03/03/2019
I'm posting this because over the past few days I have witnessed rival promotor's having a pop at how things should be done, This is how I went about putting on my gigs.
Approximately 10 years ago I approached The Corn Exchange (Hertford) with the idea of putting on live music every Sunday afternoon during the winter months. It was decided (between the two of us) that 'Sunday Bandstand' would be 'free entry'. Whilst this would allow people to come in, and leave, at their will, we both understood that, as no door money was being taken (which would have possibly detered some from coming in), no cash was available for, and I must stress this point, both musicians and the sound engineer. This, as agreed, was my problem (not a problem, actually) to deal with.
Anyone wanting to perform were aware of this. They understood that 'door' money wasn't going to someone else, as there wasn't any money involved. They were particularly glad that the engineer wasn't being renumerated either, all too often being the case (I did the stage setup, and sound, my choice). The musicians liked the idea that people could wander up the stairs and see what was up, they appreciated it was a way of broadening their audience / fan base which wouldn't have been the case if we charged entry. Many welcomed the opportuntity to play on a big stage with proper infrastructure (which The Corn Exchange provided), all part of the experience they could gain. All soloists / bands were booked beforehand, they knew the deal (a deal, incidently, that included photographs and video being taken). A good deal! Those who felt that they wanted paying, didn't play, their choice.
The other objective, which free entry allowed, was for me to guage how popular the acts were. The better one's were then invited back to play at one of the Thursday evenings I promoted. At these I charged entry and everyone got a share. And no, a £100, or so, did not immediately go into the engineer's pocket, as is often the case, because I again took care of that, and the promoting and engineering share came out of the door takings. It didn't stop there, The Corn Exchange asked some bands to 'support' their main acts so, by definition, artists saw a route to something bigger, and better.
Should musician's be paid? Not an easy question to answer. Some, no. As for venue's exploiting musician's, the answer to that is as simple,no! Pay to play, another no. The way it works is for all concerned to be happy which is how it was in my case.
