Silent Planet defends young groups against venue practices

Silent Planet denounces commissions on concert merch sales and offers help to young bands.

The fight against “merch cuts” imposed by concert halls

Silent Planet recently took a stand on the X platform against the commissions imposed by certain concert halls on merchandising sales. In a direct message, the group called these “merch cuts” “scandalous” and questioned the legitimacy for theaters to take a share of the revenue generated by merch sales, when they do not participate in the creation, production or distribution of the products. “The venues keep 100% of bar sales, but then demand a cut of our merch sales, to which they contributed nothing,” the group wrote.

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A difficult experience for young groups

Although the group claims to be in a stable financial situation today, it recalls how these practices were overwhelming for it in its early days, between 2012 and 2015. “Back then, venues would pay us $100 to play, but charge us $200 in merch commissions,” shares Silent Planet, adding that such practices can be disastrous for young touring artists. The group even invites them to contact them for help, claiming that “honest, raw art is more necessary than ever.”

Tips for getting around these commissions

In response to fans, Silent Planet also discussed some tips for getting around these merch cuts. One fan suggests using the Square payment system to filter sales over a given period of time, but the group explains that some larger venues enforce strict counts and the use of their own salespeople. Another fan, meanwhile, prefers to pay in cash, a method approved by the group, which concludes: “Cash is royal.”

Silent Planet continues to defend young artists and denounce abusive practices in the music industry, offering not only a message of solidarity but also practical advice to help the new generation of musicians.