Rant
This is a little rant that I posted on Craigslist after getting really tired of seeing ads for musicians to play for free:
As a musician, I get more and more disturbed at the number of open mic, singing contest,jam nights, battle of the bands events, etc. that are popping up everywhere. The disturbing part is that these events are created not to benefit musicians, but rather, to benefit the venue or promotional company putting on the event. Most disturbing are the contests which require an entry fee. Now I have no problem with a venue conducting a jam night if that venue is a regular promoter and host of regular live music, if there is a host band that is paid and if on other nights musicians get paid decently to play. That would be a venue giving back (a little)...allowing amateurs to get a chance on stage. The problem occurs when a venue's only music comes from open mics and jams. That equates to slave labour. Musicians need to practice for hours to be competent enough to truly entertain a crowd; they need to purchase expensive equipment to be able to convey that entertainment. There is a venue in Toronto that has a great jam night every Tuesday, but every other night of the week they host up to three acts a night....all paid with a percentage of the till (20% !)+ the door or pass the jar whichever the band decides. Top pros show up for this jam night along with beginner acts. Top pros don't show up to jams at a venue that isn't a great supporter of live music. ( No it's not as much of a gamble than paying the musicians outright, but it does share the responsibility of getting bums in the seats quite equally between the musicians and the venue.)
Sometimes a venue will promise exposure. This is a crock. Do they have "free food nights" to give their food exposure? This rant is already too long, but....... If a venue doesn't support good professional musicians by paying decently then they only get mediocre talent. Mediocre talent doesn't entertain or attract clientele. The venue then believes that live music is a waste of time and money. And so the downward spiral begins.
Venues: pay decently and the best will make their way to your door. The best will attract customers.....and so on. It's a gamble that takes some commitment...but it will pay off. Live music needs quality, consistency, and variety.
Musicians: Practice. Be good at what you do. And don't accept lousy pay. If you do play for free, make sure that you and your audience are the only ones who benefit...not the venue or promoter. If a venue asks for a discount on their rates if they provide the PA, ask them if they provide a discount if you bring your own dishes. Don't support venues that treat musicians worse than they treat the bussers. Have contracts...they don't have to be complicated... and ensure that the venue knows that a contract protects both parties. Be professional and don't accept unprofessional treatment. Don't be lured by the promise of exposure...exposure to who?
I'm sure that there is more to say, but alas, I'm tired of typing.
As a musician, I get more and more disturbed at the number of open mic, singing contest,jam nights, battle of the bands events, etc. that are popping up everywhere. The disturbing part is that these events are created not to benefit musicians, but rather, to benefit the venue or promotional company putting on the event. Most disturbing are the contests which require an entry fee. Now I have no problem with a venue conducting a jam night if that venue is a regular promoter and host of regular live music, if there is a host band that is paid and if on other nights musicians get paid decently to play. That would be a venue giving back (a little)...allowing amateurs to get a chance on stage. The problem occurs when a venue's only music comes from open mics and jams. That equates to slave labour. Musicians need to practice for hours to be competent enough to truly entertain a crowd; they need to purchase expensive equipment to be able to convey that entertainment. There is a venue in Toronto that has a great jam night every Tuesday, but every other night of the week they host up to three acts a night....all paid with a percentage of the till (20% !)+ the door or pass the jar whichever the band decides. Top pros show up for this jam night along with beginner acts. Top pros don't show up to jams at a venue that isn't a great supporter of live music. ( No it's not as much of a gamble than paying the musicians outright, but it does share the responsibility of getting bums in the seats quite equally between the musicians and the venue.)
Sometimes a venue will promise exposure. This is a crock. Do they have "free food nights" to give their food exposure? This rant is already too long, but....... If a venue doesn't support good professional musicians by paying decently then they only get mediocre talent. Mediocre talent doesn't entertain or attract clientele. The venue then believes that live music is a waste of time and money. And so the downward spiral begins.
Venues: pay decently and the best will make their way to your door. The best will attract customers.....and so on. It's a gamble that takes some commitment...but it will pay off. Live music needs quality, consistency, and variety.
Musicians: Practice. Be good at what you do. And don't accept lousy pay. If you do play for free, make sure that you and your audience are the only ones who benefit...not the venue or promoter. If a venue asks for a discount on their rates if they provide the PA, ask them if they provide a discount if you bring your own dishes. Don't support venues that treat musicians worse than they treat the bussers. Have contracts...they don't have to be complicated... and ensure that the venue knows that a contract protects both parties. Be professional and don't accept unprofessional treatment. Don't be lured by the promise of exposure...exposure to who?
I'm sure that there is more to say, but alas, I'm tired of typing.
posted by Colin Darling | 10:42 PM
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