Gigging Poll

[NoFrets4Me]

There's obviously a wide range of experience on TB. I was wondering where we all stood as far as gigging (or doing session work).

[alembicguy]

I usually stand next to the drummer

[NoFrets4Me]

Originally Posted by alembicguy

I usually stand next to the drummer

Wise-ass!

[Lesfunk]

I used to be 100% pro. making all my money through music. But the past 8 years I've supplemented my income by having a tiny retail business selling R/C airplanes out of my house. (I came off the road to settle down and get married only to get divorced 5 years later)
Still, easily 75% of my income comes from my bass playing and singing.

[Gubna]

when I was playing actively in a band, we got paid sometimes. I think the most we ever made was about $300 for a gig. But we had a few of those. Most were not paying, or you got a couple of drink tickets...

I've played "Pay to play" shows as well. Back in the early nineties, some of the clubs around the SF bay area you had to sell tickets - you had to come up with a certain amount of money for your slot.

I always thought that sucked because the club was probably going to make money anyway - both at the door, and at the bar - BUT it also allowed you the opportunity - if you sold all your tickets, to make some money yourself.

[Dr. Cheese]

I'm in the rarely get paid category. At my advanced age, I plan to enhance my skills so that within the next three years, I can get paid regularly, and maybe be able to get slightly fancier gear.

[Phalex]

I gig pretty regularly, but I don't make anything close to what my straight job pays. My hobby pretty much pays for my wife's hobbies with a little bit of money for me to buy beer left over.

[CardinalFan984]

pretty much all the money made from playing shows goes into buying equipment/shirts/cds for the band

[winstonthecat]

I gig once or twice a month, making very little money. In both of my bands, everyone is fully employed and makes their living off something other than music.

[savit260]

I play pretty regularly, but my day gig pays a lot better, so I voted option 3.

Both bands I play in are on reasonalby well distributed independant labels.

Some shows pay very well, others not so much, but for the most part, I play for fun, and it creates some supplimental income.


Merch sales are a nice bonus too.

[JazzyJames]

Been playing for a year now. I jam with friends but never gigged or anything.

[basslyon]

playing is my job but i'm gonna need to get a day job to support myself too as much as i hate it. I moved back with my parents when my old share house fell down so i can afford to live of music- playing a gig or two a week of covers. but i got to get back out of there and my city doesn't have a mid week night life so there's not alot of gigs out there during the week

[rodl2005]

I gig 2, 3 x / week pay ranges from $100 to $300 ea. band member. Work day job also= not much "day's off"..but I LOVE gigging SO much it doesn't worry me.

[sturmvogel]

Back in the early '70's I was just getting started playing clubs---then disco hit, all the clubs went with damned DJs and it was time to think of a career other than music. Now, I just play for myself and friends if they happen to be around when improvising. I am thinking about doing some open mikes, even though I don't sing---I have some pretty interesting (IMO of course) instrumental stuff.

[KsToaDangr]

I only play shows every once in a while, but I make a little bit of money on the side doing session work and production duties for a couple of local bands.

[Interceptor]

I usually can cover equipment wear and tear, gas and beer these days.

I played in a wedding band to help finance my education. It was harsh duty but very profitable.

[lunker]

I've got a part time gig directing a church's contemporary music program. I also teach a couple of students. I don't really have time for any other gigs (pretty sure I don't have the energy either). The money's not great (it's not bad by any means), which is fine since it's supplementary anyway and I would probably be willing to do it for free. It pays for the gear and beer.

[Rano Bass]

I've been making my living from music for the last 12 years, i guess i'm with the lucky ones

[Uncle Ernie]

My last gig, which was my farewell party before moving to the US, ended up costing me over a grand, between PA, food & drink... the balance is deeply in the red for me!

On the other hand, in my day job, playing bass turned out to be the proverbial foot in the door for my current position . Life has convoluted ways indeed.

[Plookie]

Making money through my love regularly...music! Been at this for about 11 years, and still growing... Thankful for everything which came and is coming my way musically.

Pavel Jazz Pro 5 Deluxe bass endorser