So many musicians want to use their musical skills to pay the bills. We want to chuck in our dreary day jobs in favor of fulfilling our ambition to play tasty solos, or lay down killer drum grooves with the band.
Sadly, many musicians never quite break the chains of that day job. They may be playing several times a week but somehow its just not earning enough to allow them to quit their job and play music exclusively.
My post today and following posts are going to reveal how I made that transition.
Step 1: Hone your craft
Become a good player. Before I carry on lets clear up a common misconception. You DO NOT have to be a virtuoso on your instrument to earn a living from performing. Let's face it, if you are in an International touring covers band, playing predominantly Top 40 hits from the past 40 years you can get by with a moderate degree of technical ability.
Step 2: Know what band leaders expect of you
Band leaders usually expect the following from a team member in order of importance:
1. Reliability. A band leader cherishes reliability like a dog loves a bone. It speaks volumes about your character and it means that the band leader doesn't have to worry about you turning up to the gig late, or worse- not at all. This simple quality lifts a huge weight off the band leaders' shoulders.
2. Being prepared. No band leader or band wants to sit around at rehearsal while you learn the signature solo to 'Hotel California' or the 'Porcaro shuffle' for 'Rosanna'. Learn all of your songs prior to rehearsal and your band leader (and band) will respect you all the more for having done so.
3. Responsibility. Take care of your own gear. Make sure you have everything you need to get your part of the job done. If you are playing guitar have spare strings on-hand and any tools you need to repair your guitar. Drummers have spare sticks and any tools you need for your drums. Keep your equipment in good working order and don't rely on others for tools or cables or straps. Try to have a spare of almost everything within the realms of practicality.
4. Beware the demon drink. Try to limit your consumption of alcohol. If you're a non-drinker, then great. If you are partial to a drink or two or more know your limit. Depending on the situation you may or may not be able to drink at your gigs. Most leaders I know will only resort to banning someone from drinking if they feel it is detrimental to the show.
I was performing in Dubai in a fantastic seven piece band at a great club. We were hugely popular and had just hired a new singer. He was in top form for about four weeks and then we noticed he was starting to come to rehearsal late and he was starting to make uncharacteristic mistakes at the gig. He said he wasn't feeling to well due to a chronic injury he sustained several years earlier.
Another week passed and now he simply wasn't coming to rehearsal at all. Then, the same night that he didn't come to rehearsal we started our usual show and he was nowhere to be seen. We sent one of the guys up to his room...he was still asleep. Fifteen minutes later he showed up, jumped onstage and basically went to sleep on the congas. When it was his turn to sing he forgot all of his words and then proceeded to give the crowd an in-depth speech about his childhood. Our leader had no choice but to get him offstage, at which point he engaged one of the security guys in the club in a bit of boxing match.
Not long after that he on a plane flying back to his old job.
Tune in on Saturday for some more tips on how to work your way in to full-time work as a musician.
Thanks for reading.
Josh
Sadly, many musicians never quite break the chains of that day job. They may be playing several times a week but somehow its just not earning enough to allow them to quit their job and play music exclusively.
My post today and following posts are going to reveal how I made that transition.
Step 1: Hone your craft
Become a good player. Before I carry on lets clear up a common misconception. You DO NOT have to be a virtuoso on your instrument to earn a living from performing. Let's face it, if you are in an International touring covers band, playing predominantly Top 40 hits from the past 40 years you can get by with a moderate degree of technical ability.
Step 2: Know what band leaders expect of you
Band leaders usually expect the following from a team member in order of importance:
1. Reliability. A band leader cherishes reliability like a dog loves a bone. It speaks volumes about your character and it means that the band leader doesn't have to worry about you turning up to the gig late, or worse- not at all. This simple quality lifts a huge weight off the band leaders' shoulders.
2. Being prepared. No band leader or band wants to sit around at rehearsal while you learn the signature solo to 'Hotel California' or the 'Porcaro shuffle' for 'Rosanna'. Learn all of your songs prior to rehearsal and your band leader (and band) will respect you all the more for having done so.
3. Responsibility. Take care of your own gear. Make sure you have everything you need to get your part of the job done. If you are playing guitar have spare strings on-hand and any tools you need to repair your guitar. Drummers have spare sticks and any tools you need for your drums. Keep your equipment in good working order and don't rely on others for tools or cables or straps. Try to have a spare of almost everything within the realms of practicality.
4. Beware the demon drink. Try to limit your consumption of alcohol. If you're a non-drinker, then great. If you are partial to a drink or two or more know your limit. Depending on the situation you may or may not be able to drink at your gigs. Most leaders I know will only resort to banning someone from drinking if they feel it is detrimental to the show.
A personal story of alcohol ruining a guys career...sad but true.
I was performing in Dubai in a fantastic seven piece band at a great club. We were hugely popular and had just hired a new singer. He was in top form for about four weeks and then we noticed he was starting to come to rehearsal late and he was starting to make uncharacteristic mistakes at the gig. He said he wasn't feeling to well due to a chronic injury he sustained several years earlier.
Another week passed and now he simply wasn't coming to rehearsal at all. Then, the same night that he didn't come to rehearsal we started our usual show and he was nowhere to be seen. We sent one of the guys up to his room...he was still asleep. Fifteen minutes later he showed up, jumped onstage and basically went to sleep on the congas. When it was his turn to sing he forgot all of his words and then proceeded to give the crowd an in-depth speech about his childhood. Our leader had no choice but to get him offstage, at which point he engaged one of the security guys in the club in a bit of boxing match.
Not long after that he on a plane flying back to his old job.
Tune in on Saturday for some more tips on how to work your way in to full-time work as a musician.
Thanks for reading.
Josh
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