Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Musician Dessa on balancing the needs of body, art and business

Oct 8, 2024
The singer, songwriter and author discusses creativity and the "double bottom line" that rewards artists but makes them vulnerable.
Dessa in performance. "There is a constant tension that becomes more pronounced the longer you stay in the game," she said. "Like, what’s good for the art versus what’s good for the artist."
Al Pereira/Getty Images

Live shows are back. But the economics behind them aren't great.

Oct 28, 2022
Many musicians rely on touring for revenue. But they are facing inflation, supply chain problems and a lot of competition.
L7 performs in Los Angeles in January 2020. This year, the band is selling a pre-show experience to defray costs of the tour.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium