How To Make A Living On The Scene

axl2 · 06-01-2009, 09:08 PM

Well I'm sure there have been a few people here that have been in bands as a living. Played professionally ect.

So I decided to make this thread where everyone can weigh in and give each other some advice in how to approach having a "successful" band. Doesn't have to be MTV Awards big but to get the point of doing NA tours.

My advice would be, to practice a ton and develop writing chops and look for band mates equal to your talent and have similar musical tastes. Also I'm sure it'd be wise to get out and play as many clubs as you can when you're starting off. Many different scenes as well to create a possible fan base and to get noticed.

I'm in a band that I see a lot of potential with and it's got me excited. That's why I decided to make this thread.

American Viking · 06-02-2009, 04:54 PM

Here are a couple rules of thumb I've always obeyed that keep me straight ahead without distractions...

1. Rehearse with the band minimum of three times a week, this way you're always up to date on your music, songs get written faster, and if you're used to this kind of rigorous schedule it won't hurt you to take a short or long break after a tour. With once/twice a week/month you play a lot of catch up...

2. Wives and girlfriends, NEVER let them come between you and ANY rehearsal date or show. When they put their nose in that part of your life, it is not conducive to your playing or the progress of your band. You may think staying home "just this once" to get an awesome BJ won't hurt but just wait. If they do it once, they'll do it forever. You can't even been a has-been if you are a never-was!

3. Wives/girlfriends can not come to the out of town gigs. It's too much stress, you need to focus on your JOB because even though it's fun, sometimes you have to treat this as a business and keep things work oriented. It also may not bother you, but I bet some of your band mates are going nuts.

4. Never, ever pay to play. For those that don't know, if you are pre-selling tickets for a gig, you're screwing yourself. I could go on all day about how deceptive this practice is and how a big reason a lot of bands can't make any money is because other idiot box bands will take part in this and perpetuate the problem. You make think selling a bunch of tickets to open up for a sweet band is going to help you, well it's not. The band and their label is going to think you're a chode, the people there to see the show are there to see the headliner, they could care less even if you might be the greatest band on Earth, and the only people you're going to sell tickets to are friends and family anyway who already know what you sound like.

5. Have good relationships with the people in your band. If someone else or yourself can't take criticism or isn't open to change or suggestion, you won't last long. This has a lot to do with number 6...

6. Stay together! A ton of my favorite bands were around for 10 years before I ever heard of them or saw them on tour. Sometimes that's just what it takes. Dedication is important and band hopping every year will make sure you become a permanent fixture in your town. I know how hard it is to keep something going and I hope for those of you that want it it doesn't take that long but that's just how it is sometimes.

7. Get proper gear! I know it's expensive as hell, but if you buy it once you'll never have to buy it again. You buy that cheap-o amp and guitar or drumset, you'll sound terrible and you'll be forever trading up. Also remember, the average listener doesn't care how awesome you can shred if the sound of the whole band isn't pleasing to their ears.

8. Don't be a dick, don't ever act be that way to people that show interest in your band. If you don't respect the fan/artist relationship, people will lose respect for you and this can spread fast.

9. Don't let anyone outside the band know about any quarrels or conflicts that you have going on. If you have a problem with another band or club/venue/label whatever, keep all that stuff 'in-house'. To everyone else it's all about the music and to see a bunch or drama going on within a band can make you seem shaky, petty, and unprofessional even if you are in the right. This includes talking trash on dudes that quit or get fired from your band. (I know we all do it, but hey, keep it within the band!)

10. Last thing for today, always stand your ground. A lot of venues, especially when you're on the road and need the money the most, will try to stiff you. Fees and charges within the club, food and drink, guarantees, promotion, door charge, guest list, crap like that needs to be handled before you confirm the gig and get it in writing. You're going to have to constantly get involved in some B.S. to get paid. It sucks but it's part of the game they like to play. This is why everybody has agents, because their job is to make sure you get paid so they can get paid.

