8 TIPS TO START A SOLO ACT: Sing and play real guitar gigs. * MUSICIAN ADVICE
Vložit
- čas přidán 23. 05. 2020
- If you are a singer and play guitar, then you can START A SOLO ACT! Here's my 8 TIPS to get you booked playing real gigs that PAY MONEY! Be sure to subscribe to this channel now.
Check out my artist channel / brogers01
Join my email list and much more at rogersguitar.com
The Working Musician is all about the business of playing live gigs, how to start a band or solo act, how to get your band booked, and how to make money as a musician while doing what you love! - Hudba
Started a duo acoustic act just over a year ago. Over 30 gigs booked for 2023. It's my wife and I. We play top 40 covers. This has been my dream for the last 30 years.
Nice! Thanks, Craig.
100 used to be the magic number. Well times are changing… if we do some math you’ll see that decent acoustic guitars aren’t cheap neither are pedals. In some venues you have to take your own PA system. What I am trying to say is that we as musicians make investments in our stuff. This is a business and in business we have to make a profit. $100 is not enough. Please do yourself a favor and charge at least $200 per act. Maybe cut a deal $150 if they let you perform once a week. I hope you all get many many gigs amigos. Remember, singing, playing and instrument is a magical gift… not everybody can do it, we spend time practicing, learning… we have to consider all this when we charge for our performances. Cheers!!
Thanks, Jose, and Happy New Year!
Musicians are superheroes in my book! Through their skills, they have the power to move people and influence lives! We should pay/tip accordingly!
It is VERY EXPENSIVE to be a live entertainer!
I agree normally I charge a min of $150 for three hours and $200 for 4
Yes if a venue will hire me as a regular I will cut a better deal
It’s a lot of work to charge only $100
Not worth it for me
$100/hr. $75/hr is the lowest I'll go. unless it's a charity event, which is free of course. If they don't like it, tell em to hire a DJ.
I'm a classic rock solo act, typically here in NH, USA I charge anywhere from $180-$200 for a three hour set. I would like to point out that when you take your break, having your own iPad or other source for the break music is a plus so that there is no silence in your show and you don't rely on the bar/restaurant house music.
Absolutely! And, you get to control the playlist. Thanks, Bobby.
So true!
@@philjudd3473 I do a combination of guitar and harmonica, sometimes with just beats as background, sometimes organic and I also use JamZone on the iPad for a full band sound, but not on every song.
Good idea: control the vibe in the room while you’re offstage. I bet there’s a lot of validity in that.
that's what I'm doing roes of my life
Honestly, I expected a little of something else for a video with that title. 😁
I‘m a „veteran“, starting in 1969 in Woodstock, NY. Seeing all the good stuff on stage, I wanted to play it all. So I did.
Today I own 101 Instruments, and I regularly play 33 on different kinds of stages. As a 16 year old, I made 200$ a night playing in a four piece band. That probably translates to 800$ today. That kind of income allowed me to study psychology and medicine and start a family - and to constantly add to my instrument list.
But then, the problems with my bands were always the same: A band member got a job somewhere else - and we had to start from scratch. A new girl friend? Also resulted in a new band member and a lot of extra rehearsing. The drummer didn‘t like the bass player? You guessed it right. 😁
So, at some point, I went solo. And made a ton of money. 500$ to 1000$, in today‘s money, were the norm. Of course, at first I had to invest. In records (there was no CZcams at that time), in additional gear (mainly keyboards), and of course coaching. What actually kept you afloat and in business at that time were three things:
1 Entertainment (the better you could entertain, the better you were paid)
2 Singing (the better you could sing, the more success you‘d have)
3 PR (the better you could sell yourself or have someone selling you, the more gigs you‘d play)
Well, guess what.
That is still the same today. 😊
Thanks, Richard!
My fee is $300.00 for for 3 -45 minute sets. Working Musician host 'nailed it' with, 'an entertainer is to sell food & beverages'. Club owners respect paying a fair price for a committed artist.
Thanks, Harold!
In Australia you walk into a bar or pub we call, the horse races are on the screen, the footy is on and the muso is jammed in a corner somewhere, almost background music
It's often like that here in the states, too. Thanks, Brendan!
Playing in a band starting in the 1970s we made $100 per man (Philadelphia area). Moved to Florida (Jacksonville) as a solo act - surprise! still $100. Great Video by the way!
Thank you, Billy! It's true. I've been doing this since the 80's, and the standard pay hasn't changed since then. But, it is possible to earn more, if you can keep the crowd and help the venue earn more.
This video is so helpful! A local coffee shop in my town does gigs/shows and just watching them really helps you understand how the set works. You get an idea of the timeframe and how they set up the whole gig. From the set I watched a couple weeks ago, they started setting up forty five minutes to an hour before hand, doing mic checks and such. I really recommend just watching at least one music set, as it significantly benefits any beginner song artists out there. Thanks so much for the video!
Good advice, Lillian. Thanks!
Don't sell yourself short guys. If you have a name, a sound, and social media presence, where I live there's several solo artists making $100/hr, not $100/night.
I believe it! If you can bring the crowd, the money will be there. :)
Where do you live?
