Can you guys drive the 800 miles, pay your own travel and cover the cost of your band at no expense to us?

Q&A:

For of all, these are opinions.  I don't have everything figured out.  These are only observations from my vantage point and do not relate to every scenario...

1. How do you make a living and pay your bills?

I'm diverse.  Everyone is different and has a different approach to how they support themselves on the creative side of the music biz.  Instead of putting all my eggs in one basket, I've spread them into many.  I wear the hat of a songwriter, writing not only for myself but also for other artists.  I also perform in a duo and travel, making money off concerts, etc.  In addition I produce projects for artists and do a little session work.  What I'm doing changes from week to week.  It's always music oriented and relates to one of those pre-mentioned avenues (Songwriting, Artistry, Production).  

2. Why doesn't super talented so-and-so not have a record deal?

A.  They may not want one.

B.  Talent is only part of what is needed to succeed.  One must also have a likable personality.  Artist persona on stage and off…and they may not have the backing, financing or already built-in fan base that labels have to see these days.

C.  Is what they are doing going to fill a need in the market?

3. I've had a number of older listeners ask me,  "Why do I have to listen to all these young cookie cutter groups on the radio that I don't relate to?"

Couple reasons…

You and others like you aren't buying the CDs/songs of the more mature, seasoned artists that you relate to.  The record companies aren't going to get behind and push something that isn't selling.  They'd lose more money than they already are.

It's easier for the college age band/artist to hop in a van and travel across the country to play a show for free.  When you're thirty+ and have a wife and bills to pay, you can't be as free and sacrificing with your time.  It's a shame because by the time many artists reach thirty+ they've figure themselves out.  They have a firmer grasp on the art of performance and songwriting but now they don't have the flexibility the younger up and coming artists do.  

Those are a few reasons you have to listen to younger,  less mature artist expose their views of life, liberty and the pursuit of rock-n-roll dreams through oftentimes ill crafted songs.

4. Why do all the songs on the radio 'sound' the same?  

Businessmen and corporations own and run labels, not musicians.  The bottom line is the bottom line.  If the companies know that the consumer is going to buy a certain product (even over and over under a different name and face) they will continue to produce that product.  It's too risky to take a chance on artists that don't fit the proven formula.

Remember, this is commercial music that we are talking about here.  NOT ART!

5. Do you get paid on every show?  

No.  …NO!  The following is a common question/Statement:  "Can you guys drive the 800 miles, pay your own travel and cover the cost of your band at no expense to us?  It'll be great exposure!"  Translation: "You are going in the hole on this one.  I hope there's some additional funds in the band account because you need to spend for the off chance that more then ten people (only two of who will remember you in a month's time) will show to the event that the promotor will forget to advertise.  

Note: I did the math on a $5,000 gig that we did recently. Here's the breakdown…(I also listed this breakdown in another post.)

Total the venue pays:  $5,000  (1/2 day travel/CONCERT/1/2 travel)

Our expenses: 

 -$750 to manager

-$750 to booking agent

-$900 to backing band members (3 backing band members at $300 each)

-$1,000 Van rental, trailer and fuel

-$200 Hotel

-$150 Food

Artist take home pay:  $1,250  

That's when you're fortunate enough to get $5,000+ gigs.  MOST clubs pay less than $500 to the artist/band and MOST festivals pay less than $1500.  Do the math.