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Post by Catfish on Nov 28, 2015 20:16:26 GMT
I was never one to be confused about the intersection of art and commerce in my field.
For many kinds of music, one is usually better off maintaining the appearance of indifference to money, but make no mistake about it, every single successful musician I have ever known, was also a shrewd businessman. Woman, whatever.
In Blues, there's no need to keep up appearances, which is especially nice for me.
I like to get paid! I'm also somewhat monomaniacal; for most of my life, a comfortable life was possible on the income from gigging. Not so, anymore, or rather, at this time.
There's a level of concert revenue one rung above my usual place in the industry, and I've been working out how to make the climb.
In the meantime, I've been adding revenue streams to keep me fed. Session work, an old standby, is once again on the table. Giving lessons and coaching bands is a new one, very fun.
I've held off on a website for years, in part due to loathing all the busywork, but it's really been an unmet need for some time. The diversity of my business seemed impossible to conceptualize in a single, integrated website.
Luckily for me, my girlfriend is smart! Lulz. Was griping about all this stuff to her recently. She came up with a domain name on the spot, then proceeded to design a website that hits all the relevant marks.
Bluesbylefty.com
Should be live any day now. Now,time to raise some money for an album...
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Post by melvindale on Nov 28, 2015 20:43:33 GMT
Link when it's real . . . love to see/hear what you come up with.
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Post by Bill h on Nov 28, 2015 21:13:09 GMT
Me to, I really would like to hear what your doing catfish.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2015 22:34:08 GMT
Interesting post Cat. After reading your post I asked myself about those issues. I thought of one way. And then i thought of another. and another. And then I googled it. And at first, google could not comprehend the question "How to increase one's income level as a musician" lol. kept giving me tax advice hahahaha. but i kept altering the search parameters until i found a 38 dollar ebook. From what i can tell, there is enough info in it to justify the cost, even though at least some of the principles are outdated. Remember we've talked about the music as a service rather than as a product, and that giving away music is a way to get people to the shows, and that's what we want.... Well, this book doesn't really agree with that bit, but not too many have made it that far with that idea yet so... but it does have a lot of other interesting ideas. so here's the title of the book. I found a place i can read much of it without buying it... Rocking Your Music Business: Run Your Music Business at Home and on the Road and here's a link to the site i found to read parts of it for free. booksome of it is basic business stuff, but there is one thing that stands out. More fans, higher income. Your website is a good idea. It can be the "hub" of all your internet activities for your music. (You can't rely on facebook, google plus or any single social media site for that because frankly they keep changing the way they do things, and some like myspace, end up going down the tubes lol. facebook also has a tendency to want to charge pages to get everyone on the list to see a post The higher our fan base, the more seats we fill, the more juice we have in negotiations for a bigger income. This is all new to me, (though i've done some thinking about it) so if this is old hat to you, feel free to ignore. But you get more money, (according to this person) by asking for more money and having the fan base to get it. He says in one instance about cd sales and show income, "try putting your prices up until you start selling less and then scale it back a bit back into more profitable territory" anyway hope you don't mind me throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks. I've been thinking about these things myself. (By the time, i'm there, it will probably be step 3 in my plan, and I'm only in step 1 now hahahahaah) edit: after reading as much of this book as I can stand (it's very dry) he really only says a couple of things in it worth paying attention to until one get's to a level that is far beyond where i'm at. Don't know if you're there yet but you may want to skim until you see bits that can apply
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Post by Maxwell on Nov 29, 2015 3:46:56 GMT
