Making a living in the music business by performing?

[bruno]

Have done my fair share of gigs - and loved it (mostly), but at best covered costs. I think my true love is recording. There's a lot of unscrupulous people out there trying to get something for nothing - and I don't want to play that game. Also, I also think that people are too busy watching TV rather than going out and socialising and talking. Sad but true I think. They only miss it when it's no longer an option!!!

However, in times of hardship people start to want real stuff rather than trinkets and the TV game shows and endless ads - so I'm hopeful of music in general. For the moment, I'll do the occasional open mike, but that's about it - I can't be arsed lugging gear around and performing without getting something back, either money or enjoyment or a great audience. Anyway, that's my 10c worth.
B.

[Rata-tat-tat]

Seems the bar scene is the same no matter what part of the world you live in. I've been gigging off and on for over 20 years...I often considered learning how to play the volume slider on my mixing console. Those guys make good money...and talent...they are the best at what they do...just ask them...most are more than willing to tell you how they smash sukas with a mic. Im not sure my skills would be worthy...plus I like to wear pants that fit... Just my thought... I was approached by a neighbor to play for his daughters wedding... He told me he was looking around but couldnt find a DJ for under $2000.00 US... Most charge $4000.00. My advice... If your in it for money spend some time with you mixer and learn how to throw down a phat beat!!! Otherwise stay broke and be happy!!!

[Hilary]

Hi Guys, this is an interesting thread for sure. My advice would be if you want to give it a go then try it, otherwise you'll never know. There is money to be made in covers definately still, around here anyways, and I would advise playing one gig for free on the basis that if they like it they book you for another gig.

Weddings etc, you need a proper demo disc and to schlep around wedding fayres etc + proper promo photos and a website.

There is no money (in my experience) singing your own material but never say never and if its what you want to do and enjoy doing then give it a go - you can always throw a few originals in and see how they go down.

I've stopped doing covers completely now (my choice mainly because they suck) and have a 9 yr old son - my grow your own babysitter is leaving for uni in Sept so where that leaves me I've no idea. In person I'm really shy so won't play unless my husband can come along (someone's got to fend off the over 70s and the mentally challenged). On the plus side, I guess I'll have a lot more time for collaborations!

I forgot to say - if it's money you're after - jingles you get £250 each time your jingle is played or cruise ships - apparently it's £2000 for 2 x 45 min slots and you get the rest of the week free on the cruise - well a girl can dream now can't she!

[suburban behemoth]

Getting my toes wet again. I want to play out as a way of sharing my music with the "world(?)" I was in a wonderful band for about two years that had great talent but not enough confidence. A year later and six months into my divorce, I am trying again, making music with the intention of sharing it with others. I'm content to play on a bill with a couple of friends' bands, maybe with the possibility of playing 'away' shows. Maybe take off for a week or two and do a mini tour. See the country and make new friends.  Call it naive, call it next-to-mid-life-crisis.  I think if go into this with the thought you are going to make serious money, then you are going to be disappointed. But, if you go into this with enthusiasm and passion, doing this for the love of it all, that sort of enthusiasm is contagious and people want that in their lives.  I have met some amazing people here on S.O for the past week.  I talk music with people all over the world on Facebook.  I hope that translates into an experience that I'll be able to share with my grandsons.

[phantasm777]

i hear and feel what you're saying suburban! im doing music now to get back into musicianship shape, eventually though i would like playing live again, but not now. and i am not young either, but since i don;t have arthritis or anything i will keep playing till i get to a place i want to be in, and then decide about bands and if i want to be in one or more of them. but there's far less headaches and shit not being in a band and dealing with diffrent ego's, mine is hard enough as it is!

[suburban behemoth]

i will keep playing till i get to a place i want to be in, and then decide about bands and if i want to be in one or more of them. but there's far less headaches and shit not being in a band and dealing with diffrent ego's, mine is hard enough as it is!

Where collaborations are like flings, bands are like marriages. Except you run the risk of disappointing more that one individual.