Space for music on late-night TV has dwindled. New media seeks to offer an alternative
NEW YORK (AP) — When CBS ended “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” earlier this year, it also shuttered the program’s robust music offerings — a major blow for artists whose television platform was already dwindling.…
As late-night television's prominence for music performances declines, new media ventures are aiming to provide an alternative platform for emerging artists. CBS' discontinuation of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" has significantly impacted musicians seeking exposure, as the show previously served as a crucial avenue for reaching new audiences. Notable acts such as Chappell Roan and The Beatles reaped the benefits of performing on live late-night shows.
Following James Corden's departure from "The Late Late Show" in 2023, the program's performance space vanished. NBC's "Late Night With Seth Meyers" has reduced live music, while ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has limited performances to twice a week. Currently, only NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" remains consistent in booking live acts.
Despite these reductions, artists still recognize the immense value of these performances. A prime example is the transformative impact of performing on "Late Show with David Letterman" for rock band Future Islands. The experience catapulted the synth-pop group into viral fame, leading to increased interest from festivals and other opportunities.
Bassist William Cashion recalls that signing with larger indie label 4AD and securing a late-night slot seemed like a promising step for the band, but they were initially unaware of its monumental impact.
The opportunity to perform on "Late Show with David Letterman" proved to be a turning point for Future Islands, garnering substantial exposure from previously unresponsive festivals and other prospects. This account highlights the significance of late-night television in providing a crucial platform for emerging artists, and emerging media platforms are now striving to offer a similar alternative for those seeking wider audience reach.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
