UndergroundScene Forums - View Single Post

petpiranha · 13th April 2006, 11:07 AM

/Before I continue this, I'm not having a go at rising signs or any other band, I'm simply stating my own opinions/

You've already said you'll play for free. So too will most other local bands who deep down, dream about becoming famous. And as long as that desire and ambition exists, there's money to be made over the bar. That's how the music industry and venues keep going. You only have to look at the number of people that try out for pop idol to see human nature at it's worst.

My advice is look at every gig opportunity on its own merits. For some, playing a bigger venue for free will be too good to say no to. In their own eyes it will validate their worth as a band, whereas any venue would book a one-armed dancing monkey if it had 200 beer drinking mates.

Sometimes playing for free will be acceptable because of the benefits that you wouldn't normally get putting on your own show (support slot, sell a lot of merch, play to new crowd who didnt come to see you, etc). In the case of Fat Sams they could easily afford to pay a 3 band bill £50 each and make that £150 back over the bar in no time at all. It's not much but it might cover your next two sessions at stage2000. Or your van's next insurance payment, etc. But then again so could Tuts, and they would rather you felt grateful for being asked to play. It's easier to turn a profit for the venue that way.

I expect the majority of people won't listen to me. All I'm trying to do is help bands to realise that you can make things better for everyone if you stop thinking solely about yourselves. I mean how much are The Hazey Janes to book now? Should they be expected to play for free?

I'm not trying to start any arguments, but I am actively encouraging debate on this matter!

13th April 2006, 11:07 AM	#8 (permalink)
petpiranha Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Dublin Posts: 284 Band: MERCURY TILT SWITCH	/Before I continue this, I'm not having a go at rising signs or any other band, I'm simply stating my own opinions/ You've already said you'll play for free. So too will most other local bands who deep down, dream about becoming famous. And as long as that desire and ambition exists, there's money to be made over the bar. That's how the music industry and venues keep going. You only have to look at the number of people that try out for pop idol to see human nature at it's worst. My advice is look at every gig opportunity on its own merits. For some, playing a bigger venue for free will be too good to say no to. In their own eyes it will validate their worth as a band, whereas any venue would book a one-armed dancing monkey if it had 200 beer drinking mates. Sometimes playing for free will be acceptable because of the benefits that you wouldn't normally get putting on your own show (support slot, sell a lot of merch, play to new crowd who didnt come to see you, etc). In the case of Fat Sams they could easily afford to pay a 3 band bill £50 each and make that £150 back over the bar in no time at all. It's not much but it might cover your next two sessions at stage2000. Or your van's next insurance payment, etc. But then again so could Tuts, and they would rather you felt grateful for being asked to play. It's easier to turn a profit for the venue that way. I expect the majority of people won't listen to me. All I'm trying to do is help bands to realise that you can make things better for everyone if you stop thinking solely about yourselves. I mean how much are The Hazey Janes to book now? Should they be expected to play for free? I'm not trying to start any arguments, but I am actively encouraging debate on this matter! Last edited by petpiranha : 13th April 2006 at 01:42 PM.