@@afalzon21 upstate NY
I live in Croatia, in it's coastal region, just across the bay from Italy. I've been a working musician for over 20 years now. I'm glad to see the general public taste has shifted away from the use of backing tracks. That is probably connected with the eclipse of heavy synthesizer use that was predominant in the earlier days, people tend to be more up for acoustic instruments and what skill and talent can be shown on the spot in real time. My work is heavily seasonal, because most of the economic activity around here is based on tourism, which mostly happens between April and October. There's a tendency to broaden that, but still the peak is from June to the end of August and in those months I gig every day, with the band or solo. Naturally, if your only income is from the gigs, like in my case, you have to be ready and well rested and in pretty good shape to be able to do as many gigs as possible throughout this season, 'cause there won't be much action in January... With the bands the repertoire is pretty much standard pop-rock, but as a solo act I tend to specialize in acoustic singer-songwriter stuff, because that's the kind of music I like the most and I like to have "nights out on my own" as a break from what I'd typically do every day. It's not an easy sell, but, due to the fact that my current band is very busy and booked for the most part of that season, I can sometimes find a suitable venue, a wine boutique or so, that hosts the audiences that would respond well to what I do solo. I also sometimes get booked by galleries or cultural centres for exhibition openings or readings. The pay is pretty much the same here, more or less €100 per gig per person, plus tips... A few more words of advice to all interested musicians who are still waiting: from my experience I'd say you should always choose the material you really like to play and listen to, never follow the logic of "people want to hear this, it's a hit, so I should play it, although I think it's nothing special!" People are mainly interested in your emotional display, if you can touch them with projecting through music what you feel they will respond. The other advice: if you have a long season of gigs ahead do all the prep you can in time, check your car, get to the venues early enough to set up comfortably, you don't want logistics to stand in the way, be efficient, have the balance with having fun and making a serious business out of it. Don't waste yourself with booze, at least not before the gigs, 'cause it will wear you out. I only allow myself one beer throughout the gig, because I always have to drive, even if I'm not at all dizzy or else, that one extra drink of alcohol might make me sleepy on the way back from the gig...
Sage advice from an experienced performer. Thank you so much!
I 100% agree with “if you can touch them with projecting through music what you feel, they will respond”. I am just getting my career booted up but I have chosen all the pieces in my two sets put together thus far based on how they make me feel, how they empower me musically and artistically. I decided on this approach after viewing a decades old interview of the great blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin, who played for Howlin Wolf, wherein he explained, with the integrity and down home charm he so embodied as a southern black blues musician, “ I gots to feel the music inside me, If-n I doesn’t feel it in he-a (pointing to his heart), how is I supposed to make them people (sweeping gesture indicating an audience) feel it”
Great video for the beginner solo artist. Here in S.NH, which will be about the same throughout Nh, Mass and Maine, the least amount paid would be $100 for a solo act . The better known, slick , more professional sounding acts with all the latest material who use loopers will get $300 on a FRI or Sat night and will work 20-25 gigs a month. This is the exception though. The norm is $100-200 depending on the night and work 10-12 a month. I have a duo which does 25% acoustic with no bk tracks and 75% with tracks that we personally have prerecorded in our small studio.
We are in our mid 60s and are happy to still be playing out . We do primarily songs from the 50-80s with some emphasis on classics rock and blues. We get 250-350 a night. I also play drums in a blues band and before Covid have played at least 90 gigs a yr since 1971
That's good to hear. I think a good solo act can also earn a bit more here if Florida, assuming that the crowd is good. Thanks for you insight!
I have lived and worked in the UK for 50+ years and I would go along with everything you say. Pay rates are very similar here, typically 100 to 150 pounds a night for a pub or small club, although bands are finding it very hard to make anything close. I have used backing tracks for the last 20 years or so because most working acts do it, whatever their musical ability. I do get many kind comments about my guitar playing, typically someone will say "It's nice to see someone who can actually play an instrument rather than just using it as a prop"! However, there are some gigs which don't need tracks. I play many retirement homes and small quiet venues, and it's a pleasure to just play an acoustic guitar and sing.
Thank you, Graham! It's great to hear from you in the UK. Cheers!
$100/night (2 - 3 sets) is low these days. My average is for $150 for two sets, which breaks down to 75 per set. That's as low as I'll go, now. Ideally, you want $100 per set, not per night. My first set is a full hour followed by a 15 minute break. So if the gigs starts at say, 6pm. I play till 7. Then take 15. Next set is 7:15 till 8. This way , I always land on the hour.
That said, you don't have to be a clock watcher. If a crowd comes in toward the end of a set, you might want to keep that energy going and take a later break or skip it altogether if you must. Before breaking, I always suggest they grab some drinks and food and stick around for more.
BTW - this is from the POV of a solo act.
Tip Jar - these days, replace the label on your big plastic cheese ball jar with a sign that includes a QR code that takes them directly to your Paypal or Venmo account.
The rest of your advice is spot on. Great channel!
Great info, Hal. Thanks!
Thank you for this video…just what I’ve been looking for!
Thank you, Dave!
I appreciate this informative video. Thanks and keep rocking!
