Navigating Precarity in the Philippine Music Industry: Analyzing Financial, Health, and Personal Security Challenges Faced by Freelance Musicians

The gig economy is composed of different professions from different industries. Freelance work has been one of the oldest forms of employment and until today, many workers rely on it. However, even with the number of populations involved in the field, there are still very few policies and security measures provided for the employees of the said Industry. In this case study, different aspects of the gig economy in the Music industry will be explored using ground theory to identify what variables affect the well-being of the freelance musicians. The participants will be gig musicians heavily impacted not just by the pandemic, but also by the constant precarity brought about by the gig industry. Interviews will be conducted to obtain responses and perspectives from the gig workers to better understand the nature of work in terms of finances, social security, and physical and mental well-being. The goal is to come up with possible recommendations to improve the quality of the work environment of those who are involved in the creative industry.