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My heart bleeds when I think about the number of hours and financial investment artists put in only to end up playing for nothing for so many years. This is why I wanted to volunteer some vital information that will help you rising stars to begin to sing a new tune! There are several reasons why artists in particular do not like asking for money. Here are some to chew over: 1. Value: They either do not value themselves enough or have placed no real value on their skills/abilities/creativity, or do not know their worth. What is Value: What are you worth? What do you think you deserve? The question of value is so key to financial success in the music business but many do not even think about it. I know of many good artists who have helped promoters build their own business to the artist's financial detriment. (I am not having a go at promoters but trying to educate the artists). The value an artist places on themselves will determine how much effort they put into their career and how much they ask for in relation to the supply of services such as PAs, session work, backing vocals etc. The interesting aspect of this whole issue of paying artists for performances is interesting because there is a code 1003 that says "If you do not ask for money you don't get it!" Most venues can at least pay toward the artists' expenses but they do not because the artist does not ask and the artists' do not ask because they have not placed a value of their craft! 2. Wrong industry perception: Some artists believe that you do PA's for free until you have a hit record. This is totally untrue. It is a wrong industry perception. At this point let me clarify some things: - If you are just starting out as an artist you must be prepared to do some gigs for free. To hone your craft, to develop confidence, to learn crowd interaction, to learn how to use the stage, to develop your stage presence and so on. Once you have achieved some success doing this, (I mean you have become good enough to add value to a promoter's night) you deserve to start getting paid. Of cause having a relative hit whacks up your earning capacity, but you still need to invite people to contribute towards your expenses! What I am saying is Ask for money! Ask for money! Ask for money! 3. "If I ask I will lose the gig!" Guess what? That could be true! There is always a price to pay for stepping out of your comfort zone. My question to you is how long do you intend to continue financing other peoples' businesses to your own detriment? How long do you want to be in debt for someone else? How long do you want to continue eating beans on toast whilst those who are not as good as you are eating in fancy restaurants and driving by in convertible BMWs, waving at you at the bus top while you're busy lugging your kit to the next free gig? Here is some good advice until I see you next time: 1. You need to place a value on what you are worth per gig and start asking. May be the first time you ask you might not get it because of the way you put your request. But get some coaching skills if you need it and keep on asking. You will get it. 2. You must be so good that it will be silly not to pay you. Work of your craft; be amazing on stage! 3. Have a quest for improvement every time!
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