Madness

[Gallagher]

I was very excited when the guitarist in my house bad told me his other act was in need of a bass player for a festival Aug,6. I do not usually play this type of show but I told him I'd be up for it. Come to find out at rehearsal today that it's a free gig! I was really kinda shocked considering theirs 10 live bands and they are charging $30 a ticket. Is this really worth my time? Should i just do it to not leave a bad impression?

 

[Megazap63]

I was very excited when the guitarist in my house bad told me his other act was in need of a bass player for a festival Aug,6. I do not usually play this type of show but I told him I'd be up for it. Come to find out at rehearsal today that it's a free gig! I was really kinda shocked considering theirs 10 live bands and they are charging $30 a ticket. Is this really worth my time? Should i just do it to not leave a bad impression?

If music/gigs are your main source of income then you'd be justified in not doing it on the basis that it's either gonna cost you some $ to do the gig or that you'll lose other paid work....

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

You also should consider the future with that band though. If you dig them and want to make a good impression as a team player I would do it.

 

[armywalaby]

I, personally, never play for free. (with the exception of a jam session) However, I do not have any other means of income. I doubt my perspective would change much if I did, though. I am upfront about it with every act that I've auditioned with, and they understand.

But, that's me.

 

[Jon Moody]

Did you ask about the pay upfront? If not, use this as a learning experience to always ask about money.

I do a number of "free" (as in, I receive no monetary compensation) gigs, which result in either goodwill, networking opportunities, or even PR for someone.

 

[skwee]

There are appropriate times to stock up on favors, and then you can cash them in. A friend who is a pianist is a master at this.

 

[EddiePlaysBass]

Did you ask about the pay upfront? If not, use this as a learning experience to always ask about money.

My first thought, too. Your fault for not asking.

 

[RustyAxe]

I was really kinda shocked considering theirs 10 live bands and they are charging $30 a ticket. Is this really worth my time? Should i just do it to not leave a bad impression?

I'd bail in a heartbeat. If someone is makin' money from the music I make, I want a share ... period.

 

[Drop-the-One]

Yea, if you can afford the gas to practices/gig and have the time... you should do the gig.

It could very well lead you to other gigs... which could be paid if you mention compensation before you say yes

do it and have fun

 

[Factor88]

I'd bail in a heartbeat. If someone is makin' money from the music I make, I want a share ... period.

What if the organization "makin' money" is a Charitable concern? I'd be interested in knowing if the festival the OP is referencing is partially a benefit...........

Anyway, the decison to provide your services for free or not is a personal one. However, even normally highly-paid, experienced, well educated lawyers will take cases pro bono once in a while. Why? Many reasons; they could be passionate about the cause, interested in the case, or want the publicity. Same type of thing for a musician.

 

[bluewine]

I was very excited when the guitarist in my house bad told me his other act was in need of a bass player for a festival Aug,6. I do not usually play this type of show but I told him I'd be up for it. Come to find out at rehearsal today that it's a free gig! I was really kinda shocked considering theirs 10 live bands and they are charging $30 a ticket. Is this really worth my time? Should i just do it to not leave a bad impression?

I am doing a show in Illinois on 8/6 also 10 bands f

 

[DRafalske]

My band always does a couple charity gigs a year.
It's good karma and establishes a good reputation.

D

 

[Tom Howland]

Did you ask about the pay upfront? If not, use this as a learning experience to always ask about money.

I do a number of "free" (as in, I receive no monetary compensation) gigs, which result in either goodwill, networking opportunities, or even PR for someone.

Same here.
I did a lot of free-bees when i started out.
But, if I have to do rehersals, and learn new songs.
Which takes up time, money at some point must be a factor.

 

[RustyAxe]

What if the organization "makin' money" is a Charitable concern?

If they're a legit 501c then pay me, and I'll donate some portion back. If not, then if I don't personally know the person(s) who will benefit, or have some affinity with the cause I decline ... without apology or regret. Anyone else wonder why the regular bassist didn't want the gig?

 

[Stumbo]

I was very excited when the guitarist in my house band told me his other act was in need of a bass player for a festival Aug,6.

Did you ask about the pay upfront? If not, use this as a learning experience to always ask about money.

Seems to me your house band guitarist(a a guy you've know for awhile, I suspect) should have said "need a bass player for free at a festival". He knows that you get paid weekly with the rest of the house band and that you would "assume" that the festival was a paid gig.

IMO, your guitarist suckered you because he couldn't find anyone else to do it for free and he knows you trust him.

I guess you can't trust anyone and must resort to protecting yourself at all times. Here's a link you might want to check out related to joining a band or playing any gig: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f67/questions-ask-before-auditioning-joining-new-band-553771/