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Its a topic we return to time and time again on this blog.
Payment. And by the way, we really loved hearing your comments
in “Do You Really Expect To Get Paid” a few months
ago!
My approach to payment is continually changing on a case-by-case basis…depending
on whether an event is a benefit concert, a friend is asking me to do the gig,
or a number of other factors. As it relates to venues and their no-pay policy,
I’ve found that most places that require negotiating are the non-traditional
spaces that don’t generally charge cover or see themselves more of a food
service than an entertainment service. Here are a few tips. Your suggestions
are also welcome.
1. ASK FOR A PERCENTAGE
OF SALES
When a venue says they can not compensate you, consider asking them to contribute
a percentage of sales to you. A coffee shop near Pittsburgh used to do this
and it worked great. They did not want to charge a cover for shows but held
events in their store every weekend and wanted to respect the artists who played.
So instead of charging patrons, they gave a percentage of each sale (coffee/sweets/sandwiches/everything),
to the night’s entertainment. It encouraged musicians to promote the show
knowing that the turnout would directly affect their income for the night
2. ASK THE VENUE HOW
IMPORTANT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IS
“Do you feel like the 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. 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?
3. UNDERSTAND A VENUE’S
GOALS
I’ve come across spaces that exist, not to make money, but to offer something
of value to their community. I’ve often felt that community events give
life to a community and make music more meaningful. And so gigs like these might
be something to consider doing pro bono. Just a thought (an opinion).
4. HELP A VENUE UNDERSTAND
YOUR GOALS
Be candid and straightforward. If making music supplements your income, tell
them that. Explaining this changes how they view you and how they view what
they are asking you to do.
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