Thank you, Robert! Have a great weekend! 😃
I'm just getting started with this kind of thing after being in a bluegrass band for 5-6 years. Slowly building the rig, so borrowing p.a. right now. Checked with a friend of mine who has done this in the past as a duo, and I decided to ask for $100 for 2 45 minute sets. I ended up with 2 gigs willing to pay extra $50-75 for 3 sets. As much as I like to play original music, I know from experience playing in rock and bluegrass bands that people want to hear what they know. It's even cooler when you play something they my know but didn't expect. Working towards an eclectic set right now of rock, country, blues, and mixing in 1-2 originals per set. Hoping this works out. This video has been the most helpful of all that I've watched. I've tried a few videos about equipment, but most are really overkill with the amount of gear needed, in my opinion. I'm looking forward to watching more of these. Thanks!
Thanks, Eddie! What a great comment, and much appreciated. I am planning more videos, and comments like yours help me to know what people are interested in. Have a great weekend!
Excellent video! Lots of great info!
Thank you!
This video is very helpful! I have been writing music for three years and I practice everyday. I have been practicing a set of original songs and preparing for the next step, getting out and playing. I have done some open mics and busked here and there, this is what I needed to hear.
That's great! Get out and do it. You'll be glad you did. Have a great weekend!
Cool. Do it! Just remember that GREAT advice...people NEVER want to hear originals...ALWAYS covers
Have you played some of your own songs live? How did it go?
Good advice I’ve been a solo artist for the last 6 years and agree with everything you said
Thank you, Steve!
Thanks so much for the video! I'm just starting out and videos like this are always helpful :) Here in Australia you typically get 100 AUD per hour. I played the other night and got 200 for 3 hours. That's about 150 USD.
That's pretty good for a solo act. Good for you, Isabel!
Great video. Loved it.
Thanks, Mark!
Great info! Another topic is amplification which I have paired down over the years. It used to be I would bring a whole mixer and two speakers but now I use a single guitar/vocal amp. It takes up less space and is loud enough for small rooms and decks.
Great tip! Thanks, John.
This video may have just changed my life, thank you!
Very cool, James! Good luck.
Thanks for this... Excellent
Thank you, Grahame!
Very helpful! Thank you!
Thanks, Robb! I'm glad you could get something from it.
In 2016 and 2017 I played solo in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. For a 3 hour gig $100 was the low end, $150 was average and $200 was the highest I was paid. I’ve heard that some of the well known musicians made more than that. I plan on starting it back up again in a tourist town in Florida when I retire in 9 years.
Sounds great! Good luck, Donald!
I played in Cincy/Northern Ky and bars wanted bands. It was easy to get gigs. Now, I live and work near Siesta Key and solo artists are the norm here! I used to get $160 at Junie’s lounge at the Southgate House for a full band.
@@sunsandoverland2848 I’ve been vacationing in Siesta Key since the late 70’s. It was a sleepy unknown beach town back in the day. I was there in 2019 and it has become too popular. I guess the secret was going to get out eventually it’s beautiful. Is it easy to get solo gigs in the Siesta Key area for an average solo musician or is there a lot of competition? Does it pay well?
@@donaldstopp5781 I've lived in Sarasota for the last 43 years. No, it's not particularly easy to get a paying gig, there's LOTS of competition, and they don't pay well. Learn LOTS of 70's music and Jimmy Buffett, 'cos the tips are gonna come from older people
Great video. I'm coming from an acoustic duo looking to start gigging solo and this video helps, thank you.
That's great! Best of luck, and thanks!
Solid info. Thank you.
Thanks! I hope it is helpful.
Very interesting, thanks Brian.
Thank you!
Agree that backing tracks should be just drums and bass. Strongly disagree that people think it's karaoke. It CAN be, when done poorly, and I'll grant that most people do it poorly. But otherwise I think that's projection. In some places, backing tracks are the norm. It depends on the crowd and venue, of course - restaurants might want a singer with piano or acoustic guitar. But if people drink beer and get up and dance at the venue and you're basically a band replacement, you need more than an acoustic. Also, listening to someone play one instrument all night gets really old - switching instruments, using or not using backing tracks, these are things that help keep people's ears interested. All of that said, I'd say using backing tracks can be very tricky - the wrong drum sound and it DOES sound like karaoke.
Thanks for your input!
Good advice, Thanks.
Thanks, John!
Good stuff here!!
Thank you!
I use backing tracks and play guitar and sing with them (solo).. Plus I host karaoke and DJ on my breaks..had a 6yr residency.. private parties are a blast especially after they start drinking and get loose.. A little karaoke and a little dancing to the DJ and the tip jar gets full..
That's awesome, Jon! Have a great weekend!
That’s actually my goal.
Do everything I can with one rig. From just acoustic and vocals to karaoke and dj to live looping or playing over tracks.
I play a little keys too.
And all this will be battery powered.
If need be.
I sat on a stool and solo gig for years. I’m ready to actually put on a show. I’m almost there equipment wise
Excellent video and some great tips .I've been playing a long time in a band setting and now I'm venturing into a solo act ,typically here in Eastern Canada a 3 hour gig will pay 100-150 ,I also prefer to play without backing tracks and all things Acoustic !!
