Bro, your patience is impeccable brother. That look on your face when your iPad said it was locked. I feel that it’s happening to me and it’s the most frustrating thing like you did did you just grind your teeth and say “well this is where we’re at let’s keep going.” a solid look into the life of a musician.
I was in your shoes back in 1979 -1991 as a keyboardist in L A. I was hired many times not because I was the best but I could cook,fix the tour bus if needed and I always stayed calm,upbeat and easy to deal with.
I just got off of a 2 week run through Kansas Missouri and Texas with my band Aint From Here. There are obstacles. There are issues. The group dynamic and everyone’s love for the craft as well as our ability to play and sing our songs keeps up going. Since we play our own music as well as covers we know that each show we play we are building on our network and fan base. It is tough at times and uncertain mostly. After years in the basement practicing and many miles of 4 lane we are pulling in some fun gigs. Who knows what another year and more miles will bring. I love seeing the small towns around the country and meeting the people that grew up in them. I love swapping stories and the see you next times. It’s like a family reunion each town that we return to. From the band Aint From Here see you around the bend and im looking forward to meeting you who ever you may be. Until then keep on rockin!
I used to play professionally and did a couple of road tours in my years. The absolute hardest part of my experience was that we did everything ourselves. The loading, unloading, driving, trouble shooting.....it never ends and can leave you exhausted between gigs, not to mention the energy expended at the shows. It's definitely a young person's rhelm. 😅
I played in an “opening act” level band in the late 1960s and 1970s and lived out of a bus with eight other band members and staff. It was not pleasant but, in my late teens and early 20s, I thought we were “paying our dues” and that it was a necessary step for a band to move up to headliner level and I was willing to do what was necessary to “make it”. I think most opening act touring musicians have done the same. We never made it past the opening act level before disco became the “new thing” and opportunities for rock bands dried-up. I gave up and went back to college and ended up in a real career as an environmental engineer. Since then I continued to play in cover bands until the COVID lockdowns occurred. Even those local gigs were not fun most of the time. So, now I just jam with friends and play for my grand kids…which is much more fun!
@petesmith6434 I enjoyed your comment. I too played in an opening act level group 1971-1974 and it was 9 people living on a bus. PA system, equipment, merch; all in just the 1 bus (no trailer) which was the norm back then...as you said. It's hard for me to imagine even a 4 bus/9 truck road unit, much less something like the Eras tour: 90 trucks, apparently somewhere between 15-20 buses, and a jet or two!
@@petesmith6434 Yeah the guy flipping the discs and occasionally talking crap was on more money than the musicians who took the years to learn! Imaginary teeth are now gnashing 😬🏴🇬🇧
I was the sound guy for my brother's band. After about 10 gigs, I was getting tired of the logistics, then lead guitar player got busted and the band was not as professional as it should have been and my brother left the band, so did I. Typical story and watching your video reminds me of those times. He still gigs and enjoys it.
Great video! I live in Maryland and have flown into Nashville for a weekend of gigs. I stepped up to help with production when needed. This is spot on, it is all about supporting the music. The actual playing is just a small part of every show.
I knew a guy that was in band that had a few CDs out. They played to mostly packed clubs most nights. He said it was fun the first year, but after that he said it became a drag. You name it? It happened. Bus broke down in middle of nowhere with no reception. They stayed in a band house that didn’t have heat in the middle of one of Canadas coldest winters on record. He said it was so cold you could blow smoke rings with your breath. Forget about sleeping when it’s that cold. Someone clogged up the toilet in the bus and it overflowed with guess what ? Cat fights on the bus between girlfriends. Fights between band members. Also everyone in the band caught STDs at different times. He said they would wake up and have no idea of what city they were in. It was a grind he said. Wake up, set up, sound check, eat fast food, play the gig, pack it in, on to the next city. He said they made just enough for gas and food really. Not much extra. He realized after a few years that it wasn’t sustainable. The packed clubs became only half full to just a few people on a Mon or Tue.
I have toured for over 30 years usually 6 nights a week in Europe! The number 1 for me was fatigue and not eating properly! It’s a young guy’s game! Sometimes we’d drop lucky and play the same venue for a week it was like a holiday for us. Good luck to you.🏴🇬🇧
Wow. Yea we considered one-nighters in Canada as "Lucky" because they paid a lot more and were a change from doing week long gigs at clubs. This was in the 1980s a90s and part of the 00s. Funny it was kind of opposite eh?
