Let’s talk money.....

[organworthyplayer337]

I have an opportunity for a small session (for an artist through a mutual friend) and I know it’s a paid gig, just not how much yet.

Hasn’t been too long since I was offered it, so I was wondering, when do you talk money, and, how much money are we talking?

It’s one song, how much is normal?

I know it depends heavily on the caliber of the musician and the artist but any guidance on this is appreciated.

This is my first paid session by the way,

Thanks!

 

[PauFerro]

When I am in a new situation, I ask around people in my area what they think is reasonable. I have found that prices are regional with musicians. Had one person who came here from New York and thought she could get $500 per person for New Year's even, which ain't happening here in my town.

So, while it's good to get feedback here, I think connecting with local musicians, even if not bass players, can help you.

 

[dxb]

You can always try asking what their budget is. That's the best way I know of to get someone to throw out a number for freelance work.

 

[PauFerro]

You can always try asking what their budget is. That's the best way I know of to get someone to throw out a number for freelance work.

Yes. There is a principle in negotiation that whoever comes out with the number first loses. Because that person might be in a completely different, and better ballpark than you are. If you come out with a number that is way lower than their ball park, then you leave money on the table.

I think a combination of letting them come out with the number first, and knowing the range of market rates is a good approach.

Also, don't go into it without having established the price for your services. And get it writing somewhere like an email confirmation or a contract if the situation allows that level of formality. Don't wait until the end of the gig as at that time, you have no recourse.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Tough call, and I often have a rough time with this too. What works best for me is asking them what they’re paying. Plain and simple. Then I can decide whether I want to do it, not do it, or negotiate.

These days I feel comfortable telling someone I’d do a single song for $100, provided it’s not Rush or Dream Theater type material. Super complicated time consuming songs I’d ask for more and wouldn’t care if they passed and used someone else (that’s happened).

I think if you’re forced to name a price you could go with a negotiable $150, and then the rest depends on what you’re willing to do. I’m going to guess they’ll be able to get a competent bass player to do a track for anywhere from $50 to $150. Depending on who they know they can get it for free, too.

 

[JRA]

I have an opportunity for a small session

small session = small money.

this is your first: getting paid anything is better than you were doing! if it was my first session = i'd be more concerned about doing a good enough job to get more session work!

so, i'd ask the artist (or rep) what he/she is paying the other musicians and settle for that, or one tune's worth (equivalence). i'd be going for the experience (as a first timer), and not the money, anyway.

good luck!

 

[Spidey2112]

What works best for me is asking them what they’re paying.

There it is...

 

[organworthyplayer337]

small session = small money.

this is your first: getting paid anything is better than you were doing! if it was my first session = i'd be more concerned about doing a good enough job to get more session work!

so, i'd ask the artist (or rep) what he/she is paying the other musicians and settle for that, or one tune's worth (equivalence). i'd be going for the experience (as a first timer), and not the money, anyway.

good luck!

Oh trust me, this is an afterthought!

 

[jive1]

I talk about money when the gig is offered, and before I make a decision.
When offered any gig as a sideman, there's 4 questions that I need answered before I can decide.
1. When? The date and time I need to show up, and time I get to go home.
2. Where? City and name of venue. If I'm unfamiliar with the city, I need to know the distance away.
3. How much does it pay? I always ask at the beginning and never assume.
4. What's the material? The style of music we're playing.

I would also use the above criteria to decide on a fair payment. $50 to go down the street to play music that I'm comfortable with for a half hour after work seems fair. But, it's not fair if I need to show up at 6AM 50 miles away to play Nickelback for an hour.

I always present gigs to answer those 4 questions from the very beginning, so I can get a quick decision. Example: "Hey, I need someone for a Blues gig on Monday, December 25th. 9 to 1 at Moe's in Springfield. Pays $100. Interested?"

 

[gln1955]

What works best for me is asking them what they’re paying. Plain and simple. Then I can decide whether I want to do it, not do it, or negotiate.

There it is...

Yep. Pretty much like any job you might be offered. The best time to settle the money issue is right then and there. It's either something that you can live with or say no thanks.

 

[EastCoastThump]

"Hey, I need someone for a Blues gig on Monday, December 25th. 9 to 1 at Moe's in Springfield. Pays $100. Interested?"

Man, that place is a dive and the owner's a psychopath, but I need to fill my Monday and the load-in is 20-ft w/ no stairs from ample on-street parking. I'll do it.

 

[fdeck]

I typically expect it to pay the same as a decent gig of the same duration. I might think of charging more if I was a true studio musician, i.e., capable of nailing something cold on the first take with no preparation. I actually find recording to be nerve wracking because I'm always thinking about the fact that somebody is paying for my mistakes.

 

[organworthyplayer337]

I actually find recording to be nerve wracking because I'm always thinking about the fact that somebody is paying for my mistakes.

Thanks for that

 

[buldog5151bass]

Sounds like an independent job, so what is "customary" is irrelevant (never mind that varies be where you are). Call the artist, and ask what, when and how much. Then you can decide.

 

[jive1]

I actually find recording to be nerve wracking because I'm always thinking about the fact that somebody is paying for my mistakes.

They pay for my mistakes at live gigs too. The difference is that no-one is replaying that mistake over and over again on a playback device. That is why I tell the guys in my wedding band that we need to treat it like a recording session as well as a live gig because the reception is being video recorded. What might sound awesome when everyone is drunk and having a good time will could sound terrible when they watch the video a couple years later.