Well, it’s been quite a while since my last post and I appreciate your support. These last few weeks have brought some things to my attention and opened my eyes about the local music scene.
Here are my thoughts. In every profession there is an “expert” in a particular field. Those particular experts are worth there weight in gold when utilized in the correct manner. My point is that you might be surprised what possibilities are open to you as a freelance musician.
Most musicians will find that playing around in other groups will pay a little better than playing with there own band. This idea works because you are providing a service that is needed. It is really just supply and demand.
I know there are guys out there that love their band and they would never think to do anything different and that is understandable. There are also people that don’t care about the money and they just enjoy playing and that is great. I’m not endorsing selling out at all. I’m just sharing my thoughts and experiences about opportunities to make some cash while still playing with your own group.
About 6 months ago I began thinking with this mindset and things have really escalated for me. I began to look around on Craig’s List and networking my services to friends. I am pretty booked this month and I am making more than I have in the past. It really is a win-win situation. It gives you some work and it provides someone else with what they need.
Something to keep in mind is that you don’t have to give up a project to do this. I am still playing with Mosley and I just book my events accordingly. A great example of this would be my friend, Josh Tailor’s, old band Ellington. This band was amazing and these guys were all studio quality musicians. Each of them while playing with Ellington had their own side projects that they were a part of as well. The beautiful part in this situation is that even though these guys may not be making a killing, or anything at all for that matter, they can still pay some bills with other projects.
Some of you may be thinking that this would be a great idea but you don’t know where to start. There are some great tools these days for us musicians and one that has really worked for me is Craig’s List. I check this site constantly to find locals who need help. The key is to first know what you are looking for. I am not talking about what kind of music you want to play but know what your plan is. If you don’t want to commit to a group then don’t audition for bands looking for permanent members. It just waists everyone’s time and it gives you a bad name.
This, just like leading your band, is all relational. People want someone who is confident and honest. No one wants to be taken advantage of. You have to create a name for yourself. You also have to be willing to get out there and play for free. You have to get noticed out of all of the other people fighting for a spot. If someone calls you to try out then you need to get there and audition and then the ball is in their court. If you get stuck in negotiations before you even audition then you’re just another guy on the phone. If you arrive and have a great audition well now you are the guy they want. Someone will be more willing to work with someone that they’ve seen and like.
Another approach is to offer free services to friends especially if the shows are in the clubs downtown. In these situations it may be worth your while to play free at least once depending on where you play. If you play in the club scene in Nashville it may be worth it to get in how ever you can because there will be a lot potential artists watching the show and if they like you they may try to contact you. At this point you are now in the loop. After all, it’s all who you know.
This is something that I’ve been thinking about for a while and it has been working well for me. If anything you will get some great experience playing out with different people. These experiences can open up your mind to new genres that you may never have participated in before and if anything, it definitely helps you to keep up your chops. If you’re doing well it may also challenge your skills, which is always a good thing.
I encourage all of you to expand your horizons and try this. It is a fun way to get to know people, to network, and to build a brand. And sometimes it can even pay pretty good.
Thanks man