First gig last night! But I have a question.

J. Crawford · #1 01-03-2010, 09:43 AM

I had my first show with the band last night, and we killed it! We opened for another awesomely musically talented band, and did alternating sets. Their singer needed some work, but overall they rocked the house!

Its been about a 5 month journey waiting for that moment, and once I got on stage I felt right at home. I guess I was overmixed by the sound guy, and I got lots of compliments on my "basses tone, and the tasty fills I threw out there!" So, that compliment made my night.

I do have one question though.. I only made $65 when the band itself made $650. Being a 5 piece band, I dont know how that worked out.

Our drummer is a union musician, so he has to have a certain pay, but that still leaves plenty enough for the other 4 of us. Our singer and guitarist live in Nashville, and they had to drive up, so they took a bigger cut.

Is it normal for a band member to only receive about 11-12% pay for a 20 song, 2 hour total gig? Im new to this, being my first show with a real band and not one for a school or afterschool program. Being only 17, and the youngest/newest to the music scene, I dont have the balls to say anything as I enjoy the music itself and the exposure more, as it seems I need that more than money at this time.

But overall, it was an awesome night, and worth all the time Ive put in, for sure.

jschwalls · #2 01-03-2010, 09:49 AM

Do what you feel is right... $65 for a 2 hour show at 17yrs of age.... take it... get the experience you need now at whatever pay and later on you can demand your own price based on experience and such.

I'm almost 40 now, and I do some shows for free just because I enjoy playing so much... to each there own.

OlSkewl56 · #3 01-03-2010, 09:54 AM

This time, okay, but I would at least ask in a non-confrontational manner what's up with the pay scale. You're a big part of "their/your" sound and work as hard as the next guy. IMHO

J. Crawford · #4 01-03-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jschwalls

Do what you feel is right... $65 for a 2 hour show at 17yrs of age.... take it... get the experience you need now at whatever pay and later on you can demand your own price based on experience and such.

I'm almost 40 now, and I do some shows for free just because I enjoy playing so much... to each there own.

See, youre thinking like me.

I would rather play and love it, then worry about the money. My parents pay my bills and food, I have nothing to worry about.

I record for free most of the time, because at my age, I would rather be on the album and have people hear me, then get $50 to buy something stupid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlSkewl56

This time, okay, but I would at least ask in a non-confrontational manner what's up with the pay scale. You're a big part of "their/your" sound and work as hard as the next guy. IMHO

I agree, and seeing theyre like family, we dont have too many confrontations. Its all good though, the night was awesome and I have 0 complaints.

OlSkewl56 · #5 01-03-2010, 10:00 AM

Yeah, first and foremost, congratulations on what sounds like a great performance.
Are you going to post any pics?

M0ses · #6 01-03-2010, 10:04 AM

I'm not saying you shouldn't be getting payed, you definitely deserve it, but you're also lucky. I'm 17 and I live in a small Wisconsin town. The music scene around here? It literally doesn't exist. We have to beg bar owners to let us play. And we play for tips 90% of the time. And yet, we play as much as we possibly can. At this point, for me, it's all about experience. We've been gigging for 6 months and my rig has ALMOST paid for itself.

OH yeah, congrats on the great gig! It sounds awesome.

J. Crawford · #7 01-03-2010, 10:05 AM

Yep, here they are. I did a LOT of moving around on stage, but every time my dad took a picture, I was standing still..

But anyways, here are the best ones from the night:

dmusic148 · #8 01-03-2010, 10:06 AM

Congrats on the gig, glad it went well. Pay? I don't leave my house for less than $100, but you do what you want. The experience angle is true and all, just don't let people take advantage of you. This gig may have been a special case, but please don't make working cheap into a habit as it may eventually bite you/us.

