The Most Talented Anywhere

Saturday, November 6, 2010

When you speak to the booking person they’ll want to know where the band has played and how many people you can get to come to the gig. If you think you’ll want to play there more than once I don’t recommend lying about the number of people. I’d rather say I’m not sure how many people will come than alienate them by not having a good turnout after I’d promised one. According to Julie Flanders, “We have always been very honest with the clubs Book YG about the numbers we could bring in. It helped us develop better relationships and be taken more seriously.” Clubs that offer venues for unknown rock or blues playing original music don’t usually pay much if anything. Most commonly you’ll get a percentage of the door which averages from $1 to a few dollars per person depending on what’s being charged. Some clubs will pay a flat fee of $50 to $100. Sometimes people play for tips. This is part of paying your dues to break into the industry. The financial arrangement is something you have to work out with each. Policies and payments vary from city to city. Established clubs with a built in following will pay more but they’re harder to get into.