Pay-to-play gigs, where musicians are required to sell a certain number of tickets or pay to perform, have become a controversial practice. On one side, they offer opportunities for exposure, allowing new artists to build a fanbase. On the other side, many view them as exploitative, especially for artists who can’t sell enough tickets, leaving them out of pocket. This article debates whether these gigs are a stepping stone for new artists or an industry trap that takes advantage of musicians’ desperation for exposure without fairly compensating them.