Forget the romanticized myth of the "starving artist"—in this episode of Metalomics, we reveal the cold, hard mechanics of the music industry.

We treat the modern metal band not just as a creative collective, but as a rational economic Firm navigating a landscape of scarcity and high stakes. From the "Promoter’s Risk" in setting ticket prices to the brutal Opportunity Cost of choosing a tour bus over studio time, we analyze how bands balance profit maximization with the pursuit of artistic utility.

We break down the heavy costs of production, examining how Fixed and Variable Costs dictate the tour cycle and why specialized Human Capital—like your sound engineer and lighting director—is the most vital asset a band can own. Whether you're a musician looking to optimize your bottom line or a fan curious about the price of a ticket, join us as we calculate the true cost of the riff.

Economics is Metal!

Music: Yet Still We Pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Cleansing Her Mechanical Heart

Hosts: Josh Goddard & David Ingram

Producer: David Ingram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://metalomicspodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/metalomics/⁠

"That is NOT metal!"

We’ve all heard it. The accusations of "posers," "selling out," and inauthenticity. But what if we told you that the unwritten, iron-clad rules of the metal subculture aren't just about music? What if they are actually a brutal, informal economic system?

On this episode of METALOMICS, we put the metal scene under the economic microscope. We explore the paradox of a subculture built on anti-commercialism that functions as a vibrant, regulated economy.

Economics is Metal!

Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mark of the Alter - Fait Accompli

Hosts: Josh Goddard & David Ingram

Producer: David Ingram

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://metalomicspodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/metalomics/⁠

In this episode, we take a macro look at the Metal Economy. By "following the money," we trace the industry's impact beyond just musicians and fans to the unsung economic contributors, from venue security and merch printers to the critical infrastructure of gas stations and American Legion halls. We break down the challenges of quantifying this ecosystem without reliable data and propose a theoretical approach to estimate the true global footprint of metal.

Economics is Metal!

Music: ⁠⁠Bone Crown - The Order

Hosts: Josh Goddard & David Ingram

Producer: David Ingram

⁠⁠⁠https://metalomicspodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/metalomics/⁠