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Our news stories ensure you're kept up to date in the music industry and the hospitality sector, from insights to highlighting the challenges within our industry and the latest GigPig news.

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A laptop sits next to a music system which is operated by a DJ who is mixing the sound with his hand

Top Tips for Artists to Monetise Their Music

As an emerging musician, it can be challenging to navigate how to monetise your music, especially in today's competitive industry. However, it doesn’t matter if you’re a bedroom producer or a master at mixing, there is ample opportunity to earn money from your craft.
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Venues
A crowd of people are drinking and dancing under an explosion of pink confetti. One person is dressed like a glitterball

Boom Battle Bar and GigPig Transform Live Music

The UK’s first and only Battle Bar concept, Boom Battle Bar, is revolutionising its live entertainment through GigPig.
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A performer on stage with a guitar and an array of pedals, poised to deliver a musical performance

Intro to GigPig – The Live Music Booking Platform

Live music is the heart and soul of the United Kingdom. An irreplaceable cultural hallmark that has helped define our island for over 60 years, from the hysterical screams of BeatleMania to the history of Stormzy at Glastonbury. Yet it is now under threat more than ever.
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Venues
A large crowd of people walk down a brightly lit street at night

Noise Complaints Threaten Hospitality and Live Music

Rising noise complaints against hospitality venues are creating significant challenges, threatening the sector's future, something the NTIA is calling for change.
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A DJ focused on mixing tracks using a DJ mixer, surrounded by vibrant lights and an engaged audience

Promoting Your Music on Mixcloud – A GigPig Guide

Calling all musicians! Are you ready to make your music heard on Mixcloud?
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A stack of books rests on a table, with a man seated atop the stack, creating a whimsical scene

Off the Record – Oxford’s Live Music Scene

Oxford’s music scene is as exciting as ever, with artists such as Foals, Supergrass, Radiohead and Glass Animals rising through their ranks.
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Artists
A young man is on the shoulders of someone in a crowd at a festival, with people behind him holding flags

Assessing Diversity in UK Music Festival Line-Ups

Music connects a wide range of people created by individuals from a whole host of diverse backgrounds. So why hasn’t that been reflected in the festival posters in the last few years?
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Image of a woman in black smiling at the camera in a music studio

Analogue Recording – The Misunderstood Artform

Whilst digital recording may have become accepted within the modern recording studio, Julie McLarnon solely works with analogue tape, with her recording studio, Analogue Catalogue, which ensures that those distant techniques and signature analogue sounds are still championed.
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Venues
Two men singing whilst playing guitar in a band

Is Music Merchandise a Profitable Pursuit?

‍It has become a mandatory procedure now to have a mooch at the merch stand before finding your place in the pits at any music gig.
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Artists
A trio perform on stage. One member is playing guitar and singing into a microphone, one is playing guitar and the other plays drums.

The importance of creating a community for artists to thrive in the music industry

Building a supportive community is crucial for musicians to thrive in the competitive music industry, and businesses like GigPig and Queenz Sounds empower emerging artists by fostering connections, promoting inclusivity, and leveraging technology to create opportunities.
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Artists
A black and white shot of a large crowd enjoying live music at a concert with their hands raised in excitement

The reality of the cost-of-living crisis’ impact on the music industry.

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has had significant consequences on the music industry. Soaring prices have brought even more difficulties after the pandemic, which is now affecting artists' mental health.
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Artists
A woman wearing a hat and sunglasses skillfully performing a DJ set at an event, surrounded by vibrant lights.

The unsung heroes who champion emerging artists in the industry

Grassroots musicians are essential to the ecosystem of our industry. Globally recognised artists once started in sweaty basements and cramped concert halls, and going through the circuit is essential in gaining confidence, exposure and a following.
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Artists
Trio playing live

The importance of creating collaborations in the music industry

Collaboration is the driving force behind success in today’s music industry, where the partnership between AMPOLLO and GigPig ensures collaborations can be easily made.
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Venues
People stand on both sides of a stylish bar

Dry January: The impact on hospitality venues

Dry January poses challenges for hospitality venues as customers cut back on spending and alcohol, but it also presents opportunities to adapt to alcohol-free options and social events.
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Venues
A man plays guitar on stage, with a stack of amps and a GigPig sign behind him

Hospitality venues: Unlocking Wigan’s music potential

The musical talent emerging from Wigan today is as strong as in decades, solidifying the region as a cornerstone of British music culture. To ensure the scene continues to thrive, more performance spaces must support these artists, something which GigPig can facilitate for bars, pubs and restaurants.
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Venues
A man performs to an audience on a stage covered with decorative rugs.

GigPig launches an instant booking service to support the hospitality sector

GigPig, the UK's fastest-growing live music platform, has launched its instant booking service to better support the hospitality sector by bringing live music into venues.
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Venues
St Patrick's Day outside a pub in Ireland

Live music is key to a successful St. Patrick’s Day for bars and pubs

St. Patrick’s Day offers a golden opportunity for bars and pubs to capitalise on increased trade by hosting live music. 
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Venues
People outside a pub in the UK

Spring Budget 2025: A missed opportunity to support hospitality

Rachel Reeves delivered her first Spring Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer, yet failed to deliver the financial support hospitality businesses needed. 
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How do I find gigs on the GigPig app?

When you are on the GigPig app, simply head to the “enquiries” section to see suitable gig offers for you.

What can I do to increase my chances of being booked for a gig?

No! GigPig is and always will be free to artists. GigPig has no hidden fees or charges for artists signing up, browsing gigs, or making bookings.

What information should I include in my artist profile?

Your artist profile with GigPig is your chance to stand out to venues, so make sure to include:

• A high-quality profile picture (solo or band image).
• A short bio describing your music style and experience.
• Genres and performance type (solo, duo, band, DJ, country, rock, indie, pop, etc.).
• Your standard setlist or examples of songs you perform.
• Your location and availability for gigs.
• Your minimum fee and any special requirements (e.g. sound setup, equipment needs).

Will I see all gigs in my area on GigPig?

Yes! Venues will choose the type of artists and the genres they are looking for from a performer, then send the gig offer to all the artists who match this criteria. This ensures you only see relevant gig opportunities.

Can I set a minimum fee?

Yes! You are in complete control over your fees, and any fee under this will be in a separate section of your app. We would never hide a gig offer from you.

I am a soloist but also in a band. Am I able to have multiple accounts on GigPig?

Yes! You can have as many artist profiles as you like on one log in — perfect if you're a soloist and also part of a band. You can find all your bookings in one place through GigPig.

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