Local Gig Pay- Are We Getting Ripped Off?

What Are We Worth?

I have been hearing from way too many musicians that 'some' venues are calling them up the day of the gig, before the performance and asking bands to take LESS MONEY that evening because they are having a 'slow night.' I think I speak for ALL musicians when I say, do venues offer to give us a bonus when they are having a GREAT night? Never.

But it's our OWN fault! MUSICIANS: STOP SAYING YES to the price cut! We have to take a stand and BE all that we are worth. If it's a 'slow night' or a venue that can't 'afford' us, then they shouldn't offer entertainment to their patrons and if they can't afford us, we don't need to be there.

It's the venues responsibility to GET the patron in THEIR establishment, otherwise, why have it in the first place? Don't tell me this falls on the head of the entertainer because they had the place BEFORE they had entertainment. It is however, our job to KEEP the patron in the establishment. If we can do that, we are WELL worth our asking price and if we can't then, just don't ask us back but please stop asking us to slit our own throats by taking less money.

We work hard at our craft and we are proud of what we do and what we can offer otherwise WE wouldn't offer our services to you.

Very Good Point!!!
I agree with you 100%! Not only do we contend with the "slow night" issue, but in general, we are not paid what we are truly worth. Many venues still pay you what they did maybe 15-20 years ago. In some cases, you have club owners who won't hire you because their worried about a damn body count( i'm in a duo). We have seasoned veterans out there not making what they should and now we have to worry about slow nights???

Regarding the "Gig Play" issue. Too many entertainers, especially locally work strictly off their word with the manager/agent/or whomever is handling the booking. Remember to always use a contract, its legal and if a vendor doesn't want to sign it. Then don't work that room. To increase the money, insist on a cover charge, loyal fans support their performers and paying 5 or 10 dollars will not keep them away. Myself, I always use a contract, learned from getting burned too many times. Hope this information helps. Good input from Lysa & Michele.
Daniel "buddy" Monteiro

Hey RIMC'ers!
After all the hope we had for my cousin Alexis Brown and American Idol, we were bought to basically, the judges 'having a bad day.' That's all I can explain it away as because have you SEEN some of the stuff they are putting through this season?? Which brings me to my new topic question...
Do you think American Idol needs to adjust their standards and if so, how? Let's get this discussion rolling! Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Edited by author 02-08-2008 11:56 AM
If you have the quality it shouldn`t be no problem in getting what your worth. I think it`s not all about the sound, don`t get me wrong the sound is a big big part,you must have that kick ass sound system, but you must look like a entertainer to. My goal has alway been if you can`t give them anything to listen to at least give them something to look at. If it doesn`t sound good at least you look good and vise versa.