Should We Still Play for "Exposure" in 2025?

For years, musicians have been offered gigs with no pay — just the promise of “exposure.” But in an industry where creatives are constantly fighting for recognition and sustainability, maybe it’s time we ask: Should we really still accept this in 2025?

A Culture of Exploitation

The story is all too familiar: “We don’t have a budget, but you’ll get great visibility.” It often comes wrapped in compliments — “We love your sound” — or vague promises — “Important people will be there.” But the bottom line remains: the artist works for free.

When exposure is used as currency, it blurs the line between opportunity and exploitation. While visibility can have value in some situations, it should never replace fair pay.

When Do We Say No?

Standing up as an individual is tough. You risk being seen as difficult, ungrateful, or too expensive. But when more musicians collectively demand transparency and fair conditions, the culture can shift. This isn’t about closing the door on newcomers — it’s about insisting that music has value.

So What Can We Do?

We need tools that help musicians navigate a sometimes opaque and unfair industry. That’s where Beatnickel comes in.

Beatnickel is being built to make the music world more transparent and equitable. The platform will enable users to:

• Leave reviews of venues and organizers, both positive and negative
• Receive warnings if others have reported unfair treatment
• Find gigs and collaborators with clear terms from the start

It’s not a magic fix, but it’s a step toward a healthier music culture — one built on respect and fairness.

In Conclusion

It’s 2025. Musicians still have bills, gear expenses, and dreams — just like everyone else. Playing for exposure isn’t a business model. It’s an outdated culture we’ve inherited, but we’re not obligated to keep it alive. Maybe this is the year we say, collectively: enough is enough.