What to do when band is too expensive...

Trevorus · #1 06-09-2008, 10:59 AM

Well, it's looking like my current gig is just to expensive to keep doing. There are gigs happening, but we haven't brought home even enough to cover gas, and I am having to take off of work to make gigs... I have a gig in Kalamazoo, MI this Friday, and one in Indiana Saturday, and it definitely won't pay for itself. I was just starting to have fun, too...

no1likesme · #2 06-09-2008, 11:24 AM

the question you have to ask yourself is, why are you in the band? If you are in it for money you may want to leave. But if you just want to play music for fun, it may be worth it.

invader3k · #3 06-09-2008, 11:58 AM

Start charging more, or take less gigs.

eotpr · #4 06-09-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by invader3k

Start charging more, or take less gigs.

That is what I as thinking....Charge more. Use rising fuel prices as an excuse and tell all new bookings as you make them that your price has gone up. at $4.00+ per gallon they will understand.

How much per gig are you losing? How much would you have to raise the price to make money?

IanStephenson · #5 06-09-2008, 05:58 PM

Gigs are work - whether they're fun or not.

Decide what you'll work for, and charge that PLUS expenses. We have a standard rate which covers most local gigs but when we get asked to do an out of area gig we plainly state XXX is our rate, but you'll have to pay YYY to cover our travel costs. Sometimes we get paid the extra, and sometimes we don't take the gig.

Jazzdogg · #6 06-09-2008, 08:54 PM

Our band has comprised six musicians for the past few years, but with rising gas prices we've been considering reducing our numbers so each of us could be paid a little more; we recently fired our sax player for performance and interpersonal reasons, and we're seriously considering leaving his chair vacant for awhile.

We've also been rethinking bookings that involve long drives, carpooling more, and reconsidering how many free or discounted benefit gigs we're willing to play.

Dave Muscato · #7 06-10-2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eotpr

That is what I as thinking....Charge more. Use rising fuel prices as an excuse and tell all new bookings as you make them that your price has gone up. at $4.00+ per gallon they will understand.

How much per gig are you losing? How much would you have to raise the price to make money?

Instead of just raising your overall price, I recommend adding a "Fuel Surcharge" to your gig rates as a separate number, say $4 per 15 miles beyond a certain radius. If you have an official-sounding name, IME, talent buyers are less likely to balk.

Deacon_Blues · #8 06-10-2008, 02:38 AM

I don't really play for money, but I won't accept to lose money on a gig, unless it is a gig that will give plenty of exposure and possibly a bunch of new gigs.

On the other hand, I expect and want a decent pay. It's because I think a band should charge according to what it's worth on the market. If there's other bands charging twice more and play worse (and still get gigs), it's time to ask for more money.

EDIT: Then there is of course a difference if you play covers or originals....

popinfresh · #9 06-10-2008, 03:35 AM

Ehh, are you doing covers or originals? Do you actually pull a crowd?

I'd play any descent original gig for free, and at a loss. I play for the love of it, not the money. I make enough at work during the week to pay for petrol and anything else, and besides if I wasn't playing a gig that night (95% are weekends) i'd be going out and spending money anyway.