Aint Got The Do Re Mi
There is a growing concern amongst some fellow performers on the Glasgow music scene that they are continually being taken advantage when it comes to playing live.
The problem is the overwhelming majority of original music venues in Glasgow and it seems the rest of the UK do not pay the artists for doing so. This often undervalues the service and entertainment that is being provided.
Whilst it is important to have a platform for artists starting out to gain experience and showcase their songs it is also important to provide a next step in the ladder for artists to progress too, thereby encouraging quality performances.
All too often a live music night features someone who has been playing for 2 weeks on the same billing as a seasoned performer of 10years.
Some venues are keen to offer (as I have been) residencies, sometimes to play for as much as 4 times a week for the same chain of venues and for no money / expenses to boot - clearly taking advantage of our willingness to perform. You wouldn’t ask a painter to paint your house for free, nor would you expect any bar staff to work for you for free so why musicians?
Having lived in NZ where playing for free was unheard of, I was always paid for my performances. It can be done.
Make A Stand
I feel it is up to the artist themselves to recognise that value in what they do and pick and choose what gigs they should be doing. (Mind you we have all seen the delusion of the X Factor wannabes).
If you feel there is something to be achieved by performing for free e.g. (publicity, a bigger venue, new audience, reviews etc) that is fair enough.
There is little gratitude from many venues and so called promoters for performing at all. Some open mic nights provide a free beer for playing 1 song, and yet when it comes to a 45min gig you have to pay your own coffee.
A few ideas for hard up venues in order to help provide a fee for musicians
1. A percentage of the bar takings from say 1hr before you play until about 1hr after?
I have worked under this scheme before (needless to say not in this country) and as i remember it was 20% of the bar takings and i was always pleasantly surprised by the amount I received.
(thanks to my heavy drinking buddies)
2. A tip Jar for the artist.
In New York it was common place to pass round a hat amongst the audience for a $1 or so tip. Again I think very good idea. If you are no good you will
quickly find out and most folks in the audience don’t mind dipping into their pocket to show their appreciation. I’m betting most of the audience don’t realise the venue isn’t paying the artist and would gladly give a few £s.
3. Sponsorship of the night
if your putting on decent music that attracts a crowd this should be of interest to local companies , drinks companies etc..
Pay for quality music, stand out from the crowd, get recognised as a venue that showcases fantastic acts, gain an audience who buy beers/ food, and contribute to the growth of musical careers.
Check out www.myspace.com/singasongfor6pence
and Vivien Scotston's blog on the subject here
John Alexander
There are some good comments which were posted to this blog on another site.
view them here
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