If I can toss out some ponderings up in here... I always made it a point to meet everybody that works in the place...learn their names, talk to them. Meet customers and learn their names. Speak to them when you see them and thank them for coming. Know their names. Make it personal. You will have a following if you make good music and folks KNOW you. Having a following that will show up equates to register go ding ding and you have a much better chance of making MORE money. You MUST make the joint money when you play there if you expect to be back for more geet down the road. You make them money (think followers) every time you play there and THEY will most likely want YOU to come back. Real nice when you work your way into a somewhat house job. Don't put all your eggs in one basket however. I've had house gigs way back but we usually did like 4/2... Four weeks house, two weeks out somewhere else. The two out afford opportunity to line up other regular rotations. We had it dicked for a good while doing that. The two's wanted us for at least four's, and the four's wanted us full. When we broke into the mil base O and NCO circuit, it was regular rotations and we knew where we would be and when... Great money, easy hours, GREAT vittles for cheap in the club restaurants.... In the O's and NCO's I knew most of the folks in the restaurant and kitchen... Today, you need to use FlakeBook and the like to get your name/face out there. When you play a place, always go to their FlakeyPage and say how much you enjoyed playing there and loved meeting all the staff and customers, how great the place is, yadda yadda yadda. They will remember you. That is what you want. Always include YOUR FlakeyPage URL but don't use THEIR page to blather on about yours. Butter their biscuits first. Sure, it's kinda like used car selling but you MUST sell yourself to be known. Nobody will do it for you. Promote your gigs on your FlakeBook page, every single gig. If it's a private gig, list it as a private gig with no particulars and make it a point to mention the next public gig and invite them to come out. They will still see you are playing that night. If I were a club owner, I would damn sure go look at a band/musician's page to see if they work regular. Just smart bidness. I've seen musically half-assed bands work pretty much all the time because they sell themselves well. Remember, the popcorn munchers as a general rule are not members of the choir so to speak as we are. They are not near as critical as we. They are there to party and have fun. They don't give a damn if you don't play the complete 13 in Spooky. They don't give a rat's as how many chords you toss into "Mystic"... They want to be able to recognize the song, maybe sing along, dance, etc... You don't care as long as they stay and drink... (ding ding ding goes the register) A good fronter with the gift of gab can make a band sound like a gillion bucks to the popcorn munchers...even though there isn't a soul in the band that knows a diminished from a firetruck... Seen that a gillion times... They still work and make money being basically borderline mediocre in our eyes but the munchers love and follow 'em... Ok, shutting up now... I know the club biz has changed since I did it for a living...but selling yourself will never change and now is even more critical as the gigs are not as plentiful... Just suggestions... Ignore at will....
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Post by melvindale on Nov 29, 2015 12:40:35 GMT
If I can toss out some ponderings up in here... Ok, shutting up now... I know the club biz has changed since I did it for a living...but selling yourself will never change and now is even more critical as the gigs are not as plentiful... Just suggestions... Ignore at will.... No, no, no . . . don't shut up - great stuff.
Some I do, some I should do more of, some I need to start doing, but hey . . . I'm new at this stuff - only been playing 45 years or so, but like anything, it's good to be reminded.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2015 14:22:18 GMT
good stuff Edro, thanks. I try to pay attention to this kind of thread cause I'm in the beginning stages of it all I'm a sponge for knowledge Sorry cat if i set off a chain of events that hijacked your thread
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Post by Catfish on Nov 29, 2015 21:51:22 GMT
Interesting.
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Post by Catfish on Nov 29, 2015 22:06:41 GMT
I'm super hungover right now. GF is pissed at me for screwing a groupie.
Lulz.
Lyrica: I don't have time to write a book. No proper musician does. That guy is so full of shit, his eyes are brown...
Ed: No one expects me to remember their name. Your's is a working man's approach, and it is limiting.
Again, super hungover right now, so...feel free to translate my words into something civilized.
Love.
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Post by Grand Toad on Nov 29, 2015 22:09:54 GMT
Sound's like someone did their best Keith Richards impression.
Time for a blood transfusion, or a few Bloody Marys.
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Post by Grand Toad on Nov 29, 2015 22:13:14 GMT
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Post by Bill h on Nov 29, 2015 22:16:53 GMT
I'm super hungover right now. GF is pissed at me for screwing a groupie. Lulz. Lyrica: I don't have time to write a book. No proper musician does. That guy is so full of shit, his eyes are brown... Ed: No one expects me to remember their name. Your's is a working man's approach, and it is limiting. Again, super hungover right now, so...feel free to translate my words into something civilized. Love. 2 goodys and a bottle of sweet gensing tea, hangover gone dude.
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Post by Grand Toad on Nov 29, 2015 22:18:43 GMT
Bill, and Catfish - Youz guys needs avatars, I tell ya.
