Playing a Doors tribute show per month will help alleviate our pressing financial woes: renowned UK band Field Music opt for a cover act career.
Field Music Turns to Doors Tribute Act to Support Music Career
Field Music, the critically acclaimed Sunderland-based art-rock band, has announced an unexpected new venture – performing as a Doors tribute act called The Fire Doors[5]. This shift comes as a response to the financial challenges faced by the band in the current streaming era, where making a living solely from their own music has become increasingly difficult[1][3][4].
David Brewis, one of the brothers leading the band, wrote a lengthy explanation on Field Music's Facebook page, addressing the surprise move[2]. He emphasized that this is a pragmatic choice rather than a sign of creative failure or lack of confidence. The tribute shows help keep the band sharp performance-wise, provide steady income, and allow them to avoid taking on a traditional 9-to-5 job that would reduce their time for original music creation[4].
The band's relative inability to make money on streaming is due to their sticking rigorously to making the kind of music they want to make, with no regard for what might be popular[6]. Brewis laments that the grassroots music industry has no money to pay Field Music for their musical expertise, and he no longer feels embarrassed about the tribute act due to the financial benefits and the opportunity to continue making their own music[7].
Brewis expressed excitement about the prospect of Field Music performing as a Doors tribute act, finding joy in playing someone else's music[8]. He noted that streaming culture has eliminated the phenomenon of casual record buying, which was a significant source of income for the band in the past[9]. As a result, Field Music plans to perform as a Doors tribute act approximately once a month to supplement their income[10].
Despite the shift, fans can still look forward to new original music from Field Music. The band has a new album titled "Limits of Language" scheduled for release in October[11]. They will also be embarking on a series of 20th anniversary tour dates in November[12]. The band's love for The Doors, coupled with their musical skill, makes them confident they could be excellent at performing as a tribute act[13].
For fans who may be skeptical, Brewis assures that this decision is not a sign of creative decline but a practical solution to the financial challenges faced by indie/art-rock bands in the streaming era[1][3][4].
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/sep/17/field-music-the-fire-doors-doors-tribute-act-streaming-crisis [2] https://www.facebook.com/fieldmusic/posts/10159321103292364 [3] https://pitchfork.com/news/field-music-announce-tribute-band-the-fire-doors/ [4] https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-start-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-to-supplement-income-3007913 [5] https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-announce-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-3007913 [6] https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/field-music-start-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-to-supplement-income [7] https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-start-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-3007913 [8] https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-start-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-3007913 [9] https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-start-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-3007913 [10] https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-start-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-3007913 [11] https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-start-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-3007913 [12] https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-start-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-3007913 [13] https://www.nme.com/news/music/field-music-start-tribute-band-the-fire-doors-3007913
- In light of the financial difficulties faced by indie/art-rock bands in the current streaming era, Field Music has chosen to supplement their income by performing as a tribute act called The Fire Doors, exhibiting their versatility in the world of music.
- Despite their shift to a Doors tribute act, Field Music remains dedicated to their original music, announcing a new album titled "Limits of Language" and 20th anniversary tour dates, demonstrating their commitment to both business and art in the entertainment industry.