@@friguy4444 We played in Copenhagen one night finished about 2am. Loaded the van and drove stopping only to fill up in Germany ,to Switzerland arriving around 9.30am and played the same night! In a Transit van with no bloody heater plus we had nothing to eat! That’s an example of real life on the road for an average road band! Loved it though. We were young, I’m now 73. If you want to lose weight join a touring band 😀🏴🇬🇧
I watched your video and I wish you well, you have a great attitude. As long as you find a place in your life for music, and have an attitude of service, then whether you make a living at it or ultimately have to do something else to pay the bills… you will be OK… … my brother spent his teens and 20s trying to be a pro musician… in the 1980s his band played a residency at the Shanghai Hilton in China … I stayed in the US, had my day job and had an original/ cover band and we did local gigs and recorded a self released cassette tape… we are now in our 60s and my brother and I finally are in a band together, we still have our day jobs, we also write and record our originals… we still love to play and perform… and, yes, “we get paid to move the gear… we play for the love of it!”
Well said. Good relationships get invites back to gig. Reliability, on time, good energy on stage & eye contact & limiting alcohol consumption. Cause the word gets back real quick.
Yup. Water off a Ducks back or get out of the game! I toured for a living for over 10-15 ish years with an 8 month break in between and three months at another point. A couple of "Back threes" here and there when we'd get Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday off for one week in 12 to 15 ish?? This was another time and a different clubscape (I didn't know what else to call it lol) compared to now. I stopped touring in the early 2000's and the whole scene had changed into to what this man is doing now. The clubs have their own systems and lights for the most part. Except for special lighting just called "Specials" usually. We used to tour with a bus fulled in one half with the P.A. and light show and we traveled and lived Sundays in the other half while we traveled to the next gig. Anyway when I was touring I didn't have a home base. I didn't pay rent anywhere because we just went from town to town, city to city being booked by our Agent who took 10% off the top for the phone calls and connections that kept us playing and working 24/7. YES that's right it was a 24/7 job. It's true we only (ONLY??) played for four to five hours a night six nights a week BUT!! As our host here shows you are always "ON" and you are selling yourself. You WILL be back to that town or city within a year or less "if" they like you and at more money (If they...) so whom you sleep with how you talk to when you are on stage off stage how you treat the staff the customers etc etc. IT'S ALL PART OF THE SELL!! As an entity. YOU ARE "Johnny Rock and The Over seers" or "World 4" or "Machine Head" "Thin Ice" etc whatever your Band name is. That's your brand and you are it! It's got to be the most bizarre lifestyle ever. Or "One of the". Lot's of small towns and bars called "The Park" or "The York". Whoever will pay the price to hire you at around $2800 to 3600 per- Week. That's for EVERYONE including the sound man light man/roadie/buddy Whom is probably the second most valuable player of the team after the Agent. Without an Agent you aren't working for long. This was in Canada. A lot of Western Canada but Canada is HUGE so traveling was a lot. Anyway this is far too much info for a comment. Have a good life folks!
Yup, sounds familiar. I quit and went back to school to get a 9 - 5 job. I am grateful to have been able to make a living as a musician, but having a steady 9-5 job gave me a better life .
Music and giving it to the people IS NUMBER ONE. Not secondary. 😢.. Before the internet it was NOT easy.. But A LOT OF FUN ALL THE TIME.. Did a 6 month tour up and down east coast in a van sleeping with the equipment. 4 of us getting out in various towns, cities getting the gigs on foot.. Lol😂.. Money for gas , food, occasional motel.. Bass player was married on the phone to the wife and finally had to go home. 😮.. We went back to V.A. with him. I could've done that for the rest of my life.. Some are built for the road and the freedom. Some can't hang. But it is a musicians best memories. At least for me..❤
I did this for years (based out of Northern California but often working with Nashville based guys). It taught me a lot. Often I would fly to Nashville and we would tour from there. One rehearsal maybe in Nashville East but sometimes not. Or drive to LA and drive back. The one part I appreciated is that someone else paid the check as opposed to being the band leader which is even more stress
Dude I just got back from Nashville. Lots of respect to you guys-I play music, not at all like I use to…moved to Austin at 24 to play music and I’d say working with all the personalities and bs from artist types is a whole skill set of its own. That’s how I ended up owning an electrical business 😂
I was an aspiring recording engineer back when there were still 24 track recording studios. After about 5 years of "helping out", pro-bono and "favors" in the studio and live gigs I had enough. The humongous ego's and outsized personalities did me in.
