Musician
by Toni Washingtin
Play to pay.. Think about it besides the economy being the way it is and the times changing from the 80's to the present the competition has become even stiffer. Technology has actually made it easier to get the word out and as an entertainer. I am a performer independent I might add I have been forced to become very creative in many ways and the truth is many of us are in business and we don't act like it. When you pay for instruments , maintenance of instruments, clothes, grooming websites plain old time and spending money related to your craft you're in business! How can we expect the club owners and venues to take us seriously if we don't treat what we do like a business. The other point is if you believe in yourself why wouldn't you want to invest time pushing tickets? This is a great way to build up your following see who is in your corner and make money. Just establish your guidelines before you get involved so that you don't get kicked out at the last minute for not reaching a quota. The sky is the limit when pushing tickets. This is also a great tool for dealing with club owners because when you show what you can do they will recognize that they need you just as much and respect you more. No different from people who back in the day tried to obtain record deals if you show that you can raise money without the club owners they will embrace you just as those greedy record labels did and you can better express what you are expecting from them. I am a Philly musician and from time to time I visit Ohio and the same things that are being mentioned on this site are happening in Philly as well but if we all treated it like business it might make a big difference as well as an impact on the overall viewpoints that the club owners have. I admit it appears that most of them don't care or understand. As a musician/producer singer I create my own opportunity and offer free information to others do they take it? Not usually they continue to complain and walk around with pooh-pooh faces. The only way that things are going to change is if a plan is put together and the thing called unity and loyalty happens.. If music is promoted just like the rappers did. Have an out and out Real Live Music Movement. If this could happen bringing back the music and getting the attention of theses club owners getting paid might be a reality. They promoted rap and kept throwing it down our throats until they couldn't throw it any more. Believe it if you are a musician who maintains instruments and does gigs. etc.. You are In Business!!! Even if you have an agent you should be responsible and interested enough in yourself that you have the knowledge to make decisions regrading your career and take responsibility to make things happen for yourself and know what's going on with whomever represents you.
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