Teesside musicians are struggling to make a living due to the cost of living crisis.
The cost of living is putting many of the British public into a chokehold, but for local music artists like George Bailey it’s even harder to cope.
A recent study compiled by the charity Help Musicians showed that 97% of musicians feel that the cost of living is impacting their career, while 80% have reported earning less than they did before the pandemic.
Local Teesside artist, George Bailey believes being in the north makes it even harder.
“It’s difficult being in an area where there is less opportunities,” He said.
“The talent (in the North East) is so clear but it’s about trying to find those opportunities for them.”
Opportunities for musicians may be few and far between in the North, but across the UK opportunities for artists are also becoming sparse.
A study compiled by Encore Musicians showed that there has been an 87% decrease in gig bookings from 2019.
The decrease in bookings and cancellations had a huge financial impact in musicians, who lost on average £11,300.
George has recently returned home from a venture down South to find the opportunities he feels that the Teesside and North East area are lacking, travelling as far down as Bristol.
For some musicians, struggling to make ends meet and being away from home for long periods of time can often have a knock on effect on their mental health.
88% of musicians said difficulties with their mental health are affecting their work.
Music Minds Matter, Help Musician’s mental health sister charity has also received an increase in calls by 34%.
It’s clear that the battle musicians across the country are facing isn’t easy, 64% of them consider leaving the professions because the struggles they face.
“It’s a daily grind it’s pretty tough,” George said.
“You have to be resilient.”
You can listen to Georges story and what he had to say, here:
