What's wrong with getting paid?

[JWald]

Here we go again.
In the past here, I have complained of bands not wanting to pay the members
because *We play for the love of the music*. Now I run into a situation
where an acoustic duo is looking to add drums for a low key, coffeehouse
type gig. I'm all in until they ask how I feel about getting paid. I asked
if they meant ME getting paid, or if they wanted to play for free. Turns out
that the least talented half of the duo seems to think that the experience
of playing is enough pay for her.
While trying to book another venue, for another band, I'm told that they
only book 1 band because they're good, and they don't care if they get paid.
Am I just a greedy bastard?

[James Rau]

Post by JWald
While trying to book another venue, for another band, I'm told that they
only book 1 band because they're good, and they don't care if they get paid.
Am I just a greedy bastard?

No. Professional (insert your occupation here) = Getting Paid What You
Are Worth. It's time to "pay the piper" for this evening's
entertainment. You have bills to pay and the kids need new shoes.

Whether musician, artist, doctor, lawyer, writer, teacher, etc.,
you're a professional and should receive payment for services (or
entertainment) rendered.

James Rau

[anonymous]

Post by JWald
Here we go again.
In the past here, I have complained of bands not wanting to pay the members
because *We play for the love of the music*. Now I run into a situation
where an acoustic duo is looking to add drums for a low key, coffeehouse
type gig. I'm all in until they ask how I feel about getting paid. I asked
if they meant ME getting paid, or if they wanted to play for free. Turns out
that the least talented half of the duo seems to think that the experience
of playing is enough pay for her.
While trying to book another venue, for another band, I'm told that they
only book 1 band because they're good, and they don't care if they get paid.
Am I just a greedy bastard?
--
J Wald
"You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think.... "

Tell them that you'll gladly play for free, but the early arrival, set-
up,
sound check, staying late, tear-down, etc., etc. must be compensatory.

[FastLundy]

Post by JWald
Here we go again.
In the past here, I have complained of bands not wanting to pay the members
because *We play for the love of the music*. Now I run into a situation
where an acoustic duo is looking to add drums for a low key, coffeehouse
type gig. I'm all in until they ask how I feel about getting paid. I asked
if they meant ME getting paid, or if they wanted to play for free. Turns out
that the least talented half of the duo seems to think that the experience
of playing is enough pay for her.
While trying to book another venue, for another band, I'm told that they
only book 1 band because they're good, and they don't care if they get paid.
Am I just a greedy bastard?
--
J Wald
"You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think.... "

I'd play a gig for free once in a while if it was an awesome venue,
huge crowd, incredible players, or for a cause that I'm donating my
time to. But other than that, no thanks. It's just not worth the
effort. I don't believe in the "get paid simply because you are a
professional" mantra, per se, but I do agree getting a few bucks (even
if only $50) helps validate all the effort of schlepping and
preparation/participation. There are plenty of situations where I
truly wouldn't care about the money, but the fun or uniqueness of the
gig needs to tip the scale.

FastLundy
PaulLundquist

[JWald]

Oh, I've played many free gig. Fund raisers, benefits, a party or 2, but to
just forego any pay on a regular basis is not my cup-a'. I mean jeez', what
about the expense to get there. What about something for the wear and tear
on the gear? What about some dumbass falling to, or just for shits and
grins, tearing shit up? I've seen that happen. Granted only once, but it
happened and that dude payed nothing in damages. I need some money at the
end of the night.
--
J Wald

"You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think.... "

Post by JWald
Here we go again.
In the past here, I have complained of bands not wanting to pay the members
because *We play for the love of the music*. Now I run into a situation
where an acoustic duo is looking to add drums for a low key, coffeehouse
type gig. I'm all in until they ask how I feel about getting paid. I asked
if they meant ME getting paid, or if they wanted to play for free. Turns out
that the least talented half of the duo seems to think that the experience
of playing is enough pay for her.
While trying to book another venue, for another band, I'm told that they
only book 1 band because they're good, and they don't care if they get paid.
Am I just a greedy bastard?
--
J Wald
"You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think.... "

I'd play a gig for free once in a while if it was an awesome venue,
huge crowd, incredible players, or for a cause that I'm donating my
time to. But other than that, no thanks. It's just not worth the
effort. I don't believe in the "get paid simply because you are a
professional" mantra, per se, but I do agree getting a few bucks (even
if only $50) helps validate all the effort of schlepping and
preparation/participation. There are plenty of situations where I
truly wouldn't care about the money, but the fun or uniqueness of the
gig needs to tip the scale.

FastLundy
PaulLundquist

[Sean Conolly]

Post by JWald
Oh, I've played many free gig. Fund raisers, benefits, a party or 2, but
to just forego any pay on a regular basis is not my cup-a'. I mean jeez',
what about the expense to get there. What about something for the wear and
tear on the gear? What about some dumbass falling to, or just for shits
and grins, tearing shit up? I've seen that happen. Granted only once, but
it happened and that dude payed nothing in damages. I need some money at
the end of the night.

My guideline is 'if anyone is geting paid, then I'm getting paid too'. If
it's a bar then they're making money, and the band should too.

Sometimes this even applies to benefits: if I find out the sound & light
crew is getting a grand to bring out their rig then I expect something to
bring out my rig. If all I have to bring are sticks then I don't mind.

Sean

[Steve V]

Post by JWald
Here we go again.
In the past here, I have complained of bands not wanting to pay the members
because *We play for the love of the music*. Now I run into a situation
where an acoustic duo is looking to add drums for a low key, coffeehouse
type gig. I'm all in until they ask how I feel about getting paid. I asked
if they meant ME getting paid, or if they wanted to play for free. Turns out
that the least talented half of the duo seems to think that the experience
of playing is enough pay for her.
While trying to book another venue, for another band, I'm told that they
only book 1 band because they're good, and they don't care if they get paid.
Am I just a greedy bastard?
--
J Wald
"You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think.... "

I will only agree to a free or next-to-nothing gig if it is a
fundraiser, good publicity for the band, or audition for a potential
wedding gig, etc. I know it sounds greedy, but there has to be
something in it for me or for someone else, and not just the "love of
the music".

-Steve

[Andy]

Post by Steve V
I will only agree to a free or next-to-nothing gig if it is a
fundraiser, good publicity for the band, or audition for a potential
wedding gig, etc. I know it sounds greedy, but there has to be
something in it for me or for someone else, and not just the "love of
the music".

Getting paid also makes sure that the venue/audience is serious about
wanting to see a band in the first place. Nothing worse than being stuck
onto some kind of event where you're there just in the hope that it
interests people who are actually not bothered about live music...

Andy