Local Band Unable to Purchase Groceries at Coles After Being Paid in "Exposure"

In a move that's raised eyebrows across the local scene, a support band has reportedly been paid in exposure. The headlining local band with 2500 followers insisted the support was just "stoked to be on the lineup". This form of compensation continues to be rejected by Coles, Woolworths, BP, landlords, and every other institution that deals in actual money.

Despite bringing their own gear, promoting the show on all of their social media platforms, and supplying half the crowd, the band was rewarded with:

• one insta story mention

• a heartfelt "cheers legends".

Sources confirm the headliner charged a door fee, sold merch, and received a guaranteed payment from the venue, but maintained that the support acts were "getting heaps out of it" by simply being associated with them.

The headlining band defended their arrangement explaining that "we're giving smaller artists a platform". Attempts to convert this exposure into real-world value have sadly been unsuccessful. Musicians across the country say exposure remains one of the least useful currencies available, ranking just below "free drink tokens".

The support drummer skipped a scheduled casual shift at local IGA to make the show, yet headliner band maintains they're "doing their part for the scene" while offering no pay and quietly hoarding all the drink tokens supplied by the venue.

With WA pint and petrol prices now exceeding the average support band payout, friends and family have reportedly been hit up by the supporting band after the show - asking if they could cash in their performative "great set" compliments for a home cooked meal.

The headliner has since announced plans to host another gig next month, promising even more "massive exposure opportunities" for emerging artists, including:

• a repost or tag

• the privilege of performing before the crowd arrives.