TORONTO — JP Saxe, the Grammy-nominated musician from Toronto, is facing uncertain prospects for his upcoming concert tour due to slow ticket sales and rising tour costs. In a recent appeal to his fan base, Saxe shared that he needed to sell approximately 20,000 tickets within 48 hours to avoid a likely cancellation of his “Make Yourself at Home” tour, scheduled to cover over 25 North American dates including major cities like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver.
Saxe has priced tickets starting at around $50, which is considered modest compared to other musicians of his stature. He stated, “We tried to keep the prices as low as we possibly could,” emphasizing that while concert costs have surged, his ticket prices remain accessible compared to larger-scale events.
Despite his popularity—stemming from his hit single “If the World Was Ending” featuring Julia Michaels, along with other successful tracks—Saxe revealed that streaming success does not easily translate into a viable touring model. He recounted the financial difficulties of his last tour, which, despite being mostly sold out, resulted in a significant loss.
The current landscape for live music is fraught with challenges, influenced by economic pressures, inflation, and higher ticket prices. Saxe’s insights shed light on the financial strains faced by artists who perform at levels just below stadium giants. He acknowledges that while touring can be profitable, it often requires an intensive financial commitment and practical logistics, such as transportation and performer costs.
In a marketplace where many artists face similar challenges, Saxe’s candidness about the realities of the music industry is refreshing. As fans consider supporting their favorite musicians, it serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice artists make to bring entertainment to their audiences. The hope remains that concertgoers will rally behind Saxe, enabling him to bring his tour to life and share his music with fans across the continent.