Terrific video! I think it's great that you're showing people what it's really like. I did this for a lot of years and I miss it...and I don't. As long as you enjoy it, keep on doing it. Oh, and I hope you were paid well.😃
Love music, too. Learned that traveling with the gig-gear is definitely a lot of work. Thank goodness I had my family as my road-crew. Playing for a group that enjoys the music and conversation is truly rewarding. Didn’t do it for $$; I did smile when people would graciously tip. It’s all fun
Thx . We've gota Gig 3 hrs away on Fri night. we rehearsed twice , Your attitude is what I hope the others will have, LET,s HAVE FUN!!! Thank you for the Good Vibe!!! KLH
I've played tons of gigs and some were a slug-it-out on the road type, but I gave that up and now just play alot in my home town and adjacent cities and towns. Much more chill.
I’ve been playing out since the early 90’s and have never enjoyed having to travel to play. Fortunately, I play original music nobody wants to hear so it’s never a problem
Good attitude. Im in my 60s and after 45 years of bands now we play at local hall 200 yards away and give the door charge to the soundman who does all the work with his gear. $ 300 US We have great time but thats all the energy I have. Rather do best performance now im older
I used to lecture and one time my laptop feeding the images to my projector failed. I had to give the lecture without images,not fun. From that point on I had a backup laptop and a spare bulb for the projector. Try to never rely on equipment and if it is practical have duplicate equipment for critical items.
As a longtime guitar player (45 years, including stints in bands playing lead guitar, and singing), I briefly thought about going full time as a musician. But a lack of money to pay the bills, and a lack of musical opportunities made that a no go for me. It's even more of a no go for me nowadays, due to having asthma, and suffering from cluster headaches (an extreme form of headache, that is beyond painful), that make it necessary for me to have affordable workplace provided insurance to deal with those two medical issues, without winding up in the poor house. I do get a small taste of your musical experience of being a hired gun doing one-off gigs every week. At age 61, I get my band fix nowadays playing in a church band (at my age the chances of getting into another hard driving rock band are slim to none). The songs change on a weekly basis, and I just finished practicing this weekend's songs for playing them at mass 2 hours from now on 12-string guitar. Sometimes the music director is a bit tardy with getting the songs out to those of us who sing and play at mass, and as a result of this, there are a few times where I've had to wing it, counting on my formal music training (courtesy of playing symphonic music from grande school, through my 2nd year of college), to wade through any unfamiliar songs, without looking stupid in the process.
Hi. Couldn’t figure out how to get a message to you. Could you remind me what video had the drum charts listed for a lot of the songs you play on Broadway? Thanks, my friend. Keep up the great work! XO.
Well you have an amazing attitude man! Did this artist have management? If so they totally dropped the ball!! I hope you got paid for your work, the rental van and all expenses. I’ve been a professional working in the music biz for 50yrs. With over 10,000 shows and I find this situation quite ridiculous. Totally unprofessional. I truly applaud your commitment and professionalism for keeping it together and saving the day. You DESERVE better Good luck!!
Driving 12 hours, total, for a gig with 100 people ? Stay home. You can do that without the driving. This kind of experience is more often than not. Being a road musician is a rough life. By the time he's 45, when he gets a call for a gig like this: He'll tell them no, I ain't worth it. (Probably, by the time he's 45, he'll have a day job, and just play on weekends. He'll have come to his senses.) Thanks for the video. Learn from his experience.
I agree that was a lot of work to go play for a small group. We played local last night for a whole lot more people. You must be getting paid very well to do all of this. I’d like to know how much for doing all of this.
