Playing for free as "good marketing"?

[Killing Floor]

When bars open up again they are going to be packed whether there's a band or not. So the best thing you can do is turn down any offer to play for free so they can keep that extra profit for themselves.

When (IF) bars open up again they absolutely Will Not Be Packed. Most of us, including musicians, will want nothing to do with crowds until there is some real scientifically backed assurance that this pandemic is really ended. That will take longer than it will take to get "permission" to reopen. So this crisis can be expected to have years of economic and social impact whether we're all cool with that or not. Music is super duper awesome. I'm listening to some right now, in fact. But live bands in clubs, bars, arenas are not critical to survival in the same way as food, shelter. All of us want things to be back to normal. All of us want that favorite place to reopen so we can play and/or see our favorite players. But that is not on the near horizon. So I guess what I'm saying is that maybe a year from now when 60-70% of live music venues are GONE forever and only market pressure will EVER cause any new ones to open, the musicians who are on the right side of this debate will be quicker to have a place to play. Again, not discounting the awesome worth of a band (you can do the calculus to estimate the abundance of musicians vs. the scarcity of venues if you need help relating to the fact that even in a music-friendly town like Austin or Nashville on any given weekend only 15% of musicians are performing) any band/act/artist is the exclusive arbiter of the value of their work. But that actual payment is dependent on the buying influence, not the selling influence. Just reiterating, somebody Will play for free and somebody Won't play for free and you deserve to be paid and the club owner deserves to reopen but these both aren't going to happen at the same time if at all. Bars, clubs, arenas, etc. will have the edge in a "buyers" market for a long time. Sorry.

 

[Spearsy]

When you do a show, there should always be some consideration ...

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

When bars open up again they are going to be packed whether there's a band or not. So the best thing you can do is turn down any offer to play for free so they can keep that extra profit for themselves.

Actually, I doubt they will be packed ... for a LONG time. Even when the world is "opened back up," there will most likely be a very long adjustment period with built-in social distancing in public places ... like restaurants and bars. People may be there, but they will be physically thinned out for distancing. Remember: it will be 18 months or longer before there is a vaccine. Bottom line, fewer people mean reduced cash flow when the establishment is open. It's entirely likely there will be zero dollars for entertainment, or maybe just a token at best. Play for free? The only other choice might be not playing at all.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

So you stop the music to work on the hard parts? Go to the bathroom between songs? All in front of an audience?

Is that what you do?

 

[Nev375]

When (IF) bars open up again they absolutely Will Not Be Packed. Most of us, including musicians, will want nothing to do with crowds until there is some real scientifically backed assurance that this pandemic is really ended. That will take longer than it will take to get "permission" to reopen. So this crisis can be expected to have years of economic and social impact whether we're all cool with that or not. Music is super duper awesome. I'm listening to some right now, in fact. But live bands in clubs, bars, arenas are not critical to survival in the same way as food, shelter. All of us want things to be back to normal. All of us want that favorite place to reopen so we can play and/or see our favorite players. But that is not on the near horizon. So I guess what I'm saying is that maybe a year from now when 60-70% of live music venues are GONE forever and only market pressure will EVER cause any new ones to open, the musicians who are on the right side of this debate will be quicker to have a place to play. Again, not discounting the awesome worth of a band (you can do the calculus to estimate the abundance of musicians vs. the scarcity of venues if you need help relating to the fact that even in a music-friendly town like Austin or Nashville on any given weekend only 15% of musicians are performing) any band/act/artist is the exclusive arbiter of the value of their work. But that actual payment is dependent on the buying influence, not the selling influence. Just reiterating, somebody Will play for free and somebody Won't play for free and you deserve to be paid and the club owner deserves to reopen but these both aren't going to happen at the same time if at all. Bars, clubs, arenas, etc. will have the edge in a "buyers" market for a long time. Sorry.

