If you want to make money as a musician, stop partying your ass off every night. I was a major partier before and spent every dime I had on booze and dope. I enjoyed most nights of doing exactly that. For a long time I never had a bloody dime. And yes, you can make money as a musician--you just need to get some basics down. Okay, before we delve into all that shit let's get one thing straight here. Most musicians will need to work a regular job. You have to save money as well.
For a lot of years I never had anything because of it.I don't denounce partiers or the lifestyle.But stop partying for a while and get back to basics.You need enough to cover rent,food and maybe a car and a mortgage.If you can,hold back on the mortgage and rent a place with someone from the band or someone you can trust.
Beyond the bare necessities start saving money in a high interest bank account and some Government investments like CD's and bonds.Don't put your money in stocks.If you don't understand it,don't take the risk!
Back to me.I trusted every shithead who fed me dope.This was back in the late 70's and early 80's.Hell,I didn't get a solid regular job until the late 90's.I thought I was going to hit it big here in Canada as a writer and manager for musicians.Nothing ever panned out because I was too fried along with who ever else I was kickin' back with.
At one point I finally decided if I keep this road for too long I'm screwed.Not just money wise, but health wise as well.I got a job started saving money like a bastard and I was able to get a half decent flat here in Canada.I still work at that job and I'm still a writer for musicians making a small side income.
Here's what you Musicians need to do:If all your band does is play locally for 200 a night once a week,put the majority in a band account to use as gigging money.Take 100 bucks and put that in a high interest bank account.Take a paltry 25 for yourself.
Get your band to start approaching better bands you can open for,even if it means doing it for free.Help that band by interviewing them and creating value for them.Approach all of this like a business.Focus on that band you want to open for.Keep working a job and look for off the beaten path ways to make money as a musician.
Do session work for other bands,write articles and press Kits for other bands.This won't make you a lot of money,but it will show musicians,club owners and industry people you mean business.Keep things on a shoestring budget.Stop partying for a while.Then your band can afford it,start playing at places an hour to two hours away.But make sure how much a club pays you is worth it.You're not in this to lose money.That's why you're better off playing locally until your band has capitalized on the local scene,and has banked more than enough to cover gas,vehicle maintenance,hotel stays and food.
Also,make sure your gear is top notch and you have it insured and secured.What if the band van gets ripped off? Still want to be a musician? If you love it enough you'll never quit.Focus strictly on your regular job and music.That's it.Save your money.
Write songs for other bands for a cut of the profits.There are many ways to make money as a musician.Just don't spend money you don't have.It's not worth it.Just because you're not making the scene with some chick doesn't mean squat.
Curt Cobain said something to the effect--"Why would anyone become a musician to make the scene be cool and have chicks".
Because all that matters is you become a musician for the right reasons.Provide value to fans and industry people, and play for the simple joy of being a musician.You can get loaded once in a while.I still have a few too many once in a while.
I have a few more tips on saving money and being a real,serious musician.But I'll leave those for a later post.If any musicians need help with a Press Kit or playing locally or regionally,just email me.
I'll help you out.
Stay a hip musician for life and the rest of life will work it's self out.
Mark G--Canadian Guitar Player
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