@@bks252 When you ask how much pay, I assume that you're directing this question to the guy in the video, who drove all that distance to play a gig? For me, personally, I've done something similar in the past. After learning a bit more, and aging a bit more, I won't leave my immediate area, unless the pay would justify such a thing. I'll drive a couple of hours to do a winery gig, but that's about it, with what I normally get paid for a gig. It looked like there were about 100 people in that club that he played in. If they paid $15 apiece as a cover charge, that would be $1500. Divide that by 4, that would give each member $375. Take out the rental fee for the van, and the gas, from the $375, and it's further reduced. For 12 hours of driving, and 4 hours of playing, this is not a great wage. This was more about ego, and hoping for "contacts" than it was about solid business logic. This is more about being able to say that you're a professional musician, than it is about making sense. (PS: The one thing that this video does demonstrate, though, is this young man's ability to be responsible and resourceful. He met the challenge. That says a lot about his work ethic and smarts.)
@@KenTeelyes, sorry for my poor RUclips skills! I know how much my band gets paid and it’s very seldom that it’s enough to drive several hours. I’m curious how much he is making for a one time set. I would hope that the artist is paying for the van and gas. I’ve seen a bunch of videos from other Nashville musicians that make $250-500 per gig and of course their transportation and lodging is taken care of. Interesting hearing all these different experiences.
@@bks252 Yes, it would be interesting to see the full financial arrangement for his gig. Of course, his rationale, as he stated, is to make contacts that can lead to bigger venues, in the future. This might work, but even if you get to bigger venues, that doesn't guarntee that you'll be making a lot of money. A lot of road musicians are just hired guns, regardless of the size of the venues that they play at, and they work for humble wages. I suspect that the main motivation is that if he does gigs like this, he can avoid getting a day job, perhaps. He can tell himself that he's a musician and it's just a matter of time before he makes a great living. Maybe... but probably not. The music biz is rigged. And there's the ego stroke of telling people that you're a full time musician. Sounds impressive to those who have little knowledge of the financial arrangements.
I can one up your horror story. I knew a guy whose band was touring east of the mississippi for a couple months in the 90's, a few of these gigs opened for Quiet Riot. They'd show up at a venue and there was no gig booked. The venue, maybe just a bar, would have no clue who they were. So, no money. A few times the venue would let them set up and play anyways, out of pity. And, they would show up at a hotel ... and guess what, no booking!
Sometimes things can feel stressful in the moment, but it's great to keep perspective. Even if the gig completely imploded (which it didn't), the sun would've came up and I still would be playing other gigs. We only have so much energy and space for stress, so i try to budget accordingly.
25 years on the road taught me a lot of things about life....too numerous to mention here but suffice to say i wouldn't trade a single day of it for a regular job
You always need a paper back up. I know from experience. What did you get paid for that mini nightmare. Fun is one thing...keeping the bills paid is the thing.
Great video. Enjoyed it and you are so right about all the variables that happens. And one just have to deal with it calmly and trusting it will all work out ok and knoting when to step up or back down a bit. Thanks! Subscribed!! Looking forward to checking out more.
I played in a lot of bands, the best band was with the best musicians , we toured in the northeast mostly, and made a lot of money, played rock clubs that held over 1000 people, played 5 nights a week, and every summer played the eastern shore hot spots rock clubs for 1 to 2 weeks. Great experience, but when we had a major label handed us a contract, my dad is a lawyer and a recording musician, said " you better sell a million albums or you owe the record company a lot of money" some guys said yes, some said no, it was over, then our keyboard player joined an alternative band which was famous and sold a lot of records, greatt time, but grueling..
Wouldn't the artist's management (or the people who hired you) have the transport sorted? I played in touring bands for years and we either sorted it out ourselves or our manager would do it.
Had many years of gigs playing to few people, little money, etc. and loved it all - It just became too much of the same old cover tunes, burden songs, same venues, same small crowds, over and over - However it was fun for a minute or two - These days just sub once in awhile to play the pseudo wannabe rock star, lol.. \m/
I couldn't do it. My stress level would be through the roof. I don't know how guys can get together and just play gig. That does not compute in my world.
i get hired as a guitar player, i can play rhythm and lead, im usually the sound guy since i have done it professionally live and studio and i can sing lead and harmonies, the key to getting hired and getting paid is to be versatile and a problem solver, be organized, dont rely on others to take care of you were supposed to be pros
Mr. IPAD decided you didn't need charts..lol. maybe a backup binder with actual paper charts....still just one more task with all the rest of the things you had to do. Plus...you were Vlogging! Sobering behind the scenes reality of being a musician.