I've got a ton to say and a hell of a lot more input and some advice for booking great shows when you're on a DIY level.
Hope this helps some people out.

carnada · 06-02-2009, 07:24 PM

amazing job viking. Seriously that is what I have been looking for soo long. Thank you.

poeman33 · 06-03-2009, 05:39 AM

Viking had some excellent advice. I would add to make sure you develop a professional reputation. Show up and start playing on time. Take your allotted breaks. Keep the volume level where the owners want it. Don't trash your rooms...etc etc. When you have a reputation as a reliable band, the word will get around. And if your reputation is bad, you can be sure there will be cancelled gigs once other owners hear about it. A good reputation, and you can pickup those extra gigs when needed.

axl2 · 06-03-2009, 03:49 PM

Some great advice being thrown out there. You guys are mentioning some finer details that I would have never thought mattered. I didn't know paying to play gigs was a bad thing. I guess I'll learn as I go as well.

LesPaulopolis · 06-09-2009, 04:32 PM

AmViking, what's your take on getting weekend shows? We've been doing the Monday - Thursday thing and no one in the group sees that as going anywhere. We just recycle the same experience over and over. We want to play places that have people there to see a show, not be the band ruining you night when all you wanted was a couple beers. Any thoughts on how to get weekend-only shows? We've been at this 1.5 years, played about 25 shows (Phased Array on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads). All been in bands prior to this one as well.

Thanks!

06-01-2009, 09:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
axl2 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mahone Bay, NS, Canada Posts: 140	How To Make A Living On The Scene Well I'm sure there have been a few people here that have been in bands as a living. Played professionally ect. So I decided to make this thread where everyone can weigh in and give each other some advice in how to approach having a "successful" band. Doesn't have to be MTV Awards big but to get the point of doing NA tours. My advice would be, to practice a ton and develop writing chops and look for band mates equal to your talent and have similar musical tastes. Also I'm sure it'd be wise to get out and play as many clubs as you can when you're starting off. Many different scenes as well to create a possible fan base and to get noticed. I'm in a band that I see a lot of potential with and it's got me excited. That's why I decided to make this thread. __________________ Marshall DSL 100 Head Marshall AVT 20- Combo Epiphone Les Paul-Seymour Duncan Pups Fender Showmaster- Seymour Duncan Pups Takamine Electric Acoustic Epiphone Acoustic Boss GE7 Ibanez DL10 Delay Ibanez TS-808 Keeley DS-1 Ultra

