Singer-songwriter Kate Nash has made waves by revealing that she anticipates earning more from her OnlyFans account than from her concert tours, a significant statement during a tumultuous time for artists in the music industry. The British artist, best remembered for her 2007 hit "Foundations," shared her thoughts in a recent announcement where she touted her slogan, "Butts for tour buses."
Nash explained that as an independent artist, the financial realities of touring often result in losses instead of profits. "Touring is hard right now; in fact, I'm losing money from those tours," she stated. Highlights of her thoughts included that many artists find themselves in situations where their earnings from merchandise and performances cannot keep pace with rising expenses and stagnant wages.
The singer, who just completed a three-week tour in the U.S. and is currently on her UK tour, noted the difficulty of making touring financially viable without compromising quality. She emphasized a commitment to maintaining her artistic integrity: “You’re either hoping I sell enough T-shirts to cover the debt or you’re making cuts to wages and crew."
Nash stated that her move to OnlyFans is also a form of "punk protest," allowing her to take control of her body and choices as a woman. She expressed excitement about sharing content that plays with the blend of humor and sexuality, emphasizing empowerment in her entrepreneurial approach. "The arse is the perfect combination of comedy and sexuality...I think it's funny. I enjoy taking pictures of my bum," she professed.
This trend of musicians exploring platforms like OnlyFans for income has gained traction, with fellow artists like Lily Allen also turning to unconventional revenue sources amid financial strains in the industry. Nash highlighted the disparity between the rising costs in the music business and the stagnation of artists' earnings, leading many to cancel tours altogether.
In her own experience, the musician pointed to a survey revealing that most artists haven’t seen an increase in gig fees, even as ticket prices have surged dramatically. “Festival prices and ticket prices have gone up drastically, but the musicians' wage hasn't,” Nash noted, calling attention to the troubling environment for artists, particularly those from working-class backgrounds.
She called for musicians to learn from sex workers who have successfully navigated the monetization of personal content on platforms like OnlyFans. Nash believes this could empower artists to take control of their work and value, urging a shift in the perception of art as a valuable commodity.
As the music landscape evolves, Kate Nash’s bold decision raises questions about how artists can leverage new platforms and find new pathways to sustain their passions amidst financial challenges.