Very cool, Lee. Thanks!
Karaoke is when you only sing to the backing track. If you're doing vocals, rhythm guitar and lead guitar (soloing) all at the same time, then backing tracks are totally justified.
You're technically correct. To me, it feels more authentic if the audience can see you playing as much of the music as possible. Thanks for the comment, and have a great week!
It's still a type of karaoke. Why is that. When you're simulating music that's been recorded already that's karaoke the semantics of what you call it might be different but it's the same thing. No disrespect intended
@@russellbreiter4142 I gig solo with a rather pricey arranger keyboard that creates backing in real time based on the chords that I play. Where do you draw the line?
@@semperveritas8410 That sounds totally amazing. I think what works for one person might not for the other. I know folks who use complete recorded backing tracks and others just play the guitar I think it’s whatever works for the individual
I agree. I’m thinking about doing that with maybe drums bass and some rhythm guitars. Then play the main guitar and solos. I think it would give the listeners a better experience than just the plain old one man acoustic guitar which can be a bit monotonous and boring. But it is a bit of a dilemma. If you sing and play the guitar well I think it would be accepted. See a lot of guys (one acoustic Guitar) just playing “cowboy chords” and singing where as with backing tracks You could actually jam
Very informative! TY!
Thank you, and Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for all this advice, great to know. I´m dreading my very first gig within a couple of month lol. I´m on my own and play the panpipes. I only do covers, not talented enough writing my own material. The very first pub I approached was so welcoming. He suggested for me to "break the ice" by playing a couple of songs during the interval of the main band. He said it would give me confidence and better to start this way before jumping on a full 90 minute or so gig. My first two songs will be "The Lonely Shepherd" and "Cavetina" from the film "The Deer Hunter". I have no idea if the revellers will appreciate this music, but it sounds great with this instrument lol. If I get no applause, I will play pop hits from the 70´s 80´s and 90´s.
I had no idea nor even thought about how it all worked financially. I was surprised how the owner of this bar quickly came to say how much they pay. I was willing to play for nothing as I just love playing the panpipes. Since our chat, I then investigated a bit and can say that what you and many commenters here have said is roughly the same in Spain, too. About 75 euros an hour. 100-150 for 90 minutes/ 2 hours. That´s more or less the going rate. What I´m not sure about is whether it´s for each band member or not. In this particular pub, they also offer free food for the musicians though not sure if that is the norm elsewhere.
Thank you for your video...Oh, that tip jar was great advice! Never even crossed my mind. I will check and see if that is standard practice in Spain. If it is, I will use a bucket instead - the bigger the merrier ;-)
That's great, Charles! Best of luck to you.
@@theworkingmusician8842 ... Thank you so much!
@@charlesenglish8617 Pan pipes for 90 mins, where do you live Rivendell?
Prior to covid, in Phoenix AZ the going rate was $100 per hour for playing covers.
Thanks, David!
Been doing acoustic solo act for many years and love your advice. I also play a lot of nursing homes and they are a wonderful place make a difference, if you can handle the tough environment. IMO, it means way more to those folks than it does to most bar/rest crowds, although the tips suck and getting granny panties thrown at you after every Tom Jones tunes is a tough row to hoe... ✌👉 Thanks again for the solid content. BTW as for rates, I get $100 at nursing homes/rehab centers and $250/3hr set for more traditional places in upstate NY.
Thanks, Ron, and have a great weekend!
Hi, Brian, great video! I'm a self taught guitar player/singer since 17 y/o (I'm 52 now) currently playing in a duo act on a restaurant venue, it's me lead singing, playing the guitar and a percussionist doing backing vocals. We earn 60 bucks (plus a food dish each and any kind of non-alcoholic beverages) per night each as a fixed rate, from monday thru friday.
Your video is 100% accurate, specially the conclusion: we are there to help selling food and liquor, and simply enjoying the fact that we are playing music. I'll take your tip jar suggestion, since I wasn't so sure about that because it is a paid gig. Thanks so much, new subscriber here!
Thanks, Gustavo, and welcome!
If I could add to this conversation:
For "older" musicians, or musicians just breaking into the solo performance scene, playing & singing at an ASSISTED LIVING FACUILITY is a GREAT way to 1) get an easy gig in front of a truly appreciative audience, 2) work on improving your skills for musicians "new" to public performing, 3) have DAYTIME work in the early afternoon hours, and 4) make money ($75-$100) for ONE HOUR of WORK!
I'm doing AL and MC (Memory Care) gigs, and am loving it! No drunks to put up with, and the folks in retirement properties are VERY appreciative! I'm just outside Phoenix in Mesa, AZ. Obviously the set list has to take the age of the listeners into consideration...LOL!
You definitely would need to play music familiar to the retiree generation, but am I correct that the age of the musician doesn't matter much?
@@theworkingmusician8842 ...you are (of course) correct, that the age of the musician / entertainer isn't the important issue! Audiences at these venues are THRILLED when they see / hear songs of THEIR youth played by a skilled performer, regardless of the performer's age. Thank-you for reading my comment!
Have a great week!
Great video! I been getting 75$ per hour in western NY for solo acoustic gigs
Thanks, Nicholas!