06-02-2009, 04:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: How To Make A Living On The Scene Here are a couple rules of thumb I've always obeyed that keep me straight ahead without distractions... 1. Rehearse with the band minimum of three times a week, this way you're always up to date on your music, songs get written faster, and if you're used to this kind of rigorous schedule it won't hurt you to take a short or long break after a tour. With once/twice a week/month you play a lot of catch up... 2. Wives and girlfriends, NEVER let them come between you and ANY rehearsal date or show. When they put their nose in that part of your life, it is not conducive to your playing or the progress of your band. You may think staying home "just this once" to get an awesome BJ won't hurt but just wait. If they do it once, they'll do it forever. You can't even been a has-been if you are a never-was! 3. Wives/girlfriends can not come to the out of town gigs. It's too much stress, you need to focus on your JOB because even though it's fun, sometimes you have to treat this as a business and keep things work oriented. It also may not bother you, but I bet some of your band mates are going nuts. 4. Never, ever pay to play. For those that don't know, if you are pre-selling tickets for a gig, you're screwing yourself. I could go on all day about how deceptive this practice is and how a big reason a lot of bands can't make any money is because other idiot box bands will take part in this and perpetuate the problem. You make think selling a bunch of tickets to open up for a sweet band is going to help you, well it's not. The band and their label is going to think you're a chode, the people there to see the show are there to see the headliner, they could care less even if you might be the greatest band on Earth, and the only people you're going to sell tickets to are friends and family anyway who already know what you sound like. 5. Have good relationships with the people in your band. If someone else or yourself can't take criticism or isn't open to change or suggestion, you won't last long. This has a lot to do with number 6... 6. Stay together! A ton of my favorite bands were around for 10 years before I ever heard of them or saw them on tour. Sometimes that's just what it takes. Dedication is important and band hopping every year will make sure you become a permanent fixture in your town. I know how hard it is to keep something going and I hope for those of you that want it it doesn't take that long but that's just how it is sometimes. 7. Get proper gear! I know it's expensive as hell, but if you buy it once you'll never have to buy it again. You buy that cheap-o amp and guitar or drumset, you'll sound terrible and you'll be forever trading up. Also remember, the average listener doesn't care how awesome you can shred if the sound of the whole band isn't pleasing to their ears. 8. Don't be a dick, don't ever act be that way to people that show interest in your band. If you don't respect the fan/artist relationship, people will lose respect for you and this can spread fast. 9. Don't let anyone outside the band know about any quarrels or conflicts that you have going on. If you have a problem with another band or club/venue/label whatever, keep all that stuff 'in-house'. To everyone else it's all about the music and to see a bunch or drama going on within a band can make you seem shaky, petty, and unprofessional even if you are in the right. This includes talking trash on dudes that quit or get fired from your band. (I know we all do it, but hey, keep it within the band!) 10. Last thing for today, always stand your ground. A lot of venues, especially when you're on the road and need the money the most, will try to stiff you. Fees and charges within the club, food and drink, guarantees, promotion, door charge, guest list, crap like that needs to be handled before you confirm the gig and get it in writing. You're going to have to constantly get involved in some B.S. to get paid. It sucks but it's part of the game they like to play. This is why everybody has agents, because their job is to make sure you get paid so they can get paid. I've got a ton to say and a hell of a lot more input and some advice for booking great shows when you're on a DIY level. Hope this helps some people out. __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp. Last edited by American Viking; 06-02-2009 at 07:45 PM.

06-02-2009, 07:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
carnada Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: 22 Acacia Avenue Posts: 1,189	Re: How To Make A Living On The Scene amazing job viking. Seriously that is what I have been looking for soo long. Thank you.

06-03-2009, 05:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
poeman33 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 472	Re: How To Make A Living On The Scene Viking had some excellent advice. I would add to make sure you develop a professional reputation. Show up and start playing on time. Take your allotted breaks. Keep the volume level where the owners want it. Don't trash your rooms...etc etc. When you have a reputation as a reliable band, the word will get around. And if your reputation is bad, you can be sure there will be cancelled gigs once other owners hear about it. A good reputation, and you can pickup those extra gigs when needed. __________________ --------------- Marshall JCM2000 DSL50 Avatar Vintage 4x12 cab Fender American Deluxe HSS Strat Ash body

06-03-2009, 03:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
axl2 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mahone Bay, NS, Canada Posts: 140	Re: How To Make A Living On The Scene Some great advice being thrown out there. You guys are mentioning some finer details that I would have never thought mattered. I didn't know paying to play gigs was a bad thing. I guess I'll learn as I go as well. __________________ Marshall DSL 100 Head Marshall AVT 20- Combo Epiphone Les Paul-Seymour Duncan Pups Fender Showmaster- Seymour Duncan Pups Takamine Electric Acoustic Epiphone Acoustic Boss GE7 Ibanez DL10 Delay Ibanez TS-808 Keeley DS-1 Ultra

Today
Marshall Amps	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Marshall Amp Forum

06-09-2009, 04:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
LesPaulopolis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 426	Re: How To Make A Living On The Scene AmViking, what's your take on getting weekend shows? We've been doing the Monday - Thursday thing and no one in the group sees that as going anywhere. We just recycle the same experience over and over. We want to play places that have people there to see a show, not be the band ruining you night when all you wanted was a couple beers. Any thoughts on how to get weekend-only shows? We've been at this 1.5 years, played about 25 shows (Phased Array on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads). All been in bands prior to this one as well. Thanks! __________________ '68 RI LP Custom '93 Anniversary 6100 (6L6s) '90 JCM900 4100 (EL-34s) In Loop: TU-2 > CH-5 > DD-5 > Boss RC-20XL

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode