Trump’s Tariffs Inflicting “Harm” on Musical Instrument Industry
Shadows Fall’s Brian Fair Sounds the Alarm on Tariffs Threatening the Music Industry Under Trump
In a recent wave of economic turbulence, the music instrument market is feeling the crunch of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, and no one feels it more acutely than Brian Fair, the iconic frontman of veteran metal band Shadows Fall. Fair is not only a musician but also a dedicated employee at St. Louis Music, one of North America’s largest music instrument distributors. His firsthand insights, shared on his Threads account, reveal a troubling landscape impacting both artists and music stores as costs soar in the wake of these tariffs.
“This is damage we’re seeing firsthand,” Fair stated in his impassioned post, citing the rising costs that trickle down to consumers as a direct result of increased tariffs on musical instruments primarily sourced overseas. “Our landing costs have skyrocketed and those costs are being turned into higher prices that will be, unfortunately, handed down to the consumers.” Fair emphasized the delicate balance between supporting local music shops and the necessity of competitive pricing, a tension exacerbated by these tariffs.
The implications are severe: brick-and-mortar music stores, many of which are already struggling for survival, will face even tougher conditions as they grapple with increased pricing. “We’ve tried to avoid increases wherever possible, but a lot of it is unavoidable,” Fair lamented, noting that many beloved brands moved production overseas long ago to stay competitive, a fate catalyzed by earlier market pressures.
Historically, the fallout from economic disruptions like these has not just impacted consumers—retailers are caught in a vicious cycle where, regardless of whether companies are directly affected by tariffs, price hikes occur across the board. “The idea that domestic or other manufacturers that are NOT affected by tariffs won’t raise their prices to match the market… is naive," Fair argued. "Once prices go up, they rarely come back down. The market resets, and everyone jumps on board to maximize profits.”
This unsettling forecast is particularly grim for musicians and local stores alike. The reality is stark: brands like Fender, while producing budget models across the border in Mexico, and companies such as PDP or Pearl that manufacture in China, are all facing an uncertain future in a tariff-laden market.
As the stock market reacts to these shifts—with the Dow Jones plummeting nearly 5,000 points since the announcement of “Liberation Day” tariffs—Fair’s insights paint a vivid picture of a music economy on the brink of upheaval.
Amidst this bleak economic backdrop, Shadows Fall remains committed to the road. They’re gearing up for a run of U.S. tour dates this May, including a high-profile set at the Sonic Temple festival, and supporting the likes of Killswitch Engage. But as Fair acknowledges, the stakes are high. “I hope there is still a market left once the dust clears,” he said, serving as both a call to action and a heartfelt plea for the preservation of the music industry.
As prices soar and uncertainty looms, the community of musicians, producers, and fans alike must brace for a potentially transformed landscape in the aftermath of these tariffs. For more information on Shadows Fall’s upcoming tour dates, fans can grab their tickets here and watch for updates as the music industry navigates these turbulent waters.
