The reality of booking live shows in a traditional manner tends to be challenging for artists who don’t have previous experiences and connections. However, with the rise of social media and an influx of new and exciting talent, artists have to create honest and relatable music, understand their audience, and devise creative ways to connect with fans in-person. Luckily, performance in the digital age has evolved to include album release meet-ups, live streamed shows, and anything else that can be achieved via the internet. From the NYC subway to historic Los Angeles venues, artists across the world are doing what it takes to get their music heard.
A common phrase in the music industry is “pay-to-play” — This “is the act of turning in money in order to play a show. It doesn’t matter where the money comes from… it’s the act of turning money in before a musician performs that qualifies it as pay-to-play… In order to play these shows, the company expects (or pressures) the bands to sell expensive tickets or turn in money directly. The money is collected during load-in and the band sees no compensation or a very small percentage (usually not more than 20%)” (neverpaytoplay.com).
To new artists looking for exposure, pay-to-play is obviously a financial road block with little to no benefit for the artists themselves. In short, this scheme is a trap for venues and promoters to profit off of artists and bands that may not be ready for the big stage, acts without management, or those who haven’t been properly educated about industry maneuvers.
In 2013, before Donald Glover was a Grammy & Emmy award-winning creative icon, there was Childish Gambino sitting in different parks across the country playing unreleased music for hundreds of fans. “Dressed in a shearling coat, Glover bobbed his head along to the new album, Because the Internet, which played from a boombox beside him… Glover took time after the show to answer questions from the crowd” (The Star). At this point in time, Gambino had headlined multiple nation-wide tours and achieved critical acclaim with his music and artistic abilities, but in order to cultivate an intimate relationship with fans, he simplified the process and created a lasting experience for those in attendance.
Artists looking to refine their skills need to take advantage of open mic shows as often as possible. “Open Mics provide a chance to learn, to figure out what crowds may or may not respond, and to understand what you personally need to work on…” (The402ArtsCollective).
It’s important to remember that every top performer put in the time and effort to be successful, just like this video comparison of Travis Scott from his humble beginnings to the main stage. Open mic shows are a chance for artists to develop day-one grass root fans that will ride for the long haul, and the opportunity to entertain others with art is a privilege to be grateful for, whether it’s a crowd of 5 or 50,000.
With a catalog of polished music and yearning to entertain fans, performance does not have to fall in between the lines of what the people may deem as a traditional live show. In addition, the music industry is a business for profit so some venues and promoters may provide an offer that’s too good to turn down, but at the same time won’t have the artists best interest in mind. Artists that are new to the game should grind live open mic shows, or any readily available free performance opportunity to garner core fans that will help get the word out to other listeners. Regardless of how big or small the audience is, taking the time to refine stage presence and promote your catalog will produce long-lasting fans that support you for life.
The reality of booking live shows in a traditional manner tends to be challenging for artists who don’t have previous experiences and connections. However, with the rise of social media and an influx of new and exciting talent, artists have to create honest and relatable music, understand their audience, and devise creative ways to connect with fans in-person. Luckily, performance in the digital age has evolved to include album release meet-ups, live streamed shows, and anything else that can be achieved via the internet. From the NYC subway to historic Los Angeles venues, artists across the world are doing what it takes to get their music heard.
A common phrase in the music industry is “pay-to-play” — This “is the act of turning in money in order to play a show. It doesn’t matter where the money comes from… it’s the act of turning money in before a musician performs that qualifies it as pay-to-play… In order to play these shows, the company expects (or pressures) the bands to sell expensive tickets or turn in money directly. The money is collected during load-in and the band sees no compensation or a very small percentage (usually not more than 20%)” (neverpaytoplay.com).
To new artists looking for exposure, pay-to-play is obviously a financial road block with little to no benefit for the artists themselves. In short, this scheme is a trap for venues and promoters to profit off of artists and bands that may not be ready for the big stage, acts without management, or those who haven’t been properly educated about industry maneuvers.
In 2013, before Donald Glover was a Grammy & Emmy award-winning creative icon, there was Childish Gambino sitting in different parks across the country playing unreleased music for hundreds of fans. “Dressed in a shearling coat, Glover bobbed his head along to the new album, Because the Internet, which played from a boombox beside him… Glover took time after the show to answer questions from the crowd” (The Star). At this point in time, Gambino had headlined multiple nation-wide tours and achieved critical acclaim with his music and artistic abilities, but in order to cultivate an intimate relationship with fans, he simplified the process and created a lasting experience for those in attendance.
Artists looking to refine their skills need to take advantage of open mic shows as often as possible. “Open Mics provide a chance to learn, to figure out what crowds may or may not respond, and to understand what you personally need to work on…” (The402ArtsCollective).
It’s important to remember that every top performer put in the time and effort to be successful, just like this video comparison of Travis Scott from his humble beginnings to the main stage. Open mic shows are a chance for artists to develop day-one grass root fans that will ride for the long haul, and the opportunity to entertain others with art is a privilege to be grateful for, whether it’s a crowd of 5 or 50,000.
With a catalog of polished music and yearning to entertain fans, performance does not have to fall in between the lines of what the people may deem as a traditional live show. In addition, the music industry is a business for profit so some venues and promoters may provide an offer that’s too good to turn down, but at the same time won’t have the artists best interest in mind. Artists that are new to the game should grind live open mic shows, or any readily available free performance opportunity to garner core fans that will help get the word out to other listeners. Regardless of how big or small the audience is, taking the time to refine stage presence and promote your catalog will produce long-lasting fans that support you for life.
