[Harp-L] some thoughts on the business of music



For me playing music means playing live. There's a synergy between everyone in the band and the audience and when everything clicks it's wonderful. I learn more in one gig than I do in a month of practicing. If the bar is making money because I bring in business then I want a piece. I'm working hard up there.If I'm getting paid, I dress accordingly, plan the set list accordingly, and play what the crowd wants to hear.

I'm not a business person. I don't have the organizational skills. I have low risk tolerance. I need a steady paycheck.I don't have the energy to play live every day or even two or three times a week.I want to be home with my family.

A lot of musicians don't make the bucks not because they're poor musicians but they're poor business people.I finally got a banner behind the band so folks know who we are but I don't have a mailing list, T shirts, or CDs. Many musicians are both good musicians and good business people and they still don't make money. It's a tough racket to break into.

As far as blues not being marketable, if you're a professional music an you find a market. You remember that scene in the Blues Brothers movie where Steve Cropper and the band are all playing lounge music at the Holiday Inn in tuxedos? That's not too far from the truth.

So if you practice every day all day, spend the bucks for a good school, go on to a graduate program, make the connections, and network like heck, you might (if you're real lucky) make as much as a competent plumber. Got to love a career in the arts.

Rainbow Jimmy
http://www.spaceanimals.com
http://www.soundclick.com/theelectricstarlightspaceanimals.htm





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