When the going gets tough...

I think one of the few benefits of this recession and tough times in the music biz is that a business can really learn who its friends are, who they can trust, and how they actually stack up against the competition.

It is often not easy or pleasant to see how this all shakes down. In the past few months, some real gems have emerged. The best is probably the guy that said that I "am the reason musicians in Maine can't make a living". Funny thing is, if this guy changed his attitude he might be able to do it, too.

Another common circulating rumor is that I play for free, or for cheap and "undercut" other musicians. I have repeatedly offered to open up my books for the people who seem to be convinced of this...but have had no takers. The truth is, I have turned down more work than I have taken in the past 3 years because of low pay. Frankly, I have a tough time with the concept of leaving the house to play a gig for less than $75/hour.

And yes, there are gigs I play for less than others. Especially at venues that give me regular work. But in 2008 my goal was to make sure that the average price of all of my gigs in the course of a year remains around $200, or roughly translates to $75/hour. For 2009, I hope to raise my average price to $225.

First, don't get giving price breaks for early/volume booking confused with this idea of "undercutting". And also, don't assume that a cheap gig means I undercut someone to get it. When I accept a low paying gig ($150) such as the ones I have booked this year at Montsweag Roadhouse and the Shipyard Brewhaus, I first check with other musicians to get an idea of what the venue is generally paying. Some places just pay like crap...but a true professional goes in and tries the gig at least once to try and prove that he can command the full price that he is charging elsewhere. If the venue doesn't want to step up, then you simply do not book any more shows there.

Interestingly, I have also been accused of screwing other musicians by charging TOO MUCH because venues are only looking for people who can command that high price. I guess people want to have it both ways!

The fact is, I would consider my rates high-average, but fair for the product I deliver. And I believe that is reflected in my ability to continue the long-term bookings I have had, and to add new venues even during this recession.

So, while others are playing the blame game trying to explain falling numbers, lost gigs, getting screwed, I am stepping up the level of my product and expanding into new markets and am looking forward to my 5th year of positive growth in this business. Unfortunately, that is likely going to mean less work for some people...but that is business. Sadly, I am sure that many of those people will resent me even more than they already do.

You gotta have thick skin to stay afloat in any business...especially this one!