What he said:
"Empty all the cheese balls."
What I heard:
*"Consume them ravishly."*
Absolutely! An added benefit. :)
LOL!
Thank you✨🎶
Thank you!
Cool tips... and yeah I did the backing tracks thing, but as an acoustic guitarist, even power chords and printed lyrics feel like cheating... :-) however I have reverted back to no frills, acoustic crash boom bang... I have about 80-100 songs in my head if not more, as i said at the last jam, they don't have a problem getting me on stage, but they do have a problem getting me off stage..lol! I jam regularly for free at a friends bar, and am accompanied by a the other jammers, including, a bass player, awesome drummer, trombone player and a classically trained violinist... they call me Grasshopper because of my stage energy (I don't know where i get it, but after a few minutes on stage, I am overcome by an energy force, where i literally let my mind and body do the work.). ... we (the jam band) really cook, but there is very little support for live music in my city.. but they don't know what they missing.. I used to be a venue owner and played in my own bar almost four times a week for about 16 years... however after i closed in 2017, i took a break ( 3 years) and when covid hit, I picked up my guitar again and have improved by leaps and bounds (thanks to videos like your) , but one can still learn from somebody that has only been playing guitar for a few weeks (always be humble) .. I am extremely arrogant in a polite manner and i have managed to get the jam band to understand the way i cook ... I cant really sing, BUT I DO, and my loose cannon approach has it entertainment value, so for all you insecure entertainers out there, remember the reason why you doubt your self and are insecure, is because you have not unleashed the animal... if you have the desire, that is the entertainer within trying to break free... give that guy/woman a chance and you will know when it happens, because you will feel the hair on your arms raising..and it is addictive... I wish you all aspiring and practicing entertainers all the best and remember, you only gain experience by getting out there.. too many awesome musicians careers have ended in a garage somewhere.. if you have it, flaunt it, and share it.. they will love you (and some hate) for it 🙂
That's good stuff, Joe. Thanks for sharing your story. Have a great week!
Good advice been following this formula for many years, my added tip . . . put money in the tip jar prior to starting "priming the pump" In Philly area I make between 100-200 for bars/restaurants private parties up to $500 plus tip usually (love these).
Thanks, Jay!
Is total fun as a hobby that makes money. Great advice! Change least $100 per hour show. Match your set and show to each place and event. My favorite is playing instrumental unamplified acoustic guitar song versions for special events, less gear to lug and no need to sing
Traveling light is definitely a good choice. Thanks, and have a great week!
I just started doing a solo acoustic thing, I am getting $150 for a 2 hour show in central Illinois, I set my own rate at $75 per hour, luckily I don’t NEED the gigs because I have a job and I am also in a band, but I am really liking the acoustic stuff. As a band we don’t use a tip jar, but as a solo act I use one and at my second gig I made $130 in tips! I was blown away, that was almost as much as the venue paid, I tipped the waitress and bartender and acknowledged them all night.
That's great, Gary! The bar staff have a big influence on getting you booked.
Here in SE Pa. Near Philly and S. Jersey $175 to 225 for three 45 minute sets depending on the venue . I play breweries a lot and they often give you a meal and free draft beer(i like beer but usually abstain when im working ) . I have heard that corporate events ...brunches etc. are very lucrative as well. Casinos and Resturants at the Jersey shore also can be lucrative but you need an agent
I like when food is included. Thanks, and have a great week!
Been playing the Florida scene for a long time now. Solo gigs swing from $150-250 at bars & restaurants. Depends on the type of place you are playing. $100 is at the very low end. Underselling depreciates local markets like crazy. i.e. Orlando music scene.
I am south fl and am interested in doing that. I
are you on instagram
Inflation is impacting everyone now, so we'll have to start charging more across the board. Thanks, Bryan, and Happy New Year!
Very happy to have found this channel! The video and the comments are interesting and informative, although I must say, for someone like me who hasn't played out in decades, it's pretty disconcerting to learn that the average rate of pay has apparently not increased one iota since the latter part of the 20th century. I mean, $100 for a 4 hour gig? And no employer contributions to Medicare or Social Security? Those are fast food wages, or worse!
Inflation has bumped up the average a bit over the past year or so, but the real way to make more money is to figure out how to be above average. Thanks, and have a great week!
I work on NM Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, and play Happy Hour
6 - 9pm on Wed & Thurs for $250 per night - and Fri and Sat 6 - 11pm $350 per night. I play piano and guitar and lead vocals with all genres of backing tracks. I bring in $1200 a week pay and average $500 a week in tips. I'm booked 40 weeks a year and take 12 weeks off a year to put together more backing track songs.
I do my own custom tracks and vocal harmonies in my studio. All homemade. I've been doing this for 20 years after I quit breaking my back playing for $50 a night with bar bands. I love my life.
I'm 55 and still having a blast 👍👌🤗🎶
That's awesome, Gary! Thanks, and have a great weekend!
