The semi-popularity can also be seen in record stores, where in the Spotify era, albums were sold in limited quantities.
“There are quite a few artists like that, where I’m going to sell three or four, then buy another one and it stays there,†said Les Greer of Lefty’s Records. “The stuff that sells is pop stuff. If (artists like Case) were back in the ’70s, they could sell more than they do, because they’re not getting exposure now.
Record sales and ongoing payments also don’t provide enough money for artists to live on, as they did in the early 2000s.
“They don’t make a lot of money with music anymore,†said Greer. “That’s why so many of them are on tour. They don’t squat Spotify and album and CD sales are not what they used to be. So they have to tour to do anything.
Case will perform in front of 400 to 500 people on Bourbon Tuesday during Lincoln’s first show which will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Only one person received a refund when the vaccination policy was announced – proof of Case’s audience loyalty and, to some extent, their fan base.
And these fans, Fabiano said, want to see artists like Case in smaller venues, not a cavernous arena.
“Some high quality artists like Neko and Gregory, more storytelling artists, just fit into the most intimate places,†said Fabiano. “It doesn’t really work in a large setting, for the artist and the audience. They want to feel like they’re with this artist. There is something special about artists that has nothing to do with ticket sales.
