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We all know live music and drinking go hand in hand, yet sometimes the idea of putting it on can be daunting. Other experience-led offerings such as live sports may also seem like the obvious and easier choice. But why?
Within hospitality, we know that there is an increasing demand for live music among people who visit pubs and bars. Recent industry surveys back this up and show how live music is taking centre stage, highlighting a clear shift in consumer demand.
A survey produced by the ‘Long Live the Local’ campaign over the pandemic, highlighted that live music was the second most missed thing about being at a pub. Even beating live sports. The British Pub Market Report 2019 by CGA also shows that 38% more consumers would be encouraged into visiting a pub or bar if live music was on offer compared to those who would go to see live sports. The Musicians’ Union ‘Live Music Venue Advice 2021’ reports that venues who adopt live music can see wet-sales increase by 60%.
So why doesn’t everyone do live music? Is it a lack of infrastructure and support?
The music industry itself is now more aligned to hospitality than ever before. Billions of pounds have been spent in the sector on digital services and technology to support the next generation of musicians. This has brought a bigger focus on live music and how technology can help bridge the gap between music and the hospitality sector. After all the sector is no stranger to providing the next generation of musicians with opportunities to perform, whilst they benefit from wet-sales. Adele famously started out in a Youngs pub, The Duke of Wellington where she also signed her first major contract in the corner of the bar. Will it be your venue next?
The good news is that technology such as GigRealm now exists, and the music industry are heavily invested in these platforms. All that’s left is to join the party.
GigRealm connects you with the best up-and-coming musicians in the UK whilst also providing analytics and data to help you book the right acts. Everything is managed online from finding, reviewing and booking acts. Venues also benefit from having access to musician’s fan data to gain insights into potential footfall. Plus, automated contracts and invoices are attached to each booking, whilst catering for both independent and multisite operators and their financial processes. Technology now makes it easier than ever to host live music and with GigRealm you can expect to see a 96% reducing in time spent organising live music.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of BBPA & GigRealm Board Member has stated that,
“Venues should look at technology especially in the field of live music as this is something really exciting for their businesses.”
This was echoed by Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality who added that,
“There’s an opportunity for a broader range of hospitality venues to look at the opportunities that live entertainment presents”.
There’s really nothing quite as universal as live music to pull in a crowd.
GigRealm has become hospitality’s leading live music platform and is thrilled to see more events being organised across the sector. There has been 136% increase in the number of events taking place month-on-month in 2022. With an average of 122% increase in number of musicians joining the platform each month.
With continued increase in customer demand for more experiences in pubs and bars, perhaps now is the right time to give live music a go. A great way to diversify and protect venues so they remain the beating heart of our communities.
Find out more at gigrealm.com or email [email protected]