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Post by Grand Toad on Nov 29, 2015 22:36:43 GMT
Bill here's some cool examples
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Post by Bill h on Nov 29, 2015 22:40:36 GMT
Can't do it on a mobile device, I have wi-fi at my house, just need to get off my ass and grab my laptop.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2015 22:43:54 GMT
Cat i'm sure you're riht. I don't think this guy is a musician. I think he's a business person doesnt' mean he doesn't necessarily have something good to say. but i was perusing the book last night, and the good bits seem few and far between lol
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Post by Maxwell on Nov 30, 2015 1:01:18 GMT
I'm super hungover right now. GF is pissed at me for screwing a groupie. Lulz. Ed: No one expects me to remember their name. Your's is a working man's approach, and it is limiting. Again, super hungover right now, so...feel free to translate my words into something civilized. Love. I can see how that would tend to piss off the GF.... ----- I think I do understand your point, but clarify if you wish. We always worked, were paid very well, and had calls asking US for any open dates we had. We mixed love of playing with making a good living (business). We did that very well and had fun at the same time... Also, they do not expect you to remember their name, that is why it is an advantage when you do, especially club/venue folks. Example: O clubs always had banquets, special events, etc. most nights... We usually did four or five night per week gigs at those back then... Countless times I would go to work early to warm my gear up, bounce in the club kitchen to get coffee, and a waitress or chef would say 'we had steaks tonight in a banquet. I have you a big steak with fixings on a plate in the warmer.' Steak, seafood, steamship round (they'd usually say cut off a thick ass hunk to take home with you with fixings), BBQ, etc... I've sat in the kitchen on a seafood buffet event night and scarf seafood before it went out to the lines... All free... Playing some hotel clubs, getting a free room was nothing... Played many a request for maître d, chef, bartender, waitress, etc. by name... Works wonders... They remember you. My late older brother taught me well... So, yeah, getting to know folks worked out well for me.... ----- Hangovers suck....
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Post by melvindale on Nov 30, 2015 19:22:42 GMT
Example: O clubs always had banquets, special events, etc. most nights... We usually did four or five night per week gigs at those back then... Countless times I would go to work early to warm my gear up, bounce in the club kitchen to get coffee, and a waitress or chef would say 'we had steaks tonight in a banquet. I have you a big steak with fixings on a plate in the warmer.' Steak, seafood, steamship round (they'd usually say cut off a thick ass hunk to take home with you with fixings), BBQ, etc... I've sat in the kitchen on a seafood buffet event night and scarf seafood before it went out to the lines... All free... Playing some hotel clubs, getting a free room was nothing... Played many a request for maître d, chef, bartender, waitress, etc. by name... Works wonders... They remember you. My late older brother taught me well... So, yeah, getting to know folks worked out well for me.... ----- Though I sometimes have gotten thrown out of the kitchen and been givin the leftover cardboard lunch box with a ham or turkey sandwich and a bag of Doritos' - which I despise by the way. These are usually weddings at some Posher than Thou Country Club. Never played at one enough to endear myself to the staff.
Used to play a Holiday party back in the day when auto suppliers had money where we got filet with béarnaise and all the fixings - ahh, those were the days.
The one thing I learned a long time ago - we do a fair amount of outdoor city festivals - - I always get there well before anyone else and find the person who is running sound - hand them 20 bucks before we even set up.
Not only do I get the best mix, but my equipment magically makes it back to my car post haste and I am remembered the next time as well.
These tend to be premium gigs, so a duce doesn't hurt at all.
The leader of our band is very good at remembering names and being extremely social (real estate - go figure) with our fan base, me . . . . not so much, but the house - that's a different story. Guess I just like working stiffs.
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Post by Catfish on Dec 1, 2015 5:31:48 GMT
Oh, damn, I wasn't kidding about being hungover the other day.
I rarely swear off drinking, but I did that day!
Apparently, I'm in an explicitly monogamous relationship now, something I have repeatedly sworn off over the years!
She's too good to me for it to be otherwise; pissing people off is one thing, but actually hurting someone I love, not ok.
Ed:The strategy you employed so successfully is exactly right for a particular segment of the business.
Over the past couple of years, however, it became obsolete for me. Long Beach is a fairly small city, and my reputation has grown to the point that people I have never met, walk up to me and introduce themselves. It's weird!
