What's Happening?
Side Door, an intimate concert booking platform co-founded by Dan Mangan and Laura Simpson, is set to close at the end of the year after eight years of operation. The platform has facilitated over 3,300
shows and paid nearly $2 million to artists. Despite its success in connecting artists with audiences, the decision to shut down reflects challenges in sustaining the platform. Mangan and Simpson expressed gratitude for the relationships and memories created through Side Door, emphasizing the platform's role in empowering artists and fostering community connections through art.
Why It's Important?
The closure of Side Door marks a significant shift in the concert booking landscape, particularly for independent artists who relied on the platform to reach audiences without traditional venue constraints. This development could lead to reduced opportunities for artists to perform in intimate settings, potentially impacting their income and exposure. The shutdown also highlights broader challenges in the music industry, where platforms must balance financial sustainability with their mission to support artists. As Side Door exits the scene, artists and concert-goers may need to seek alternative methods to connect and experience live music.
