From crest25@sbcglobal.net Fri Mar 12 11:20:47 2004
Subject:Re: more music related economics
I am going to date myself somewhat with my following remarks but it will show that all is not lost.
I played solo for years primarily at two nighclub taverns. Both had organ bars inside. I did this while working a P/T job at Sears during the day to help with rent, food, etc. while also attending State College with about 9 units. My nights were taken up from 10pm to 2am 5 nights per week (W,T,F,S,S). I was making $10/hr.That works out to about $800 per month ($10x4hrsx5nitesx4wks). Not bad for part-time while going to school and that doesn't include my Sears part-time job during the days 4-days per week. I was non-union.
I stayed away from bands, duos, or other group "gigs" as you refer to them. Everything was upon MY shoulders. I was popular and had my photo on the marquee out front of one while I worked there. I worked hard to play what the people wanted to hear; not what was fun for me to play. My downfall was I didn't/wouldn't sing. I know my strong points and my voice isn't one of them but my fingers and dancing feet are my best assets when it comes to organ music.
I would NEVER even consider working today for even $50 for a one night stand unless it was for my best friends wedding and it was a gift. Increase your prices and work will start coming your way. Reduce your prices and you'll starve. Shoot for the quality gigs not the quantity gigs. Work less; earn more. Why work 4 gigs at $50 (or even $100 each) when you can work 2 for say, $500? You gotta be good though to demand this. Yes, you have to practice too - DAILY. If you are going to be a professional, you must be professional in your homework too. Visit other entertainers and learn from them. Learn the good points and learn what to avoid. Why are they here today and then where'd they go all of a sudden? Do they entertain by a Volume Meter or by a Request Meter? If it is volume, get the hell out ~ quick!. You'll starve.
I admit again it has been some time since I was in the limelight but things are not that much different. Just the numbers are. Who would work for 1960 wages in 2004?
I wish you all the very best in entertainment pleasure and profitable gigs - forever.
Ed Greany, Retired entertainer
theb3freak wrote:
There again is why I'm glad I didn't pursue a career in music. The
hours and travel are killer. Your days and nights get turned upside
down. And that's even before considering what you miss out on with
your family. To boot, you're in a very competitive mature industry
that hinges on disposable income. And you're either self-employed or
at least quasi-self employed. I fortunately am well accomplished in
my profession, and make a pretty comfortable living. Even then, I
share some of the self-employed hazards, like being at the mercy of
insurance rates, and having little control over low-ball competitors.
Sometimes workload cuts into my "off-work" schedule. The words to
"Turn the Page" have always stuck in my mind as a realistic depiction
of gigging for a living. I also appreciate the toll on health that
being a dedicated musician can take. For instance, it saddens me to
think that health might shorten the length of time that Joey D will
bless us with his music.
In taking another avenue, I also killed any dreams of anything big
($s) or memorable with music, something that I consider one of life's
true blessings. So Tony, that's why I really do admire you for giving
it your 100% - lots of sacrifices. And now that you're this close, I
sure encourage you see it through as well. At the VERY least, you
could look back knowing you gave it your best shot, with no regrets or
second guessing. While I don't know how close you are to true
national exposure, I'm certain that you are much closer than the vast
majority of musicians have gone. So while nobody is in any way trying
to tell you what to do, you sure have my encouragement as you face
this period of tough, intensive touring. Go for it!
Regards,
Doug
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