How much should bands be paid?

Crazybassplayer

for a reasonably descent band should there be a minimum rate for a gig? should a big band be paid more than a small band of similar musical abilities. is it right that bands should and do play for free. penny for your thoughts!

-Chris-

It's up to you as a band.

Feel free to play for free if you feel you get something else out of it (a "live" rehearsal of new material, exposure etc.).

If it's just a workaday gig, then absolutely you should be paid based on your ability to either draw or entertain the maximum number of people possible.

How much? How many people are we talking, what's the door charge, how easy is it for someone to sound exactly like (or better than) you?

yoursaviour1989

Depends if the band is doing originals or covers. If a covers band and originals band are just starting out the covers band will be paid more, just the way things work.
Rate of pay is something you have to decide for yourself, are you happy to do it for the fun or do you want a decent income out of it etc.

Colzed

1,000,000 pacos!

Crazybassplayer

fair point.just feel that bands are forced to play gigs for free just to get on a stage. a bit like a race to the bottom!

abouttobebanned

I book a lot of bands and I'd never see a band get less than 100 a man. I know of one two piece that gets 450 but that's rare.

You need to be realistic at the beginning...focus on getting the gigs. Offer a special rate, e.g are you a 4 piece? Maybe go in for 300 at the start...If you blow em away...then you'll be invited back,,maybe 400 or 450. If you become established and you know for a fact that your getting return crowds...550-700 awaits you

-Chris-

But ask yourself the same question from the promoter's point of view:

How much revenue have you generated?
How much of the take at the door can be attributed solely to you?
Have you entertained the punters or are you just filler until the next (better) band comes on?
If you were to announce another gig during this gig, how many people do you think would take time out of their schedules to come and see you again (not counting friends and family)?

An excellent covers band will make a decent wage on the corporate/party/Christmas scene due to their ability to entertain. An excellent originals band will make a decent wage based on their ability to do something that not many other people can copy.

Where do you fall in the spectrum?

Crazybassplayer

personally i just enjoy the buzz of playing live on stage and the money is secondary but a lot of work goes into producing a good performanceand it should be rewarded.times are tough for everybody including venue owners but if you play you should be paid, even a little.

-Chris-

But you're still avoiding the question:

How much money have you (directly or indirectly) made for the promoter or venue?

Crazybassplayer

a reltionship between band and venue has to be established and expanded over time and venues have a right to check bands out and most bands will do a first gig free anyhow. my worry is that more estblished bands are finding it harder because of all the "checking out" thats happening.

-Chris-

Are you an established band? How many people regularly turn up to see you play? How much do they pay in at the door?

Crazybassplayer

im part of an estalished band. we dont play regularly enough due to work commitments. crowds depend on venue size and often there is no charge on the door. my post wasn't about me as such but more about bands in general trying to make a fair return for their efforts, especially rock and metal bands where venues are scarce.

dermo909

Publicans and promoters have very little interest in the music you provide. As long as its of good quality, draws people in, holds people when they do come in and generates lots of money they are usually happy. Bands often have to start out in a venue at a lower introductory rate and then that rate will go up when they have proved themselves.
The band I'm in sometimes does that with a new venue where we are completely unknown(like a new town). In venues where we have been playing for a while we can ask for our usual rate, which of course is at least 100 man.
Its sometimes a fight though to get what you are worth out of a venue though. We've been cancelled in places because other bands come in with cheaper quotes even though we invariably have the place rockin every time. We've also been cancelled because a dj can play the same songs for alot cheaper. Those venues soon realise their mistake though!

You'll find you get paid what you are worth after a while but its a sliight chicken and egg situation.

Crazybassplayer

chicken and egg is spot on. no band can draw a big crowd without first gaining a reputation,which takes weeks months even years. i reckon it has to be a 50/50 effort between bands and venues but in the meantime bands should be paid a fair whack. the other major problem for cork bands in particular is a lack of venues in the first place especially for rock/metal bands.

stevood

Cover bands get paid and originals have to create their own incomes.

I wouldn't get involved with a cover band for less than 100 a man due to the convenience of a 2 piece for the same money.

Original bands including the biggest (U2's Kasabian etc) book a venue and sell tickets. Income - costs, thats what they get paid.

PMI

Its all about people into venue buying drink etc...

1st off think that whatever your price, the venue has to make 3 times that amount nowadays in order to make it worthwhile...

So a 1k gig for you (example) the venue has to take 3k in order to cover you guys

it takes years lads trust me....

Orando Broom

One shiny new donkey should suffice.

skoooby

How much is the donkey worth?

8k2q1gfcz9s5d4

abouttobebanned wrote: »

I book a lot of bands and I'd never see a band get less than 100 a man. I know of one two piece that gets 450 but that's rare.

You need to be realistic at the beginning...focus on getting the gigs. Offer a special rate, e.g are you a 4 piece? Maybe go in for 300 at the start...If you blow em away...then you'll be invited back,,maybe 400 or 450. If you become established and you know for a fact that your getting return crowds...550-700 awaits you

nail on the head IMO. for a cover band playing for 2 hours plus setting up taking down a pa system, amps, drums, lights........ should not do it for less than 100 a man (unless you are doing a trial gig, in a town where the band is unheard of).

Crazybassplayer wrote: »

fair point.just feel that bands are forced to play gigs for free just to get on a stage. a bit like a race to the bottom!

well when a cover band with an unestablished name is starting out you will have to play a few for free, a few support spots here and there. these gigs give bands a chance to play in venues that they otherwise wouldnt, also they get to play their best half hour/hour set so its easy for them to impress.
for original bands, you need to be very good and "original" to make money

as acdc says, its a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll!

PMI

few things:

Always think why should people come and see us? why should venues pay us? how can we command more money? are we different or are we churning out the same **** as last weeks band?

Alot of cover bands play very safe which is ok but doesnt really get you a large crowd following as they can see that stuff any day of the week... but if your unique, they can only see you every 6 weeks or so and you will fill the place over time.

how does the band look? greasy and high street or look like they are polished and on top of their game?

you have to sell yourself to the venue and crowd every night and be approachable before and after the gig

if your in it for the long haul then be patient.....

Demeyes

There covers/originals thing is really worlds apart in terms of money. Also the style of music you play will be a big factor.
Most original bands have to go with the mentality of getting your name out there being more important than the money, you'll have to do a lot of gigs for petrol money, or nothing. If you get popular you can start making some money on the door but unless you're really big you'll still be making less than most cover bands. (on gig fees, cd and merch can get you a little more cash)

Crazybassplayer

in the current climate 100 a man seems fair. thanks to ye all for the input. keep the faith and i'll see ye out there.