I have done many solo gigs. If you do not have Lyric Book on your iPad, trust me, get it. I have used it for years. You can put all your lyrics on it and link it with all your backing tracks on your iPad. I record most of my own backing tracks but you can get many tracks off of CZcams or other places on the internet. Attach your iPad to your mike stand and you have instant access to all your lyrics and backing tracks right in front of you. Link your pad to the PA and you are ready to go. I am a guitar player and have no trouble remembering all my guitar parts but don’t remember lyrics so well. Having my iPad Pro right in front of me on my mike stand solves this problem. Just a little advice from an old performer that has done hundreds of live solo gigs. And by the way, this video is full of really great advice. 😊
I started using jamzone its like 10 to 15 bucks a month, doin my first gig using it in 2 weeks but it has most lyrics and chords on it, but some artists block. But it has every song so far that i wanna play. I havent figured out how to do some intros because u mute the click but are supposed to send it pan left into an ear monitor but i havent got into all that yet, most intros im just timing out in my head and it works well so far. Does the lyric app ur talking about work on an android ?
I am not sure about Android Works great on my IPad. Maybe some other readers have and can answer you question. Sorry.
I was part of a 3 piece a acoustic trio back in the 80's playing bass and singing harmonies. Now in 2023 I have my 1st acoustic solo gig at a local restaurant coming up in July. Thanks for this post and validating what my approach has been as far as a fee, tip jar, and the fact that, as a musician, you are there to not only enjoy performing, but mostly to entertain so everyone has a good fime. 🎸🎶🎤✌
That's great, Victor! Thanks, so much. 😃
This info was spot on for anyone starting out or who has been in the business for awhile understanding the business is crucial , definitely not $100 a night I would say at least $200 to start the bars can make that money in no time especially if you networked and brought your entourage cheers!
If the bar makes money, so do you! Thanks for your comment.
Where I live here on Long Island New York it's very competitive to get gigs. Many venues use what's called a promotion agent or simply an agent. The venues that use the agents you can't get into. For some reason I've not had a good success working with agents. They seem to have a regular click of musicians that they give the work to. The venues that I perform for typically average $150 a night. I've gotten 200 or as little as 100 depending on conditions. Sometimes even 300 but that's rare. Typical varies I don't do well with a very young crowd when it's an older crowd that recognizes what I play tipping could be good. It all depends on the crowd. I'm 61 years old I try to focus on private parties. The reason is where I live most of the venues have a younger crowd at least the bigger venues. Private work pays much better too.
Private parties definitely pay a lot more. If you can be the act that everyone wants, then you could do well in that market. Thanks, Russell, and Happy New Year!
You can hit 200-300 for similar gigs in tx. Houston area
Thanks, Ian. Have a great weekend!
Great info... Here in South Al I would say a solo gig average pay would be $150 plus tips! Average of 3 sets. Plus tip jar!
Thanks, Paul!
Great video, I am from England UK. I have been playing again this time for about 7 years and am considering going out and doing some gigs. Your advise has been invaluable and i will take it forward with me. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to seeing / learning from more of your video`s. Thanks Laurence
Thank you so much, Laurence, and best of luck to you! 😃
I play in central Wisconsin and get 50.00 an hour for house parties. I limit my self to 2 or 3 hour gigs due to vocal limitations.
Thanks, Dale, and Happy New Year!
I was playing at a distillery in the northwest making 150 for 3 hours. This was however a residency gig where I was the on call musician and played 1-2 nights a week. I think 100-120 is a safe standard rate for up here.
Thanks, Bart!
I’ve been reading comments that solo acts are getting $100-$200 per gig. I play out as a solo acoustic singer-songwriter my minimum is $200-$300. If you are a beginner or new at this and just starting out then I could see playing for $100-$150 for 2 hours of work. If your a veteran then you should be making $200 for 2hrs at a minimum. I live in San Diego and the competition is pretty high for solo acoustic acts. Good video about the Southeast Price Point being lower than where I live. I play a lot of Wineries, Country Clubs, and Restaurant/Bars. Wineries and Country Clubs pay the best! Keep Rockin my Fellow Musicians 🤘🏼⚡️👍
Agreed. Also, some of these videos and comments are from a few years ago, before the inflation spike. Thanks, Jon, and have a great week!
150 to 300 for 3-4 hours in South East Missouri and Southern Illinois.
Thank you, Leah! Have a great week! 😃
Local bar in east coast Canada pays 250-350CAD depending on the demand. A few guys may make more as they’re gaining national popularity
Thank you, so much, Ben!
I don't leave the house for less than $100 and that's generally for a 2 hour gig. I'm fortunate to have a summer gig at a major resort. I play every Saturday night from May to October and make $200 + tips. I often walk out of there with between $350-$400 for a 3-hour gig. Since I only play part-time these days, I can lay back a bit on the off months and hit it hard again in the summer. Obviously, if I was making a living doing it, I wouldn't be as selective but I'm a lucky guy!
Very cool, Tom! I've played resort gigs, too, and they do pay more. Thanks!
One huge factor not addressed is the arranger keyboard. A Yamaha PSR SX700, for example, creates realistic backing in real time and has incredible sounding guitars that can be used for accompaniment all by themselves. These are expensive instruments that are designed for solo acts as well as bands… not talking about cheap, cheesy ones. My Yamaha cost over a thousand dollars and has paid for itself several times over. Are arranger keyboards also considered karaoke? I gig at least twice a week with mine, I can play hundreds of songs with the authentic feel, I get tipped very heavily, and a three-hour gig is 200.00…most times the tips are near that also. If I play a GM7 chord and my keyboard intelligently adds the bass and drums based on my chording we’re talking tech, not karaoke, IMHO.
