I just joined my first band, with a female singer/songwriter/guitarist. I played my first gig with the band on new years, and she recently asked me if I would do pre-production with her and record some bass tracks. I said I would do it, but I haven't yet asked about if im going to be making any money. I assume I should be making some percentage per album sale. I guess it would be a good idea to ask about it. Im not really sure how this stuff works...anyone have any knowlege advice they could share?
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music business question
- Thread starter TimboSlice87
- Start date
Note that if you're an in-demand session player or full-time pro, disregard my advice. 
I'm just a weekend warrior with a day job. I've had a few bands ask me to record tracks for their demo albums. I usually just get paid up front, same pay scale as a decent gig. Then they can do what they want with the tracks. I get permission to use the final recordings to promote myself as a bassist.
All of this is based on the assumption that the project has virtually no chance of breaking even, much less of making a profit.
You get to make a few bucks, get some experience in the studio, a good demo of your playing, and goodwill from all of the people involved. If they hire you for even just a few gigs, you're ahead on the deal.
I'm just a weekend warrior with a day job. I've had a few bands ask me to record tracks for their demo albums. I usually just get paid up front, same pay scale as a decent gig. Then they can do what they want with the tracks. I get permission to use the final recordings to promote myself as a bassist.
All of this is based on the assumption that the project has virtually no chance of breaking even, much less of making a profit.
You get to make a few bucks, get some experience in the studio, a good demo of your playing, and goodwill from all of the people involved. If they hire you for even just a few gigs, you're ahead on the deal.
as a hired musician, you get nothing past your fee for showing up and recording, nor are you entitled to anything past that. otoh, so many projects never realize any money whatsoever, and there are times when the musicians actually make out better by getting a flat fee.
IF she does good stuff, is attactive and has a good voice.. and good production...
Do it for the experience and demo.
I can't tell you how it drives me nuts when someone replies "I have decades of gigging and real world experience" and they don't have ANYTHING to email with an introduction.
Do it for the experience and demo.
I can't tell you how it drives me nuts when someone replies "I have decades of gigging and real world experience" and they don't have ANYTHING to email with an introduction.
Also..
If you've never recorded before, I wouldn't get greedy --- the reality is she may be spending tons and tons of money on punching in repairs.
Few of us do well on our first studio experience.
If you've never recorded before, I wouldn't get greedy --- the reality is she may be spending tons and tons of money on punching in repairs.
Few of us do well on our first studio experience.
I have to wonder exactly what "pre-production" means...my guess is you're going to her house and plugging into her PC to help make a demo. She probably isn't expecting to pay you in that case....just a guess.
sounds like shes not expecting to pay you. +1 to be satisfied with some food or beer..
getting percentages of sales is rare. ive never had a deal like that. i get paid for the session, and if i want to ask to use the tracks as mentioned before to promote myself, i ask for that. they'll never say no.
if you were more experienced, just ask upfront what theyre paying you..
getting percentages of sales is rare. ive never had a deal like that. i get paid for the session, and if i want to ask to use the tracks as mentioned before to promote myself, i ask for that. they'll never say no.
if you were more experienced, just ask upfront what theyre paying you..
Note that if you're an in-demand session player or full-time pro, disregard my advice.
I'm just a weekend warrior with a day job. I've had a few bands ask me to record tracks for their demo albums. I usually just get paid up front, same pay scale as a decent gig. Then they can do what they want with the tracks. I get permission to use the final recordings to promote myself as a bassist.
All of this is based on the assumption that the project has virtually no chance of breaking even, much less of making a profit.
You get to make a few bucks, get some experience in the studio, a good demo of your playing, and goodwill from all of the people involved. If they hire you for even just a few gigs, you're ahead on the deal.
Using recordings to promote yourself a a bassist. I assume you mean something like being able to put the songs on your facebook page? You don't have the right to distribute the music etc.?
As bolded, above. In practice, it hasn't proven very useful, because I have a hard time being myself in the studio... thinking about the client paying $$$ per hour for my mistakes.
If you want to get paid, I agree, ask for an upfront per hour fee, but expect to WORK during that time, not stand around the control room.
But since this is your first band, you will probably suck in the studio at first (we all did). Do it as a learning experience (pay your dues). If she is good and you are going somewhere, you will make more as a hired hand in the future or member of her band than you would of to lay down 10 tracks (3 hours tops).
But since this is your first band, you will probably suck in the studio at first (we all did). Do it as a learning experience (pay your dues). If she is good and you are going somewhere, you will make more as a hired hand in the future or member of her band than you would of to lay down 10 tracks (3 hours tops).
