Indie Artist-Free Gig.
The idea of singing or playing at a gig, a music festival or a party for free is a controversial one. While I think it is a good idea for indie artists to play or sing for free, until people know that they exist and are ready to pay for their music, I am not going to deny the fact that it rubs working musicians the wrong way. If a clear choice to be made in a yes or no, on performing free, I would probably say it’s not always a black-and-white issue. With experience, you would learn that the decision to take a gig that doesn’t pay is often measured by the potential good it can bring. A lot of things need to be factored in, before you decline an offer or more likely, a chance! The new fans, connections with the right people, resume building, etc. Considering this, there are some obvious questions that you need to ask yourself or discuss amongst the band to come to a decision.
You may also check online for some related articles and experiences that other indie artists share online for other budding artists to benefit from. While I write this, I am reminded of a diagram that went viral on Instagram some time back. It is an excellent resource to help indie artists process how important a gig is or is not. I would strongly suggest you look up that diagram and you will know what I am talking about.
I have written a number of articles for indie artists to understand the fact that they are not always going to be paid for a performance, yet, I keep coming back to this topic time and again. In all honesty, my approach to payment has been constantly changing on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes an event is a benefit concert, at other times you are asked by a friend to do the gig, the reasons are countless and the decision is influenced by a number of other factors. With reference to venues and their no-pay policy, I have come to understand that most places where you might want to negotiate are the non-traditional spaces that see themselves as more of a food service than an entertainment service and don’t generally charge cover. Whatever the case, here are a few tips that you could use to get paid at least a portion, if not the deserved portion of the evening’s earnings of the venues that you perform at.
Negotiate on Percentage of Sales
In case the venue claims to be unable to pay you for a performance, ask them to give you a percentage of sale that they make at the time of your performance. This is not something unusual. Some venues follow this as a trend. Instead of charging patrons, they give a percentage of each sale to the night’s entertainment. It encourages musicians to promote the show knowing that the turnout would directly affect their income for the night.
Live Entertainment
It makes sense to discuss with the venue manager what they feel about live entertainment and its direct effect on sales. Ask them if they feel that live entertainment adds value to what your establishment is doing. It might be direct, but it will help a booker to take a second look at you the musician. Make them understand that if they feel live entertainment encourages an increase in patrons, or encourages patrons to stick around longer, then it is only fair that they pay artists who are contributing to their spaces success. If they don’t feel it adds value, then why book live music?
Understanding Goals
There are many kinds of venues that indie artists get to perform at. Many of them don’t exist to make money, but to offer something of value to the community. In my personal opinion, there is no harm in doing a free gig for such venues. Community events give life to a community and make music more meaningful. However, on the other hand, it is important that you make your goals clear to the booker or the venue manager as well. Be candid and straightforward. If making music supplements your income, tell them the real situation. Once they understand this, they view you in a different light and understand what they are asking you to do.
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