As a musician, you’re in it for the love of the gig. Chances are, you started writing and/or performing because you have a deep passion for music and you wanted to share it with others. That’s something you should never let go of, and it should always be your top priority.
But, if you’re trying to make a living as a musician, or even trying to make enough to properly promote yourself, getting paid for your gigs is important – especially if you’ve been in the game for a while.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to talk money with venue owners and promoters, and to make sure you’re getting a fair amount for your performance. If you’ve struggled with negotiating your gig checks, you’re not alone. But, you deserve to get paid! Let’s cover a few tips and tricks you can use to improve the negotiation process and to truly get what’s coming to you from each gig.
Plan and Prepare
One of the best ways to ensure proper compensation for your gigs is to do your research. What is the current industry standard, and how do your performances measure up? Every venue is different and it’s also important that you understand smaller venues are likely to pay less. But, no matter the size or potential audience, you should always be able to negotiate some type of payment. If you can’t, it’s okay to turn down gigs when you know your worth.
Before you talk to a venue, have a going rate in mind. You can adjust it as needed, but be prepared to show what you’ve made for gigs in the past, and what you expect based on those numbers. You can also share current rates for others in the music industry for venues of the same size.
Keep in mind, however, that many businesses might not be willing to pay big money unless they feel like there’s something in it for them. You should also be prepared with things like:
- How many people your average gig draws
- How your performances have a positive impact on businesses/venues
- The promotion you’re willing to do
- The promotion you expect from the venue
Both you and the venue need to understand what to expect from each other. If a venue isn’t transparent about what they’re willing to offer, or if they continue to negotiate compensation packages that aren’t fair, it’s okay to walk away. As a musician, you need to learn when to walk away and when it’s worth it to network and form strong relationships.
Establish Relationships
Speaking of establishing relationships, it can end up being a huge resource for you, especially when you’re just starting out as a musician.
In the business world, networking is incredibly important for both individual and corporate success. The music industry is no different. No matter how independent you are as an artist, getting to know promoters, venue owners, and other musicians who have built up a rapport at certain places can help you become more popular and get more exposure. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever thanks to social media – you can get to know people in the industry before ever meeting them in person.
Establishing those connections will also help you become more business-savvy, which comes with many mental health benefits, including more confidence and motivation. When you’re trying to get ahead and make the most of each gig, increased confidence and the constant drive to move forward and stand up for yourself are incredibly important.
Be More Business Savvy
Again, you probably didn’t get into the music industry for the business side of things. But, when you’re in a band or a solo artist, you’re also a businessperson, by default. You probably already understand the importance of marketing yourself the way a business would, but it’s just as essential to know some business-savvy tips that will ensure you’re fairly compensated.
What does that look like? For starters, being business-savvy requires standing up for yourself. There will be plenty of situations where you need to stand firm in what you need. While it’s okay to negotiate with venue owners, that doesn’t mean you should back down from being adequately compensated. If the venue you’re performing at doesn’t have a contract in place, consider writing up your own that all parties can agree to. It shows that you’re being honest and transparent, and that you expect the same from the venue.
Moreover, you need to get your music out there online so people can hear it, which will make it more likely for them to come to your shows. An online presence is important for musicians these days. Up your marketing game through mobile marketing, which will help people stream your music and get updates about your shows on their mobile devices. Cross-device marketing that allows them to access your content anywhere and on any device can make a big difference to the turnout at your shows, meaning you can negotiate better rates.
As a business, you’ll also have to be aware of how to properly do your taxes when you’re getting paid for performances. Depending on how much you earn throughout the year, you might have to claim your performance compensation as income. But, you can also take advantage of deductions from things like traveling, equipment, and even instruments and repairs. If you’re not comfortable taking care of your own taxes, it’s a worthwhile investment to work with an accountant to make sure you’re doing things the right way.
It might be a bit of extra work to make sure you’re getting properly paid for each gig, but it’s important to understand your value and your worth. By adopting some ethical business practices, learning how to negotiate, and forming relationships in the industry, you’re more likely to get the compensation you deserve now and in the future.
By Indiana Lee.