FAIR WAGE STAGE

Fair Compensation for Local Musicians


The Fair Wage Stage initiative is a cornerstone of Knox Music Coalition’s commitment to supporting the local music community. This program ensures that musicians are paid fairly for their performances, fostering a more sustainable and thriving local music scene.

We believe that artists deserve to make a living from their music, and we’re working with local venues, promoters, nonprofit organizations, and other entertainment professionals to ensure that fair wages are standard practice for live music performances across Knoxville.

What is the Fair Wage Stage?

The Fair Wage Stage initiative is a partnership between Knox Music Coalition and Knoxville’s music venues, festivals, promoters, and performance producers. The goal is simple: to create a standardized wage structure that guarantees fair compensation for musicians. This initiative helps local musicians earn a sustainable income while continuing to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our city.

Participating organizations agree to pay artists a fair wage for their performances based on a mutually agreed-upon structure, helping to level the playing field and make Knoxville a better place for musicians to live and work.

Why It Matters

Empowering Artists
Musicians spend years honing their craft, and their work deserves to be compensated fairly. By ensuring artists are paid for their time, effort, and talent, we help create a music scene where artists can focus on their craft without having to worry about how to make ends meet. We create a path towards financial stability through the craft of music.

Building a Sustainable Scene
Fair wages contribute to a healthy and sustainable music scene. When venues, promoters and artists thrive together, the entire community benefits. This initiative supports both up-and-coming talent and established acts, ensuring the continued growth of Knoxville’s rich music culture.

Strengthening the Community
By partnering with venues, organizers, and supporters, KMC aims to build a culture of fairness, respect, and collaboration. This initiative not only benefits musicians but also boosts local businesses, attracts tourists, and increases community engagement through live music.

How It Works

  1. Venue/Organizer Participation
    Venues and organizers that commit to the Fair Wage Stage initiative sign a pledge to provide fair compensation for the artists they book. The wage structure is designed to reflect the work that goes into a live performance, considering factors like the size of the venue, the popularity of the artist, and the type of event.

  2. Transparent Pay Standards
    We’ve created a standardized pay structure to ensure transparency. Musicians will know what to expect when they play at participating venues, and venues will understand the importance of fair compensation.

  3. Fair Wage Certification
    Venues and organizers that participate in the Fair Wage Stage program will receive a certificate and be publicly recognized for their commitment to fair pay. These venues and organizers will also be listed on our website and promoted as part of the movement toward fair compensation for local musicians.

  4. Community Impact
    By contributing to fair pay, venues and community members are investing in the local music scene. The Fair Wage Stage isn’t just about one-off gigs—it’s about supporting a thriving, long-term music community that benefits everyone.

How to Get Involved

For Venues
If you are a venue owner, event organizer, or manager, we invite you to join the Fair Wage Stage initiative by signing the pledge to provide fair pay to local musicians. By participating, you’ll help support a more sustainable music scene in Knoxville.

  • Sign the Pledge: Pledge Support for Fair Wage Stage

  • Get Certified: Once you sign the pledge, you’ll receive your Fair Wage Stage certificate and be listed on our website as a supporter of local artists.

For Musicians
Musicians, your voice matters. Support the Fair Wage Stage by performing at participating venues and advocating for fair pay. We encourage all artists to seek out these venues and perform knowing that they will be compensated fairly.

  • Perform at Fair Wage Venues: Check out the list of participating venues and apply to perform.

  • Join the Movement: Stand in solidarity with your fellow musicians by supporting fair pay for all local artists.

For Supporters and Fans
If you believe in fair pay for musicians, there are plenty of ways you can help support the Fair Wage Stage initiative.

  • Spread the Word: Help raise awareness by sharing information about the Fair Wage Stage on social media.

  • Support Participating Venues: Visit and support venues that are committed to fair pay for musicians. The more you support these venues, the more likely other venues will follow suit.