berlin...

big ben parliament · Post by **big ben parliament** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 12:32 am

kimaliz wrote:I am ready for contracts though, I am getting so frustrated with a few bars and promotors. It sucks because we have always had a rep for being easy going and nice guys, its possible that we will loose our rep. but then again it was probablt that rep that made people think they could d*ck us around too...

who knows for sure

Agreed on all counts. I suspect we have the same "nice guys" rep, and that may not always be to our benefit.
I hate to use the "U" word, but it would definitely help keep bands from getting screwed. The problem would be getting everyone else to play ball. I'd be willing to give it a shot, though.

I think that a lot of the kinks have been ironed out at Berlin, as far as the complaints I heard a couple months ago. They don't have their own PA yet, but the guy he hired to do sound was really good. It was honestly one of the best sounding shows we've ever played.

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:28 am

Union? I'd play ball, and I'm not a big union guy.

Sankofa · Post by **Sankofa** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:49 am

bassjones wrote:Union? I'd play ball, and I'm not a big union guy.

It's tough enough to get members from one band together to rehearse, let alone a group of local bands to agree on something.

HillgrassBluebillyFTW · Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:16 am

As a promoter myself I hate asking the bands to play for less than what they're worth, which is why I try to compensate with over promoting and not taking any cut myself or talking the bar into free drinks.

I've asked a lot of bands to play for free for me in the past, and god bless them they always did. I don't like not paying, I feel if you've come out and gave me your all you should be rewarded for that.

I think the biggest problem is that the bars don't see the bands worth. If a band brings 5 or 50 people that's 5 or 50 people that would be elsewhere if that band wasn't playing.

I'm glad there are bands like I, Wombat that don't mind playing for less than their worth on occasion, and still continue to bring their A Game.

My personal philosophy is if you do me a favor I will do my best to return that favor whether it be with a better gig next time or something.

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:24 am

which is why I would do a free or cheap gig for you, but not too many other people. As a side not, you should be taking a cut of something. Get a guarantee up front from the venue, even split between the bands and you take a piece as well. You bust your ass promoting it, create some killer flyers, get great sound/lights and you're there setting up/tearing down. Why shouldn't you get paid for that?

HillgrassBluebillyFTW · Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:26 am

bassjones wrote:Why shouldn't you get paid for that?

I only get paid if the bands get paid. I can't expect someone to play for free and then walk out with money that could have gone to them.

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:34 am

anderson wrote:
bassjones wrote:Why shouldn't you get paid for that?
I only get paid if the bands get paid. I can't expect someone to play for free and then walk out with money that could have gone to them.

That I agree with!

Al Quandt · Post by **Al Quandt** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:56 am

My mom was a Folk musician here for many years back in the day. She often asked if there is still a musicians union. I never have an answer.

For some reason I feel it would be tough to do with the original bands, but very much needed for cover acts.

My fear is that even though many original acts take the music seriously there as several that dont too and that could make things difficult. Plus what Kofa said is true too.

I would still be all for it!