To me, it has always been about how it appears to the audience. Do they perceive it as a performance or a recording? Personally, I tried to minimize the number of backing instruments to just a rhythm section, so they can see me playing and singing as much as possible. But, it's nice having it there so that I don't have to remove lead/solo sections from songs. Have a great weekend!
150-250 Ontario they always include some sort of food/drink credit as well
Nice. Thanks, Joe, and have a great weekend!
Got my first 2 gigs, 1 this month and next, 3 hour time slot and I'm getting $200 for each...
That's great, Howie!
In Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, you can get between 300 and 400 euros for a 3 x 45 minute gig at the popular tourist bars.
Interesting. That sounds comparable to a similar venue in the US. Thanks, and have a great week!
I'm from New Mexico. I travel to Arizona and Colorado. I use backing tracks and play piano and guitar in every genre from country, Rock - old standards, alternative, spanish, funk and everything in between. My vocals are seasoned and I have a great time ALWAYS. I perform 5 nights a week for 12 different venues on rotation with daily 4 hour gigs. I get $300 + meals n room. I've built my venue clients thru years of work. I work Wed thru Sun and usually pick up $400 on Saturdays during the day doing a couple hours for wedding, anniversary and birthday parties.
I'm bringing in on average between $7,000 and $11,000 a month. I'm happy with that and I'm single so I can be on the road 24/7.
It's a good life if you're willing to hustle, work on your craft and love people. My advice would be to slowly build relationships with venues and ALWAYS be where you're supposed to ON TIME AND SMILING! 🤗❤️🎶
That's great, Gary, and thanks!
I set a base of $150, but have been playing 25 years and cover newest and older music in AZ.
Very cool. Thank you. Sandy!
I love you for saying that it's basically karaoke because I think the same thing I think it's glorified karaoke... it's frustrating because I'll play solo gigs and people that don't know any better will compare me to a person that's also solo act but has backing tracks and it's like they don't understand that that person is not playing what they're hearing.. I'm a beginner with guitar and I have not been able to incorporate Looper pedals yet but for now I'm just trying to progress organically and just have me in the guitar but I have people that will compare me to another person that is a solo act that literally has a backing track and they aren't playing what they think they're playing and it's the most frustrating thing ever. It's like not only are they not playing what they think they are playing but it sounds Fuller but of course that's because it is Fuller it has the other instruments recorded it sounds like there's other instruments which gives it a fuller sound but it annoys me... I almost caved and got one but I was like no I'm not going to do it I want to get better instead
Good for you, Amber! I've seen soloists who are able to make it sound full with just a guitar and a voice. Thanks, and best wishes!
In Australia, there is currently a BIG push to introduce a $250 minimum gig fee. This would be per person - ie duo $500. Considering a "3 hour gig" is actually more like 5-6 hours (with transport, petrol, set up, pack down) - to accept $100 would be sort of crazy!
Agreed. That $100 figure was common a couple of years ago, but recent inflation has changed that. Thanks, Matt!
That would be great but will never fly here in the states sorry to say
Agreed, Steve. Setting a minimum fee does nothing to bring in more customers and revenue. It just makes it more likely that the venue will opt to not have live entertainment, and instead go with karoake or more sports TV's. 🙂
Here in So Cal $100.00 barely covers the Cost of Gas to travel to & from a Gig. $0.00 for PA & Mics. $0.00 for Guitars, Amp, Strings, Maintenance, Repairs & other incidentals…. Nothing magic about that number! It’s Charity!
It's true. We spend so much on gear that it's hardly an efficient business model.
100 bones sounds really low., IMO., though I’m in Southern California too. Really appreciate his perspective and info though. He references solo performers, which I am now too after years with bands. Not a DJ, but they are solo and also charge much more than $100.
I live and play in SW England, typically £150 for a 2 hour set in local pubs.
Thanks, Gary! Cheers.
I started in the 70,s and still perform in a duo . My advice learn what the folks know leave your taste at home. Entertain your audience ,note what they respond to and remember that Cornball pays well ,
Great advice, Alan! Thank you so much. 😀
A thought ,do you think the eagles love singing hotel California for the zillion time .?
I bet there are a few cover musicians who have played it even more often than the Eagles themselves!
The role is to perform and entertain,
Thanks
Thank you!
That rate is for real pros. People who have memorize all songs and sing standing up. Nobody in an Itish pub wants to see a musician sitting down reading charts off an iPad or iPhone.
Agreed. Thanks, Robb!
Hi Brian, I'm a little farther north of you. Just northeast of Orlando Fl off of route 4. Around here solo acts are getting $150.00 for 3hrs and $200.00 for 4hrs.
Thanks, K!
Great Video, Packed woth ton of info. But the Payrate is very low here in Indore, India - Around $50/night 😅
Thanks for your input! I'm sure the pay rate will vary quite a bit from country to country, depending on the local cost of living. Good luck to you!
