• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Is $$$ for gigs something that just doesn't happen for certain genres/in certain areas?

#103
buldog5151bass said:
Dwayne - no need to get snide. I'm asking a question.

I keep hearing people complain about not getting paid for playing original music, and I keep hearing them saying they only play 30 minute sets - that sounds like pay to play for me.

Big regional bands get paid decent money, but most don't.

It's been a while since I've done original music, and I was curious. And I see nothing wrong with asking that question.
Click to expand...
You're more misrepresenting what I've said than asking questions. That's cool. Do your thing.
 
#105
Dwaynie - I am not trolling. I have been asking a simple question. For the bands out there playing originals and doing the 30 minute set - what are you paid by the clubs? Not percent of ticket sales (I am assuming that was not part of the deal). What did they pay you?

When I do covers, I know exactly what I am going to be paid, and how long I am going to play. When I've done originals, I did all the booking myself, so the band got all the proceeds.
 
#109
DwaynieAD said:
Never. Sell. Tickets.
Click to expand...

Yep. Pay for play or 'modified pay for play' schemes. We had a place that did this for local bands including opening slots for national touring acts. We did it once or twice just to play nice...never worked out and never was worth the effort. Told them we'd never ever do it again and we've had a much better gigging experience ever since.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SBsoundguy, DwaynieAD and marko138
#110
I'm in one band that does just about all originals (but not in the metal genre). We have yet to be paid for a gig but I had pretty much just chalked it up to the fact that it's original material and we don't have a "following" other than family and a few friends.

I guess I just always assumed that not getting paid went with the territory when doing original music.
 
#111
buldog5151bass said:
Is that a percentage of the ticket sales or a guarantee?

When I did originals, I usually booked an open venue myself (or with another band). I found that clubs did not give a fair shake.
Click to expand...

If you booked an open venue then you should have been in charge of collecting the entry fee. No way to get screwed unless you have someone dishonest collecting for you.
 
#112
mikeyjm2 said:
I'm in one band that does just about all originals (but not in the metal genre). We have yet to be paid for a gig but I had pretty much just chalked it up to the fact that it's original material and we don't have a "following" other than family and a few friends.

I guess I just always assumed that not getting paid went with the territory when doing original music.
Click to expand...

How are you trying to 'advance' past this? What strategy are you working with to advance both your fanbase as well as your draw?
 
#113
Ive been in the same band for about 14 years. We play punk. We have always gotten paid but never the kind of scratch cover bands get. Sure, there have been times we didnt make anything. The money we make comes from the door. If we dont draw we dont get paid. Really its never a ton. We are happy to cover gas for our van/trailer and sell merch. If there is no one in the bar I would expect a nickle.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tedious1
#115
Session1969 said:
If you booked an open venue then you should have been in charge of collecting the entry fee. No way to get screwed unless you have someone dishonest collecting for you.
Click to expand...

What I meant is that when I did originals, I did everything myself. Rented the hall, sold the tickets, collected the money, paid the bills, kept the balance.
 
#116
buldog5151bass said:
What I meant is that when I did originals, I did everything myself. Rented the hall, sold the tickets, collected the money, paid the bills, kept the balance.
Click to expand...

Where we are now is probably:
30% of our gigs are offers that come in by email, Facebook or calls (offers from other bands, new venues, festivals, etc).
30% is me (or one of our people) talking to club booking people to set up a date or dates.
40% regular rooms that book us every month, or every other month.

We don't generally work our own door, although in the past I have. And if we're getting points at the door (with or without guarantee), and I didn't trust the room I'd have someone keep an eye on things.

We DO promote on our own. We hope other bands and venues will be doing the same.
 
#119
I played in a metal band and we never got paid, were always paying out of pocket to get to shows, and were used to playing low attendance shows. It's not just you bro, it's a good cross section of metal musicians that go through this very same thing. Unless you're a big name act or an up and coming band, be prepared for this be the norm.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back