Money, Money, Money, Money

[aMindBesideItself]

What are most of the bands in Altoona making a night?

And what if you are playing a gig where they're paying you jack --- do you cut your setlist down???

What's the best way to negotiate a price with a venue?

Thanks

[Imgrimm01]

I think several things determine price... CROWD: If you're not bringing anyone to the club tyen how can the owner pay you? MUSIC: and this is a 2 parter a) the style/ type of music you play is it dance friendly etc.. b) As a band do you suck or are you bringin the goods? and lastly HOTT FACTOR: are you guys hot? Nick I know yur ass is sweet But Rob well maybe after 4 or 5 beers I 'd hit it, Oh yeah and you guys are all republicans , OH so nevermind you deserve nothing !!

[aMindBesideItself]

LOL!!!
So i guess you kinda just have to bend over and take it for the first couple gigs???

[Imgrimm01]

OK now that kinda talk is just teasin me Nick , The thought of you bendin over mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Nick.........

[MOONDOGGY]

Hey, bro...watch your corn hole man!

[Imgrimm01]

MMMM Corn !!! ya know ya wanna hit dat !!

[tonefight]

Really I don't think this should be discussed in the open maybe as you run into fellow musicians on a given night ask then.

But as ImGrimm said look at your crowd and judge from there, if you're makin $100 and 150 came through the door at $3 a head I'd ask for a raise, if you're makin $500 and have 20 people sitting there watching.... well you probably won't get called back.

I feel I don't want to ask too high of a price at a venue until we get in and see how the crowd is for us. Some places might like us more than band X where another place likes band x more than us.

[homerski]

Really I don't think this should be discussed in the open maybe as you run into fellow musicians on a given night ask then.

But as ImGrimm said look at your crowd and judge from there, if you're makin $100 and 150 came through the door at $3 a head I'd ask for a raise, if you're makin $500 and have 20 people sitting there watching.... well you probably won't get called back.

I feel I don't want to ask too high of a price at a venue until we get in and see how the crowd is for us. Some places might like us more than band X where another place likes band x more than us.

Tony, I agree wholeheartedly. My advice is, PLAY for the door, PLAY for free, but PLAY!! You have too get your foot in the door, and you have to establish your own following. Once you have a following, with proper marketing you can play in a restroom at Eat' N Park and make a boatload of money.

...Just the humble opinion of a professional musician with 35 years of experience.

John Homerski Jr. - Homer's Army

[homerski]

What are most of the bands in Altoona making a night?

And what if you are playing a gig where they're paying you jack --- do you cut your setlist down???

What's the best way to negotiate a price with a venue?

Thanks

Oh, and NO you don't cut your setlist down... You play every show as if you are playing a concert for thousands. And then hopefully, that dream may turn into reality.

John Homerski Jr. - Homer's Army

[DMFJ03]

This is the end all point that you need to understand.

Dance = Chicks = Guys & Beer = $ Cha-ching!$

I am a metal head and I love playing metal. However, honestly, look at the bands around the area that are making a killing. It's all the cover artists who choose to play what people want to hear.

DJ's are killing musical acts for the simple reason is "Hey...do you have (flill in blank) by (fill in blank)?" - Answer is, if they are an awesome DJ, yes! Now, in local music , "Hey, ...do you know how to play (fill in the blank)?" - Answer is - sometimes yes, mostly no. People want to hear what they want to hear. If you can't play what they want, then they will go somewhere where they can get it.

Urbs and I had this conversation the other night while throwing back a few frosty adult beverages. In order to be sucessful around here, you need to play music you generally don't want to play. Bottom line.

So, back to the original question - I suggest changing your setlist, bump up the vocal harmonies, and be prepared to belt out Jessie's Girl. Of course, you could play what you like, make squat, and have a hard time finding gigs. I never minded playing for 20 people, but what I mind and what I don't mind doesn't help you out a whole lot.

[RobTheDrummer]

You know, what my band does is play a lot of what people like, yet we also mix it up with what we like...and the average appeal is pretty good so far. So, we've talked about the money thing and all agreed that time and a good consistent showing will harbor that which we desire...and the chick equation is just right...we can pull the chicks, we just need to let Justin work his magic...and I mean, what chick couldn't resist RobtheDrummer?? I mean come on people!!!!