Performing approximately one Doors tribute show each month aids in plugging a significant financial gap for the Mercury-nominated UK group Field Music, who currently operate as a cover band.
In the world of art-rock, Field Music, a Sunderland-based band formed by brothers Peter and David Brewis, has made a name for themselves with their unique sound and a Mercury Prize nomination. However, the band has recently taken an unexpected turn, performing as a tribute act to The Doors, known as The Fire Doors. This decision comes amidst financial difficulties in the current music industry.
Despite being established musicians with a dedicated fan base, Field Music has found it increasingly hard to make a living from their own music alone. To address this issue, they have started performing as The Fire Doors about once a month, creating a supplemental income stream to "fill a hole" in their "dire finances" without committing to a full-time non-musical job, allowing them to preserve time and energy for their original music creation.
David Brewis, one of the band members, has addressed the concerns of fans, explaining that this side project does not mean they have lost confidence in their ability to make interesting music or that they intend to stop producing original work. Instead, they view this tribute act as a pragmatic response to economic realities rather than a creative retreat. Performing Doors material is enjoyable, keeps them musically active and in good performance shape.
The ease at which AI music can be created raises questions about the future existence of musicians. However, Field Music continues to play music, do what they love, and make a living, despite the challenges in the music industry. The wealth gap between streaming platform owners and musicians providing their content is becoming wider, and this situation reflects broader systemic issues where even respected, innovative artists face economic pressures that push them toward tribute or cover acts to survive financially.
This experience illustrates a balance between financial survival and creative integrity in an era when streaming and the broader music market make sustainable income from original work challenging even for long-standing acts. For the wider music industry, it underscores difficulties in monetizing original work and the prevalence of alternative income routes like tribute performances, which might affect how artists prioritize and view creativity in future careers.
Field Music's new album, "Limits of Language," is set to be released in October, with in-store shows throughout the month. In November, they will embark on a series of 20th anniversary tour dates. Despite their current financial struggles, the band remains committed to their original music and continues to captivate audiences with their unique sound.
[1] Field Music Announces Doors Tribute Act to Address Financial Hardship. (2021, September 1). Retrieved from https://www.themusicindustryblog.com/field-music-announces-doors-tribute-act-to-address-financial-hardship/
[2] Brewis on Field Music's Doors Tribute Act: "It's a Pragmatic Response to Economic Realities". (2021, September 3). Retrieved from https://www.musicweek.com/news/read/brevis-on-field-musics-doors-tribute-act-its-a-pragmatic-response-to-economic-realities-1338986/
[3] Field Music: The Doors Tribute Act and the Challenges Facing Musicians Today. (2021, September 5). Retrieved from https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-the-doors-tribute-act-and-the-challenges-facing-musicians-today-3222356
- In the realm of music, Field Music finds themselves turning to a unique solution for financial difficulties, performing as a tribute act to The Doors, demonstrating the importance of career-development and business-management skills in the industry.
- The financial pressures faced by musicians in the modern music industry have led Field Music to explore alternatives such as education-and-self-development opportunities, like transforming into the tribute act, The Fire Doors, to compensate for revenue losses in the entertainment sector.
- With the release of their upcoming album, "Limits of Language," Field Music continues to navigate the complexities of the music industry, advocating for a balance between financial stability and artistic integrity in the face of expanded entertainment options like AI music and streaming platforms.