J. Crawford · #9 01-03-2010, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

I'm not saying you shouldn't be getting payed, you definitely deserve it, but you're also lucky. I'm 17 and I live in a small Wisconsin town. The music scene around here? It literally doesn't exist. We have to beg bar owners to let us play. And we play for tips 90% of the time. And yet, we play as much as we possibly can. At this point, for me, it's all about experience. We've been gigging for 6 months and my rig has ALMOST paid for itself.

OH yeah, congrats on the great gig! It sounds awesome.

I know man, I lived with that for a long time, until I caught this lucky break. Im telling you, right place at the right time.

M0ses · #10 01-03-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. Crawford

I know man, I lived with that for a long time, until I caught this lucky break. Im telling you, right place at the right time.

Congrats

I'm happy for you. Looks awesome. And BTW nice shoes

J. Crawford · #11 01-03-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

Congrats

I'm happy for you. Looks awesome. And BTW nice shoes

Thanks! I have 4 pairs o' chucks, wear em everyday for almost everything I do. I love em, almost as much as my P.

OlSkewl56 · #12 01-03-2010, 10:10 AM

So how did the Avatars sound in your mix?

OlSkewl56 · #13 01-03-2010, 10:11 AM

Good lookin Fender! Vary nice, high 5!

J. Crawford · #14 01-03-2010, 10:12 AM

Avatars sounded great. The mix was perfect, the sound guy tours nationally with all kinds of bands, and was in town to do the gig. He was killer, really cool too. That little 500 watt rig killed it, I couldnt be happier.

fretlessspence · #15 01-03-2010, 10:15 AM

Before the next gig, find out what the pay breakdown is, and why it is structured that way. Then, you won't feel like you've been used. If it still works for you then great, if not, voice your opinion. One lesson you should learn early. Some people believe that if you take less money, you're worth less money. If "will work for beer" is your motto, you will work for beer, and that's all.

BananaKing · #16 01-03-2010, 10:16 AM

Grats!

I love playing live, so I don't mind making a little less if I can get on stage.

At this point, its all about the music.

J. Crawford · #17 01-03-2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessspence

Before the next gig, find out what the pay breakdown is, and why it is structured that way. Then, you won't feel like you've been used. If it still works for you then great, if not, voice your opinion. One lesson you should learn early. Some people believe that if you take less money, you're worth less money. If "will work for beer" is your motto, you will work for beer, and that's all.

Welp, being 17, working for beer isnt an option, now is it! Ill have to go on strike.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BananaKing

Grats!

I love playing live, so I don't mind making a little less if I can get on stage.

At this point, its all about the music.

I agree man.. I felt at home on stage, and that was worth not being paid too much.

But hey, its $65 more than I started with!

bass12 · #18 01-03-2010, 10:24 AM

I don't like the idea of musicians getting exploited and I often find it frustrating to see players taking jobs for low pay (as it can set a bad pay-scale precedent). Having said that, you're at a stage where I believe the experience counts more than the money. The first bar gigs I played paid $90 - for the whole trio. It didn't matter to me - I just wanted to get out there and play. Would I play the same gigs today for the same pay - probably not (unless the circumstances were very particular). The best sound engineers I've known got started working as gophers in recording studios - often for no pay. That's just how it often used to work. The payoff was the experience and none of those former gophers work for free now! So I wouldn't sweat it. Keep your eyes and ears open, do a good job and enjoy yourself. You'll know when it's really time to worry about the money.

Renaissance · #19 01-03-2010, 10:36 AM

Congrats on the gig! Experience comes in many forms - stage time, musical, etc. and BUSINESS! Don't get hosed just because your business experience is minimal. Consider this a business lesson. I understand your position and I'm sure these guys didn't jerk you around but don't let someone else decide what you should get paid. At the very least you should know how the money was divided up - you are an equal member of the band. It doesn't have to be confrontational, but you should know where the money is going. Trust me - some people count funny.

Troutdog · #20 01-03-2010, 10:37 AM

Years from now, when you've been playing for decades, you will remember this gig like it was yesterday...and not for the money you made.

Enjoy the moment.