How to make money as a musician (without being a Gallagher)

The Oasis Live ’25 Tour is underway, marking the band’s first reunion in 16 years with a string of massive shows across five major UK cities.

Liam and Noel Gallagher are each expected to earn a staggering £50 million from the tour.

For us mere mortals, such paydays are the thing of dreams. But, the good news is that you don’t need to sell out stadiums to earn real money as a musician.

Whether you’re just starting out, a band veteran, or a studio-savvy creative, there are plenty of ways to make music and money.

Here’s how.

Play local gigs

Your local pub might not be Wembley, but it can still pay the bills.

Small gigs in pubs or clubs in the UK typically pay £100–£300 per night (though some start as low as £40).

According to the Musicians’ Union, function gigs can go up to £216.40 per musician for a four-hour set.

It’s a good idea to start local, build a reputation and watch your fees grow.

Go busking

Did you know, Ed Sheeran, David Gilmour, Tracy Chapman, Beck, Billy Bragg and Janis Joplin, all started as buskers?

On a good weekend in a busy city, you could earn £10–£15 an hour, or more. And, you never know who’s listening. Gigs have been offered right there on the street.

Just make sure you’re following local regulations!

Sell merch

T-shirts, tote bags, stickers… you can make some serious cash selling merch.

In fact, producer and vocalist of Bleachers Jack Antonoff went as far to call merch sales “literally the only way you make money when you start out touring”.

Simply design something cool, take it to gigs or sell it online via your website or social media channels.

Play at weddings

Everyone loves a good wedding band.  Cover bands can earn between £900–£1,500 per wedding gig. Even solo musicians can make a decent amount for ceremonies and receptions.

Depending on where you live, wedding gigs can be quite seasonal, but they're generally much better pay than pub performances.

Join a music agency

If booking gigs isn’t your strong point, let someone else handle it!

Agencies like Last Minute Musicians connect artists with bars, hotels, weddings and private events. You might pay a commission, but it saves time and helps you build a steady stream of work.

Write music for video games

Now here’s something a bit different. If you’ve got a knack for creating atmospheric tunes or epic soundscapes then your talents might be snapped up as game developers are always looking for original music.

Rates vary depending on the project but some indie games pay surprisingly well.

Collect royalties from streams

Fancy making a passive income from your music? Yes please!

Streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music can provide a source of income to musicians. But, be warned, it does take a substantial amount of streams to generate any kind of decent pay. It’s therefore a good idea to grow your music fanbase to help increase your streams.

Teach music lessons

There’s loads of people who would love to be able to play the guitar, drums, cello, or just be a better singer. If you’ve got musical talent, then why not share it with others and get paid.

Offer one-on-one lessons in person or online via Zoom or Teams, whatever works best for you and your students.

You could tach beginners, kids, or intermediate players looking to up their game.

Giving music lessons is a stable and rewarding source of income, and you’re helping someone fall in love with music!

Create and sell music courses

Take your teaching up a notch by packaging your lessons into video courses.

Platforms like Udemy and Teachable, let you earn an income 24/7. Cover things like songwriting, home recording, or mastering guitar scales.

It’s a one-time effort with long-term returns.

Crowdfunding your music projects

If you’re working on an album, video or tour and need funding, then why not ask your fans?

Sites like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, or Indiegogo allow you to raise money directly from supporters.

Offer perks like exclusive tracks, shoutouts or VIP passes to boost support.

Secure sync licensing deals

Getting your music featured in a Netflix show, ad, or video game can be a total game-changer.

Not only can it raise your profile but it can pay extremely well too.

Look into sync licensing libraries like Music Vine or Artlist to get started.

Get a sponsorship

You don’t need a million followers to land a sponsor.

If you’ve built a loyal audience, even a small one, brands might want to work with you. Think gear companies, indie labels, or lifestyle brands. But remember, only say yes to sponsorships that match your vibe, as authenticity matters.

Write for music publications

If you love writing and music, then this one could be for you.

Write album reviews, gig guides or opinion pieces for online publications or music industry magazines.

You’ll get paid and become more plugged into the scene.

Remember, every big artist once started out just like you, playing to people people at a pub or busking on the street. You may not be headlining stadiums (yet), but you can build a thriving, fulfilling career in music. Mix and match these ideas, stay consistent and always look for new ways to grow your craft, as well as your income.