How Much Should I Charge?

Topher2105 · #1 04-07-2008, 06:09 PM

Hey All:

I'm new to this forum, but I feel like I'm in some great company!

OK, here's the deal: I'm currently backing up a singer/songwriter as the bass player in his stage band. The aforementioned singer/songwriter has booked some gigs in support of his solo album, and will be booking more. Most of those gigs aren't paying, as he's trying to get his album out there. He's developed a very nice following, had a song picked up and played on a popular television show, and is starting to get into some very nice venues.

Right now, I've been donating my time, as has the rest of the band on the hope that we'll start getting paid for shows. But, this is all in support of HIS album.

So, should I be asking that he pays us to support his album whether the gigs are paying or not? I mean, this is all in support of his album like I mentioned, and some of the gigs are at high profile clubs (Hard Rock Cafe, for example). I kind of know the answer -- but, I thought I'd put it to the masses. Additionally, how much should I be charging?

Thanks in advance!
Topher

ding_man · #2 04-07-2008, 07:08 PM

Seeing as you are eventually gonna get paid I personally would stick out until the money comes in. This guy sounds promising. You could always be replaced.

However, if you are trying to make a living here you might want to tell them that you're gonna want paid eventually.

troy2003 · #3 04-07-2008, 07:28 PM

That is a tough one.Is he the kinda guy that has you included in his plans long term?Or band members he can use for free?Tough call,I guess if I felt he had loyalty to me and I wasn't starving,I would let it go.might be a topic to bring up sometime-like "where do we fit in this?"

kevteop · #4 04-07-2008, 07:34 PM

So he's made no actual commitment to give you paying work in the future if his album takes off, just an assumption on your part that he'll "pay you back" eventually?

I'd probably want something a bit more concrete than that, unless the guy was a good friend. Maybe write up a contract covering the work you're doing now and invoice him for each occasion that he uses you, just to make it clear that you do expect to be paid for your services at some point even if he can't pay you now.

psychotiger · #5 04-07-2008, 07:42 PM

Hmmmmm..... I have no experience for the music end of this but I do run my own company as a Senior & Founding Partner. My fear would be that if this guy gets a record deal then it would be HIS deal, not yours. So without a contract that would eventually pay you for services rendered if money comes through then you could be left out and you are a volunteer, plain and simple. The contracted payment could be contingent on a future sales with incentives to keep you in the band once payment begins. Remember that if he gets a record deal, he may lose control of who is in the band. A contract provides you some protection without costing him anything now. My 2 cents.

rodl2005 · #6 04-07-2008, 07:53 PM

+1 on the contract thing...... Get it in writing- stating that as YOU'VE donated YOUR time FREE of charge etc etc.... some loyalty & some payment will be due at a preset time etc... I dunno how much-things different wherever U R. Here in MY town we get -Door takings at SOME gigs, $100 each at another, $150 ea. another, $4-600 ea, at others........ goodluck

Topher2105 · #7 04-08-2008, 05:48 AM

Thank you all very much for your responses. I think the contract might be a good idea. Right now, he has an album which he had produced on his own, and is now trying to promote. But, in my mind, he paid a studio band to record HIS album, why not pay live band too. When it comes down to it, we're all working to support him.

Additionally, even if there is a contract - if he were ever to get signed, wouldn't there be a chance that his record company could say "OK, here's your new band."? That would leave me dead in the water...

need4mospd · #8 04-08-2008, 10:14 AM

Hope you're having fun, because that and gas money is about all I can realistically see coming from a situation like that.

lonote · #9 04-08-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topher2105

Thank you all very much for your responses. I think the contract might be a good idea. Right now, he has an album which he had produced on his own, and is now trying to promote. But, in my mind, he paid a studio band to record HIS album, why not pay live band too. When it comes down to it, we're all working to support him.

Additionally, even if there is a contract - if he were ever to get signed, wouldn't there be a chance that his record company could say "OK, here's your new band."? That would leave me dead in the water...

This is all true. Even if he has the best of intentions, the record company can and usually will dictate who is in the band.

"...why not pay the live band too." The obvious answer is that he doesn't have to because he has found people who will play for nothing.

kevteop · #10 04-08-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topher2105

Additionally, even if there is a contract - if he were ever to get signed, wouldn't there be a chance that his record company could say "OK, here's your new band."? That would leave me dead in the water...

More to the point he's unlikely to want to sign you to a long-term contract. I was suggesting that you draw up a contract to cover your rates and responsibilities for the work you're doing *now*, and invoice him for that work, so that you can get paid at some point. I don't think there's any way you're likely to get guarantees of future work.