Late Night TV: A Dwindling Platform for Musicians

The closure of CBS’s ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ removed a vital platform for musicians looking to reach new audiences. Historically, late-night shows have been pivotal for artists, but opportunities are dwindling. NBC’s ‘Late Night With Seth Meyers’ and ABC’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ have reduced live performances. Only NBC’s ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ consistently features music.

March 3, 2014, marked a turning point for the rock band Future Islands. Their performance on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ catapulted them into fame. Initially unsure of the impact, bassist William Cashion recalled how festivals and greater exposure followed their appearance.

The decline of late-night spots impacts independent acts. CBS, NBC, and ABC did not comment on this trend. Chloë Walsh, of The Oriel, noted the competition for limited spots. Online platforms, like TikTok, offer alternative avenues. Several artists have leveraged viral content to gain recognition and deals, including Beach Bunny and their viral hit ‘Prom Queen.’

The shift to short-form content has replaced elements of traditional album cycles. Beach Bunny’s Lili Trifilio expressed concern over this transition, emphasizing the role of late-night shows in helping musicians reach new fans. Artists now rely more on self-promotion through platforms like TikTok.

Digital creators are reimagining conventional formats. Shows like ‘Track Star’ and ‘Outside Tonight’ are examples. Julian Shapiro-Barnum created ‘Outside Tonight’ to offer live music performances outdoors, emphasizing independent artists.

While traditional TV helped with exposure, it did not always translate to sales. The new digital platforms also focus on exposure, showcasing acts to promoters and playlist directors. For many artists, a late-night performance remains a critical milestone.