@@theworkingmusician8842 I agree. Thanks!
In Maine, we get $350 for a duo. So usually $175 base, and then usually $40-60 in tips total.
Thanks, Jeremy!
In 2022 at Ahmedabad India its 2000 Rs-3000 Rs i.e 25 dollar - 37.5 dollar for 3 hours and complimentary food to be precise
Thank you!
In Ireland the going rate for a 2 hour solo gig is €200
That's pretty good, considering that would be about $250. Thanks!
Chicken or the egg right?....The fight continues on the Backing track or not. Been using bass, drum tracks for years and have been doing fine. here in Michigan we get around 100 to a 150 dollars a night for solo with tracks. 3 hour sets max.
Thank you, and Happy New Year!
I did a solo gig back in early 2000s and I used home made backing tracks and it went down a storm
$50 an hour is pretty standard today in Arkansas. Backing tracks suck, but a drum track and or Looper used well adds a lot.
Thanks, Don!
Backing tracks on some songs are great, i use jamzome for maybe 40% of my set usually old rock and blues, i mute everything except the drums, bass and sometimes piano or keyboard. All the drums sound amazing thats the most important part is having good drum sound, the rest of my set i use a looper and acoustic guitar
any thoughts on Ipad help like OnSong, Bandhelper or others..for simplicity and ease of input, use etc...Thanks. I am 60, played in countless band since in my teens as the lead singer/front man. Now I want to start doing solo gigs at all these beach bar that are close to me as i start to retire from the corporate world 😃
I'm not familiar with OnSong specifically, but there are lots of teleprompter and/or lyrics apps available. it's a good idea for a video topic. Thanks!
Hi. I'm thinking about doing some solo acoustic gigs. I was wondering if you had any PA recommendations?
Most PA manufacturers make a small all-in-one speaker that has 2 or 3 input channels. They range in price from affordable brands such as Behringer to high-end brands like Bose. I'll do a video on this topic to get more in depth. Thanks!
In the UK 100 bucks would be concidered low. Its round about double that in England but mainly on weekends.
Agreed. This video was from 2020, so the dollar amounts are a bit outdated now, even for Florida. Thanks, Antoine!
skip to 1.28 for the start - thereafter great information. Many thanks!
Thank you, and Happy New Year!
I run 200$ for 2 hours and 240$ for 3 atm in Michigan
Thanks, Keith!
So just to confirm, if I agree to play somewhere for say 3 hours, that typically includes any breaks in between sets?
So if I choose to do 3, 45-minute sets with 15-minute breaks in between sets, I just need enough material for 2 and a quarter hours.
Thanks for the great video!
That's correct. 40 songs is a good target. The venue wants live music for three hours, but nobody expects you to play nonstop. Just put on some appropriate iPod music during your breaks, or have the house turn on theirs. Thanks, Justin!
Very useful video👍🏻❤️ thank you a 100 is fairly commom🙏🏻❤️
Glad it was helpful. Have a great weekend!
I live in Michoacán México AND here the going rate for a solo acustic guy like me Is 500 mexicano pesos for 3 ,45 min sets which Is like 25 usd
Thanks, Joshua! 😀
I live in Ottawa Canada and I would say $150 a night for an act is average. I have been paid as high as $250 before but a typical bar gig as a solo artist is $150. If they do pay you $100 it’s usually something to the effect of you get a free meal and drinks.
Thank you so much, Matthew!
Very good video, thank you. The only thing I disagree on is the use of backing tracks. I think the use of tracks expands your repertoire so much that it's limiting NOT to use them. The audience is there to be entertained, and trying to pull off a whole set of rockin cover tunes with only you and an acoustic guitar only goes so far. I've found that 99% of the audience loves the fuller sound, and it's only musicians in the crowd that will make a negative comment.
Thanks for the input. Have a great week!
North Florida is about 75 to 150
Thanks, Gene. That has been my experience, too.
Currently it’s $150 - 250 in Hawaii
Thanks, Richard!
Good video but I think you missed a couple things. I'm in the NE and gigs are all over the place money wise. $100-200. One thing I think you overlooked is CONNECT with the clientele. If you are staring a hole in your pad, stop. Look up. Make eye contact. Tell a story about a song or the person that wrote it. I often lead into one of my songs with a story about a cover that folks would know. That way, they're listening when I start my original after I do the cover. Make stuff your own. There are some covers I do that folks like better than the originals. Best comment? Probably two. "You don't do the song like the recording, but we LIKE the way YOU do it." The second? "I like you. You're different." Which leads to, yes, do covers folks know. BUT, remember that the bartenders, tasting room managers, etc. might have been listening to the same songs night after night after night. Mix things up. Try to find stuff other players aren't doing. Trust me, there are enough songs out there.
Great points, Mike. Thanks, and happy new year!
I live in Australia and I'm solo acoustic and vocals. I charge $500 plus drinks for a 3 hr show and I wouldn't unpack my car for less.
That's great! Thanks, Jason.
Where I'm at in South Jersey, if they hire the whole band we charge $100 per hour and if I'm playing solo I get $75 per hour
Thank you, Anthony!