Going Green in the Music Scene: Building an Eco-Friendly Career 

Global Warming and Climate Change are increasingly dire issues. People across all industries have been actively looking for ways to reduce their ecological footprint and minimize the ecological impact caused by their businesses, the music industry is no exception. Whether you’re an up-and-coming artist or a popular one, understanding and adopting eco-friendly practices can help create a more sustainable and socially responsible career. Let’s take a closer look…

We’ll be taking a look at the following:

1. What is Music Sustainability?
   
   
2. How to Make Music Sustainable?
   
   
3. What Are The Ways To Be An Eco-Friendly Artist?
   
   
4. Are Any Popular Artists Promoting Sustainability?
   
   
5. Our Final Thoughts

What is Music Sustainability?

Music Sustainability aims to reduce environmental impact and promote long-term ecological balance by employing eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable choices and practices. Sustainability in this context refers to identifying the effect of processes in music making such as Music Production, Distribution, Touring, Merchandising and Concerts and examining how adversely they affect the planet. By identifying these, it can work on reducing waste, conserving energy, and minimizing carbon emissions associated with the recording processes, live concerts, touring and merchandising. By understanding and practising music sustainability, artists can contribute to the environmental movement while still pursuing their creative endeavours.

Using eco-friendly materials, like recyclable or biodegradable merchandise, and sourcing energy from renewable resources are also integral parts of the ethical considerations that the field of music sustainability encompasses. These might seem like big issues for an emerging indie artist but in reality, are small decisions that can empower a bigger change. Recording in energy-efficient studios, promoting music digitally rather than through physical media, or even supporting policy changes within the industry are steps by which you can take part in the cause. Social responsibility is crucial in the music industry because artists often hold a unique influence over fans and communities. Artists who advocate for eco-friendly initiatives can encourage their fans to make more sustainable choices in their lives, creating a positive ripple effect.

Furthermore, social responsibility helps build a positive brand image. For Indie Musicians, this can be an opportunity to build their fanbase on an important and ongoing issue. Audiences today are highly perceptive, often connecting with artists who align with their values. When artists demonstrate socially responsible behaviour, they support a worthy cause as well as strengthen their connection with their audience. By promoting sustainability, artists can positively impact the world, inspire their audience, and build a dedicated following.

How to Make Music Sustainable?

Before we talk about the topic at hand, it is crucial to understand and recognise the patterns for which the need for music sustainability arises. The music industry is criticised for practices that can have significant environmental consequences such as the pollution caused by the production of physical copies of music (CDs, Vinyl, etc.), the energy consumption of live tours, and the waste associated with single-use plastics at concerts to name a few. Making music sustainable involves adopting eco-conscious practices at every stage of production and performance. This could mean recording at a studio which employs renewable sources of energy or setting up a home studio too. Additionally, digital distribution can greatly reduce the environmental impact associated with physical media. Streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music are great platforms for digital music distribution which minimises waste and resource use.

Artists can choose to make better decisions with their merchandise and touring as well. Opting for sustainable merchandise options instead of traditional T-shirts, which often require large amounts of water and energy to produce, artists might consider selling items made from organic cotton, recycled materials, or biodegradable alternatives. The 1975 are taking merch to the next level with an eco-friendly twist! Their latest collection is made from upcycled, repurposed older merch, now sporting fresh album art. And here’s a cool bonus—when touring kicks off again, fans can bring in their existing merch and get it reprinted for free!

Artists have also been re-assessing their transport methods and begun utilising climate-friendly venues to support green touring. Using electric vehicles for transportation or balancing tour emissions by investing in environmental initiatives like reforestation are initiatives that have been widely supported by fans. Sustainable touring requires additional planning but can drastically reduce the carbon footprint associated with live performances, aligning with a commitment to eco-friendly artistry.

What Are The Ways To Be An Eco-Friendly Artist?

Becoming an eco-friendly artist starts with a commitment to reduce waste and minimize energy use across all creative activities. Utilising digital spaces and services as much as possible minimises the use of resources as well as can curb wastage. Sharing music online rather than in physical formats, and using digital platforms for promotion and marketing, conserve resources as well as are cost-effective methods. 

Eco-friendly artists rethink their approach to merchandise and promotional materials. They may choose to work with vendors who use eco-friendly products, inks, sustainable packaging, or upcycled materials. Furthermore, hosting local shows instead of extensive tours can cut down on travel emissions while strengthening connections within local communities. Encouraging fans to be a part of green initiatives, carpooling and reducing the use of single-use plastics in concerts are steps in the right direction. 

By integrating these small, consistent efforts, eco-conscious artists can develop a more sustainable career that resonates with modern environmental values.

Are Any Popular Artists Promoting Sustainability?

Many artists use their voice, influence and social responsibility to raise awareness about initiatives that they resonate with. Many well-known artists are using their influence to promote environmental sustainability, often integrating eco-friendly practices into their careers and personal lives. Artists do so by promoting various trusts and organisations like REVERB that partner with artists and carry out campaigns to make their concert venues greener and reduce the ecological footprint at concerts. 

Billie Eilish, for example, with her environmentally conscious approach to touring, eliminating plastic waste and encouraging fans to bring reusable water bottles was widely appreciated. Her 2020 tour, Where Do We Go? was noteworthy for its extensive sustainability efforts, including initiatives to reduce energy consumption and minimize waste at concert venues.

Since 2008, Radiohead has been all about eco-friendly concerts, paving the way for green touring in the music industry! They've led by example, cutting down carbon emissions with biodiesel-powered tour vehicles, slashing plastic waste, and inspiring fans to join the sustainability movement. This has been a game-changer for concerts everywhere!

Coldplay, famously halted their global touring schedule to reassess its environmental impact. Their tours now have renewable energy-powered stages, reforestation efforts, and sustainable travel options. Implementing such strategies raises awareness about the issues and also sheds light on the efforts that people invested in the movement are making. These efforts by big-name artists not only showcase their commitment to the environment but also help to normalize sustainable practices within the music industry, inspiring other artists to follow suit and explore eco-friendly solutions.

Our Final Thoughts

The journey toward a sustainable career in the music industry requires thoughtful planning and a willingness to innovate. These efforts also require consistency and need to be inculcated into habits. For independent artists, taking small steps toward sustainability can contribute meaningfully to the environmental movement. And, while the transition may not be immediate or simple, the rewards of building an eco-friendly career can be profound, fostering deeper connections with fans and setting an example within the industry.

By choosing a sustainable approach, artists can show that art and environmental management go hand-in-hand. The rise of eco-conscious artists also demonstrates that music can inspire change—not only emotionally but practically, leading the industry toward a greener, more sustainable future.

We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now!