But, not unknown territory; I saw this happen countless times when I was a kid. There's a tipping point that I have passed through. People I don't know are contacting me for gigs and sessions. Etc.
They think of me as famous, and expect different behavior. I had to abandon my old habits. It's actually liberating, and DOES help me navigate my world.
I still tip the soundman and bartenders...
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Post by Harmony on Dec 1, 2015 23:40:12 GMT
Oh, damn, I wasn't kidding about being hungover the other day. I rarely swear off drinking, but I did that day! Apparently, I'm in an explicitly monogamous relationship now, something I have repeatedly sworn off over the years! She's too good to me for it to be otherwise; pissing people off is one thing, but actually hurting someone I love, not ok. Ed:The strategy you employed so successfully is exactly right for a particular segment of the business. Over the past couple of years, however, it became obsolete for me. Long Beach is a fairly small city, and my reputation has grown to the point that people I have never met, walk up to me and introduce themselves. It's weird! But, not unknown territory; I saw this happen countless times when I was a kid. There's a tipping point that I have passed through. People I don't know are contacting me for gigs and sessions. Etc. They think of me as famous, and expect different behavior. I had to abandon my old habits. It's actually liberating, and DOES help me navigate my world. I still tip the soundman and bartenders... Lefty, Lefty, Lefty!! Man, I could slap you! lol
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Post by Harmony on Dec 1, 2015 23:55:59 GMT
How on earth did I mess that post up.
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Post by Mindfrigg on Dec 2, 2015 0:20:00 GMT
The boundaries of the quote box are kinda vague. I've done it.
I blame Edro.
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Post by Mindfrigg on Dec 2, 2015 0:26:26 GMT
I made a living as an artist for a long time rather than music because it was much easier as it turned out. Just me and some materials often. Many times not even that as they were supplied by the venue. Lots more opportunities for gigs too. I got tired of trying to get four people together on the same page in order to make a living. Having kids I just didn't have the time to try and fail. Last music things I did were playing acoustic at gallery openings and working with at risk kids doing music videos. Still too much trouble as I was hauling equipment just like a gig and then organizing hard headed gangsters into a focusing on a creative pursuit. I have ideas for artists to get work, but not musicians.
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Post by Schidney on Dec 2, 2015 0:56:50 GMT
I made a living as an artist for a long time rather than music because it was much easier as it turned out. Just me and some materials often. Many times not even that as they were supplied by the venue. Lots more opportunities for gigs too. I got tired of trying to get four people together on the same page in order to make a living. Having kids I just didn't have the time to try and fail. Last music things I did were playing acoustic at gallery openings and working with at risk kids doing music videos. Still too much trouble as I was hauling equipment just like a gig and then organizing hard headed gangsters into a focusing on a creative pursuit. I have ideas for artists to get work, but not musicians. Much as I hate to admit it & I really hate to admit it seeing as it's Frigg...He's got a point. Bah! Doesn't feel right agreeing with the Piester. sFun_DeadHorse_zpsd9fbdq1s
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Post by Mindfrigg on Dec 2, 2015 1:06:50 GMT
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Post by Mindfrigg on Dec 2, 2015 1:12:36 GMT
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Post by Schidney on Dec 2, 2015 1:15:12 GMT
Point being the top of his big baldy napper so it seems.
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Post by Mindfrigg on Dec 2, 2015 1:17:24 GMT
Caught in mid flip-off. Like a sports shot.
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Post by Schidney on Dec 2, 2015 1:22:57 GMT
Caught in mid flip-off. Like a sports shot. Bad aim in the morning these days old son? Soak yer feet more often than not? Time to sit down when peeing I'd say. Nothing to be ashamed about.
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Post by Catfish on Dec 2, 2015 1:44:11 GMT
Lefty, Lefty, Lefty!! Man, I could slap you! lol In my defense, no never mind that... Seemed a very sensible and effective response to what had been said prior; neither of us was consciously interested in monogamy. The fallout was unexpected, brutally painful for both of us, but we talked it through, and both learned a lot about ourselves, each other, and the depth of our feelings. Never will I cross the line we made after. I need to figure out emoticons to give the Frigg his well-earned due for that pic of Spock!
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