NITO Elects 2025 Officers, Releases ‘What Artists Earn’ Survey

The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) has elected a new executive board, and voted Wayne Forte of Entourage Talent Associates president; Tom Chauncey of Partisan Arts as vice president; Matt Yasecko of Arrival Artists as secretary and Nelly Neben of Axis Management as treasurer, all for one-year terms.

The election news follows the release of NITO’s “What Artists Earn” survey that serves to dispel a public perception that high ticket prices enrich artists.  

NITO is the trade organization for independent U.S. music booking agents and managers and the thousands of artists they represent. 

“I am very much looking forward to taking the helm as President of NITO and to building upon the work initiated by my predecessors, Frank Riley (the true founder of NITO) and Jack Randall,” said Forte in a statement. “Additionally, I thank the NITO board members for having the faith and trust to provide me with this opportunity. As one of the founding members, I have worked alongside our board members for years now, many of whom have labored tirelessly, from the days of SVOG, through to our Ticketing Task Force, reasonably priced touring insurances, pre-negotiated terms and conditions and our other current program priorities. I look forward to continuing to support and help guide and advise them, all in the pursuit of success for our members.”

“I’m looking forward to my new role as NITO’s Vice President and thankful for the work that Michel Vega did before me,” said incoming Vice President Tom Chauncey.  “Together we’ve made incredible progress in the past few years and I’m excited to continue building NITO’s voice on behalf of our independent agency and manager members!”

As part of an ongoing effort to represent its members and their artists, NITO recently shared a study and infographic that corrects a common narrative that high ticket prices enrich touring artists. 

Using a $100 ticket as a baseline, the study found that the majority of the ticket price covers show expenses and promoter profits, with artists retaining less than 10% of the ticket price as profit.

According to NITO, ticketing fees account for over 20% of the total price, or about $22. These fees have risen significantly in recent years, now averaging 28% of the ticket’s face value nationwide. Ticket fees are split among the venue, promoter, and ticketing company, with artists excluded from this share.

Another 30% ($30) of the ticket price is allocated to production costs, venue staff, sound, lights and security. 

The remaining $48 is divided between the artist, who typically receives 85%, and the promoter or venue, which takes 15%. However, artists must still cover their own expenses including salaries, travel, equipment, commissions, and visa/immigration fee from their share. 

According to business managers and tour managers consulted by NITO, these expenses consume 75-85% of the artist’s portion, leaving them with only $8.16 in profit from a $100 ticket. NITO acknowledges that these figures are estimates and can vary widely depending on the tour.