08/01/2026
The maths doesn’t work anymore, it’s that simple. Clubs are closing at a record rate across the world, from legendary institutions to promising newcomers, and while there are multiple factors at play (rent, licensing, gentrification, the usual suspects), there’s one issue that doesn’t get talked about enough: touring DJ fees have become absolutely unsustainable.
We’re watching clubs bleed out trying to afford headliners whose agents have convinced them are essential to survival, when in reality, they’re often the thing killing them. Now we aren’t tarring the same brush to all touring DJs or agents, we know there is countless amazing high profile artists whom I even personally know play at a loss, but overall, the model is broken, and it’s time someone said it plainly: bring back the residents.
https://www.decodedmagazine.com/the-economics-are-broken-how-touring-dj-fees-are-killing-clubs-and-why-residents-are-the-answer/