You are overestimating the intelligence of people. There are a LOT of folks who think this whole thing is nothing at all. "No worse than the flu." Or else they think it is a government conspiracy or (insert tin foil hat theory of the day here). Many of them are out protesting these days trying to pressure the governments to open up. Some are still throwing parties in backyards. Most of these kind of folks like to drink and I'd wager there's enough of them to pack most all the bars until their stimulus checks are spent.

 

[jamro217]

I would agree to play for free under the stipulation of an unlimited bar tab. After each song we would buy a round for all of the patrons on said tab. When the bar management complains about it, explain how playing for free is the equivalent of giving away free drinks.

 

[Playbyear]

I voted no, but I'd be willing to play a (one) grand reopening show for free
I'd also play a charity fundraising show for free.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

You are overestimating the intelligence of people. There are a LOT of folks who think this whole thing is nothing at all. "No worse than the flu." Or else they think it is a government conspiracy or (insert tin foil hat theory of the day here). Many of them are out protesting these days trying to pressure the governments to open up. Some are still throwing parties in backyards. Most of these kind of folks like to drink and I'd wager there's enough of them to pack most all the bars until their stimulus checks are spent.

These idiots are exactly the kind of people I want to avoid! Especially inside a room like a bar! Those places will be live petri dishes.

 

[RickyRocknRoll]

Bars/venues are in it for the money. Bands should not be any different. Playing for free is a no-no.

When you get hired in a company/shop/office/whatever, you get a salary for the skills you bring in. Your boss benefits from your skills and makes money. It's business, plain and simple.

 

[Ostie]

It may be good marketing, but it ain't good business. I can see maybe doing one freebie if a venue has been really good to you, but not for the rest of the year.

 

[DrMole]

These idiots are exactly the kind of people I want to avoid! Especially inside a room like a bar! Those places will be live petri dishes.

You may wish to consider another type of gig. Bars have- and always shall be " wretched hive(s) of scum and villiany."

 

[kringle77]

I've played more benefit gigs than I can remember and have only regretted a few. It's great to help your community or in need people. But, that isn't the same as playing for free at a buisiness who is making profit. As a band that plays for pay, your first priority is to make the buisiness more $ than they would have. If you don't undertand that, then you are missing something that about half of musicians don't get.

If you play for nothing or for a very low amount, you can often, inadvertently drive the amount of local gig money down. Usually the best groups make more money because they draw more money. It's ok to play for less if you draw less but, just not $0. Imo

 

[MichelD]

Regarding playing for exposure, I am a retired commercial fisherman.

If I learned anything from 30 years on the boats and numerous safety courses and drills is that you can die from exposure.

 

[Father Gino]

Bars have- and always shall be " wretched hive(s) of scum and villiany."

Now you're getting me all excited! Now I know what i've been missing these last few weeks. I need me some scum & villainy right now!

 

[Indiana Mike]

That's what an audition is for.
I guess I could see maybe doing it once. Maybe a short set to get your name out there, but I can also see one chasing the carrot ," just one more free show man, your almost there"
I'm a hobbyist, so no real world experience.
I sure wouldn't perform my day job for free just to prove I'm competent.

Now I might take a test to prove it. That would be an audition.

 

[RexxRokket]

 

[SactoBass]

You may wish to consider another type of gig. Bars have- and always shall be "wretched hive(s) of scum and villiany."

"We must be cautious."

 

[MichelD]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[BarfanyShart]

I mean, a bar or Cafe is making money, so even if its a "bringer", off-night deal, they gotta give you a piece of something - the door, the bar, tip-jar ... SOMETHING. Otherwise, it's disrespectful.

 

[jamro217]

I have done many free charity events over the years for what were deemed worthy causes. Corporate greed has never been considered one of them. If there is a local venue who paid you to play for an empty room, let you practice there during closed periods (using their electricity), or had some other close relationship above and beyond the typical arrangement, that's different. Showing gratitude to those who have helped you out is always the right thing to do. If this is just a case of trying to get your foot in the door and offering to play for free towards that goal, NO WAY. Not only do you lessen your own value but you give the impression that all musicians are as desperate for work as you are and will therefore be as willing to give away their product in a like manner. Thanks for that!