Hello
My front man is playing a show and wants me to play drums for him. We are basically filling in between sets for an amateur band and he is getting paid $50. He said he would give me some money if he made more then $50. We are mostly playing his original songs, and he will probably get paid even if i don't show up. I understand he is filling the manager role by getting this gig,but should i demand a percentage of the money for the show? How does that work? Or should I not worry about it and have fun? I just don't want to get taken advantage of and i know its a small amount but I don't want him to think he can start a trend of ripping me off either? Should i demand a percentage no matter how much? what percentage do i deserve for just playing drums on his songs?
on another note he is playing at a local store and will make money eventually. Should I demand a percentage of that when I play with him?
Talk to me people.
thanks for your insight.
Comments
your on the right track. who knows who you'll encounter when do
your on the right track. who knows who you'll encounter when doing those gigs. get your personal expectations of what your drumming is worth and be prepared. if your inclined, ask the bartender what the drink policy is, or 'do band members get a couple free drinks?' you have to be legal obviously. many bands work for the thrill and free beer. start nit-picking from 50 bucks, there's not that much to be had anyway, which was said well previously.
Agree with everything said thus far... the amount is just too li
Agree with everything said thus far... the amount is just too little to worry about. But... as Chris mentioned, communication is the key. Let him know you're happy to do it this time under the agreed conditions, but that in the future, you'll need to talk about this arrangement should this situation arise again. After all, it is your time, your gas, your talent, etc., and you should be compensated for these things if a "real gig" shows up.
The good thing here is that you know the arrangements in advance and were given the choice based on those arrangements. This is infinitely better than going in under false pretenses or promises.
But ...you should talk to him about it if you see a pattern starting to emerge. If for nothing else, at current gas prices, you should be compensated for this expense, at the very least.
Because while it's one thing to go in gratis, the gig shouldn't end up costing you money, either.
fwiw
-d.
I did many free gigs as a teenager, those are great experiences
I did many free gigs as a teenager, those are great experiences and I'm very glad I did.
Years later I decided to live from music and at that point free gigs weren't an option.
Today 30 years later, My drum stays in the cases if I don't get 250$ and more for an evening. 300-350 is what I charge for a big venue.
The band I often work for, charge 2500 and more for a show.. so you got to have a part of it.. ;)
At this point, I say: Enjoy the gig, get some experience and
At this point, I say:
Enjoy the gig, get some experience and do your best. It doesn't sound like any amount to even be concerned about. If he starts doing better, I'm sure you will too. Its how it goes in the business. But I would talk to him about all this. The best relationships are always the ones with good communication.