Building a Literal Sound Future

The Problem with Live Events

Live events are an important source of revenue for the artists and fans love them too. In 2023 alone, 145 million fans attended over 50,000 events worldwide hosted by the entertainment giant, Live Nation.

When it comes to sustainability, these events are not exactly planet-friendly. Every time an event takes place, organizers have to set up temporary sets and arrange for the energy required to run lighting, air conditioning, sound, and refrigeration at the venue. Then there are Ubers, buses, and flights that the performers and audience take to reach the venue.

On top of that, there’s litter created by beer cans and confetti used at the event. All of this leads to massive emissions and adds to the climate crisis problem.

Organizations like Sound Future are tackling this problem.

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Sound Future: The Future Sounds Good

Music has historically played a key role in social movements, and it can do the same for climate change. Sound Future collaborates with artists to develop sustainable strategies for their live events.

The organization recognizes that artists will only change the status quo and use their voice to positively impact the planet if it creates a positive experience without affecting their bottom line or scale.

So it has assembled a group of experts with global-scale tech leadership, insider knowledge of the entertainment industry, and storytelling prowess to help the live event industry make a positive impact on the planet.

Sound Future's board includes seasoned professionals such as Wesley Schultz, lead singer of the Lumineers; Joe Atamian, senior vice president and co-head of Wasserman Music's Chicago office; and Kelci Zile, venture partner at Madrona Venture Labs leading sustainability investments.

The organization has also created a first-of-its-kind interactive directory to help artists explore sustainable solutions for live events. This comprehensive resource lists over 300 vendors, offering everything from catering and merchandise to power supply and waste management. Here are some examples from the database:

• Bettercup: Provides reusable cups and a supply reuse system to eliminate single-use plastic from the venues.
• Label Yourself: Provides sustainable wristbands, lanyards, and labels with RFID chips. It also provides recycling solutions for all of its products.
• Energy Floors: Interactive dance floors that generate energy and raise awareness for renewable energy.
• Kompotoi: Supplier of compost toilets for sale or hire.

Having access to these resources can help artists move to more sustainable touring and channel their energy to advocate for climate causes. Of course, there’s a section of people who feel that the most sustainable way is for performers to stop touring altogether.

But since there are better alternatives available, why should we let go of this opportunity that brings people together and has been a vital and historical part of our culture.

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Photo: Ramon Haindl / Connected Archives

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