Sidestage vs. Gigit: The Race to Revolutionize Live Music Bookings
The Battle for Artist Empowerment in Live Events
Two innovative platforms are transforming how musicians book gigs and venues find talent. While both aim to streamline live music bookings, they take distinctly different approaches to connecting artists with opportunities.
Gigit: Curated Bookings for Professional Events
Gigit has established itself as a premium booking platform that connects venues and event organizers with both established and emerging musical talent. Key features include:
- Professional focus: Primarily serves corporate events and high-profile private shows
- Notable clients: Has arranged performances for major brands like Spotify and celebrities including Ashton Kutcher
- Streamlined process: Users select artists, choose dates, and provide venue details
- Revenue model: Charges hosts while taking a small commission from artists
Having already raised $365,000 in seed funding from prominent investors, Gigit is gaining significant traction in the competitive U.S. market.
Sidestage: Democratizing Music Bookings
Launching today from Berlin, Sidestage takes a more direct approach:
- Artist-controlled profiles: Musicians manage their own presence on the platform
- Transparent pricing: Shows artist fees upfront with credit card payment processing
- Community marketplace: Focuses on private events, parties, and performances
- Global ambitions: Actively seeking user input on expansion cities
Founded by Schuyler Deerman (creator of Moped messaging platform) and Daniel Roberts (Pirate Cat Radio founder), Sidestage has secured $100,000 in angel funding from notable European tech investors.
Key Differences in Approach
- Curation vs. Open Marketplace: Gigit vets artists while Sidestage empowers direct connections
- Target Audience: Gigit serves professional organizers; Sidestage caters to individuals
- Geographic Focus: Gigit dominates U.S. market; Sidestage begins European expansion
The Future of Music Bookings
As these platforms evolve, they’re challenging traditional booking agents by:
- Reducing barriers for emerging artists
- Increasing transparency in pricing and availability
- Creating new revenue streams for musicians
While Gigit has first-mover advantage, Sidestage’s community-driven model could resonate strongly in Europe’s diverse music scene. The success of either platform may signal a fundamental shift in how live music bookings occur worldwide.
Which model will musicians and venues prefer? The answer may reshape the live music industry for years to come.
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