How to do it?

klejst · #1 06-02-2011, 03:23 PM

I am currently in original rock band and we have established ourself pretty well in our hometown and are now looking to branch our and possibly do some touring. We are also just finishing up our latest EP which we feel is some of our best work and are possibly looking to submit it soon to possible venues, promoters, and even record labels. I know it is a long shot to get picked up by a label or major label (but you don't know unless you try right). Anyways one of the things I thought about of this "what if" is how being signed and doing the music thing works along with general life. What I mean by that is taking care of bills. I am very close to closing on a house as well and I guess I am just asking for advice on how touring musicians or people here on TB that would happen to be in bands or groups that are signed deal with paying bills? Or more so while on tour how do they do it? Also is it safe to say you make the decent money to be able to afford to pay bills per month (such as say a home mortgage)? I mean everyone has bills (or most people do), how do you deal with them while still trying to do the whole music thing? I know this may be a very random topic or thing to ask and it is based off a "what if," however I have always been curious. Thanks TB!

ShredderMaximus · #2 06-02-2011, 04:49 PM

Interesting question, I'll be watching this one!

MatticusMania · #3 06-02-2011, 05:25 PM

Q: How to do it?

A: In-Out, In-Out, In-Out, In-Out, finish.

ShredderMaximus · #4 06-02-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

Q: How to do it?

A: In-Out, In-Out, In-Out, In-Out, finish.

Lol, I was always jealous that could make a living off chicks. I haven't attained that level of awesomeness yet.

erock0138 · #5 06-02-2011, 05:33 PM

Well I'll tell you about my situation right now. I'm a hired touring bass player, for a band based out of Cincinnati, which is where I live. I get paid per show, and play about 10-15 a month, So I'm making pretty decent money, but just enough to live off of. Keep in mind this is a nationally recognized band. Take, car insurance, gas, rent, utilities, and any equipment I need to purchase, is sucked up quickly. But the thing is, is for a band that is just getting moving, it'll probably take a couple years to generate profit, sustainable enough to have a mortgage, and comfortable living. Make sure you also get contracts with venues, so your payment is agreed upon beforehand. Long story short, you can, but it's harder than hell. And prepare to go hungry.

Good Luck!

erock0138 · #6 06-02-2011, 05:34 PM

Also, keep in mind if you do tour, you won't be in that house. So you'll be paying a mortgage for not living there when you're out of town. And the old saying goes, if it were that easy, everyone would be doing it.

klejst · #7 06-02-2011, 08:38 PM

Thank you for the insight and even though I already knew thanks for the directions on "how to do it"

. Anyways I suppose I am looking to far into the future to know what would really happen or could happen. With the house I am at the stage in my life that I wanted to purchase one basically because the home market is cheap right now and interest rates are lower than they have ever been because of the crappy economic system right now. I guess I am on both sides of this scale, one side is I could of kept living in my apartment (because living with my folks is out of the question plus would not be a free ride anyways and is embarrassing) and still paid per month or buy a house for about another couple hundred a month, but if we do tour or get signed then I am paying for a house I am not living in and perhaps barely getting by. On the other side of things my band never gets signed or never goes on tour or breaks up (God-forbid) and then I miss out on a house/life opportunity. I am one for taking risks, however like to keep my head above water. Like I said perhaps this is just a dream or wish, however you never know. Plus I have read numerous documents online about how labels can really stick artists and the advance is nice, but how it can kick you in the ass later on.

Munjibunga · #8 06-02-2011, 10:56 PM

What income has qualified you for a loan on the house?

klejst · #9 06-03-2011, 06:52 AM

I currently have a 40 hour a week (Monday-Friday) full-time job and make pretty decent money, or at least to get by with a little spending change. I guess what I am asking to those out there who have experienced it is do label's usually advance you or do your profits usually cover personal expenses you may have? I hear about bands that play shows every night and can make $1000-2000 a night when touring, of course that does not mean all that money is for the band, I am sure the label takes a cut. I am just asking is it feasible because I want to live my dream, however do not want to sink into a black hole. Again it is based off a "what if," however I am curious. I guess if the time comes, just see what a label has to offer, I am a all cards or figures on the table kind of guy.