Death metal music often depicts themes such as mutilation, Satanism, Occultism and violence; often considered harmful influences among young people.
But do death metal bands actually make money, and how much? This article will examine the various methods by which death metal bands can make money.
Touring
Touring is the cornerstone of metal band profits, and death metal acts typically see an average tour income of around $20K per show when including ticket sales, VIP sales, licensing royalties and advances as income streams. Of course, this number can fluctuate based on how many bands are performing and their ticket pricing structure.
How much a metal band makes on tour depends on various factors. Generally, the more popular their music is, the higher ticket sales can be – meaning a well-known act can easily make over $100,000 per tour!
Metal bands who sell out arenas and stadiums may make considerable sums from touring, but it’s important to remember that most bands do not become rich from touring; most usually break even or pay out-of-pocket for tours they take part in; furthermore, this could take away valuable family time from them.
Metal bands not only generate revenue through ticket sales, but they can also make money through merchandise sales. This is particularly prevalent for bands signed to major record labels; many have their own merchandise lines which the band can sell both live and online. While merchandise can be an effective means for earning extra funds for any band, it is crucial that consideration be given as to its costs of manufacture as well as anticipated returns when considering this method of revenue generation.
Death metal bands can make money through music recordings as another way to generate income, particularly if they’re signed to a record label that offers royalty payments on albums they release. How much the death metal band makes through record sales will depend on how popular their band is and how many records are sold.
Death metal saw its popularity peak during 1992-93, with bands like Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse experiencing moderate commercial success. Yet death metal is often perceived as an extreme form of music; therefore it has never completely broken through into mainstream listening habits. Still, death metal continues to develop over the decades into various subgenres.
Recording
Recording is often the main source of revenue for bands not affiliated with major labels, whether through selling CDs at live shows or merchandise like T-shirts. Their goal should be to produce quality product that appeals to a large fanbase – something metal bands often find challenging due to finding suitable producers or engineers and paying their fees.
Recording can be expensive, but it is an integral step for any band looking to continue making music for a living. This is particularly important in death metal bands with violent themes and stage personae. By getting their recordings out there to listeners quickly enough, death metal bands can continue making money from these recordings for years after release.
Touring can be another important way for death metal bands to make money. Touring is especially essential if they intend to make music their livelihood; touring can ensure an audience for live shows. How much a band makes per show can depend on factors like rental costs and membership counts (including driver).
Death metal bands can increase their earnings through touring as well as selling merchandise like T-shirts at shows. Not only will this help to drive more sales but it can also serve to promote their band in new and interesting ways.
Bands need a strong brand and marketing campaign in place in order to sell merch. Working with a company to design merchandise that resonates with their target audience will allow the band to get maximum return when selling merch at shows.
Merchandise
Metal bands often make the majority of their income through selling merchandise at live shows, including T-shirts, CDs and other accessories. Unfortunately, creating merchandise can eat into band profits significantly; particularly if an appropriate manufacturer cannot be found offering competitive pricing.
Bands must build an artist brand that distinguishes them from competitors to increase sales and build a dedicated fan base, as well as stand out in live concerts.
Start by designing an easily identifiable design. This will foster fan loyalty while helping them remember you later on, plus strong artist brands can bolster a band’s reputation and help secure gigs down the line.
Metal bands make money through tours as another method for earning revenue, with some of the world’s most well-known metal acts having amassed millions through concert tours alone.
However, few metal bands can make enough money from music alone to sustain themselves financially; many struggle even to afford basic living expenses and many lack substantial assets that a bank would accept as collateral for loans.
Pantera remains one of the premier death metal bands, even if their albums never hit top ten status. Their albums remain beloved classics such as Cowboys from Hell, Steal This Album! and Vulgar Display of Power.
Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal and As I Lay Dying are also highly-acclaimed death metal bands with significant followings; however it should be noted that most of these acts do not make much money off their albums but instead primarily through touring; moreover they must pay record labels and venues, which quickly adds up. Therefore most end up working part time jobs to supplement their income.
Labels
Death metal bands often partner with record labels to promote and distribute their music, assist with merchandise sales (where death metal bands make the majority of their earnings) as well as to manage merchandising efforts (where most profits go), yet take an undue share from profits that leaves little left over for themselves. When selecting their record label partner, death metal acts should make sure to read any contracts carefully as any record label that refuses to sign one with their act may either be foolish or dishonest in its practices.
Death metal bands can increase their revenue stream beyond touring and recording by hosting live shows in small venues like bars, VFW halls and community centers. Some bands may even rent theaters – many bands also sell merchandise at these performances which helps add another source of income for the band.
Some bands even engage in endorsement deals that can bolster their income stream, such as endorsement deals with guitar manufacturers or retailers that result in greater sales of those companies’ products.
Successful death metal bands can be profitable businesses, but building up a fan base requires hard work and perseverance. A band must learn how to tour effectively, make sensible merchandising choices and produce quality recordings while being willing to work hard in order to manage all the stress associated with being professional metal musicians.
As a genre, death metal is known for its extreme sound. Some bands use it as an outlet for exploring dark or uncomfortable aspects of life while others simply enjoy extreme music as entertainment. But it is important to keep in mind that death metal should never be associated with violence; rather it should be seen as art.
One of the most essential tasks of a death metal band is creating their own brand identity through creating their own logo and slogan, as this can significantly shape how fans and industry professionals perceive the band.
Death metal bands should establish a robust online presence to promote their music and reach more fans, which includes having websites, social media accounts and YouTube channels.