter settings has enriched the experience in a new way. Additionally, by supporting these artists it allows them to continue to pursue and practice their craft, as well as further their career. Smaller artists and their new ideas are integral to developing the overall landscape of the music industry while also challenging bigger artists to keep growing as musicians in their career.

This summer has introduced me to a variety of new genres and artists, helped enrich my playlists with new songs, and deepened my love for music even more. Through these experiences, I now have new music to listen to and great memories to think back on. Some of these emerging artists have already made their way onto my 2024 playlist, proving that great music doesn't always have to come from big-ticket artists. If you are someone with this passion for live music and enjoy the ritual of this shared crowd experience, emerging artist concerts are for you.