This video just showed up in my feed, and looked interesting. I respect the hustle, but man, I honestly don’t understand how you could do this sort of thing without actually losing money, just knowing what sort of money clubs pay. Did the artist reimburse you for the car rental and hotel?
Dang that sounded so stressful and a lot of work on your end to support the artist. I hope that you got paid very well and got refunded for that van and gas and other costs. IMO, it seems that the artist’s management team dropped the ball for this gig. I hope you told the artist about it, since he wants to “treat his musicians as well.” Of course the artist is chilling when he didn’t have to deal with all that. You’re truly a team player! Wow!
I made a fair amount of money. It wasn't going to make me rich, but it paid some bills. Really though, focusing solely on money and not what each situation can do for you in terms of your career was one of the big mistakes I made earlier in my career. I've made another good chunk of change just on the ad revenue from this video, making the gig very much worth my time and effort.
You young cats today won't talk to each other. It's a generational thing. Sounds like the artist was cool buying dinner and alike. But he is ultimately responsible, in charge to make sure stuff happens. And if the artist doesn't want to take care of business than the artist must appoint someone to do so. This was very unprofessional. My stuff was always and is charted out hard copy. Sure you can loose the hard copy but you can loose anything. Letting your machine lock you out, I hope was a big lesson to you. With all that said, your point is well taken that musicians and especially drummers get paid for all of the other stressful stuff and not for playing.
Awesome video .dont listen to all these real job hacks..lol i was in your position in my twenties but i developed relationship s and kept plugging and made 3k this week playing the keys and singing..no bus gigs but no day jobs..
How much was dude getting paid, that he could hire 3 musicians from 8 HOURS AWAY, to make it worth it? Is he loaded or what? Believe me, I've been there - 4-6 hr drives, to play for the bartender and her boyfriend, for little to no money 😅 But, this guy made it happen for you and the band. Good on ya! 👍🏾
That’s my question! It looks like a typical bar gig in a smaller town (compared to Nashville). At MOST they typically pay $400-$500 plus tips. How in the WORLD was it lucrative to hire 3 “hired guns”, pay for the rental van, hotel rooms and meals? This artist had to loose at least $2200?!?!
Bro, your patience is impeccable brother. That look on your face when your iPad said it was locked. I feel that it’s happening to me and it’s the most frustrating thing like you did did you just grind your teeth and say “well this is where we’re at let’s keep going.” a solid look into the life of a musician.
I appreciate that
This is the most real video about being a full time musician I’ve ever seen on RUclips. Well done bro!
I was in your shoes back in 1979 -1991 as a keyboardist in L A. I was hired many times not because I was the best but I could cook,fix the tour bus if needed and I always stayed calm,upbeat and easy to deal with.
It’s the “good hang” that seems to have the greatest success…
@@Chasing72 Being a "good hang" is so important. Things will go wrong, they always do, but how you handle it is how you will be remembered!
Alright, you're hired
I just got off of a 2 week run through Kansas Missouri and Texas with my band Aint From Here. There are obstacles. There are issues. The group dynamic and everyone’s love for the craft as well as our ability to play and sing our songs keeps up going. Since we play our own music as well as covers we know that each show we play we are building on our network and fan base.
It is tough at times and uncertain mostly. After years in the basement practicing and many miles of 4 lane we are pulling in some fun gigs. Who knows what another year and more miles will bring.
I love seeing the small towns around the country and meeting the people that grew up in them. I love swapping stories and the see you next times. It’s like a family reunion each town that we return to.
From the band Aint From Here see you around the bend and im looking forward to meeting you who ever you may be. Until then keep on rockin!
I used to play professionally and did a couple of road tours in my years. The absolute hardest part of my experience was that we did everything ourselves. The loading, unloading, driving, trouble shooting.....it never ends and can leave you exhausted between gigs, not to mention the energy expended at the shows.
It's definitely a young person's rhelm. 😅
I played in an “opening act” level band in the late 1960s and 1970s and lived out of a bus with eight other band members and staff. It was not pleasant but, in my late teens and early 20s, I thought we were “paying our dues” and that it was a necessary step for a band to move up to headliner level and I was willing to do what was necessary to “make it”. I think most opening act touring musicians have done the same. We never made it past the opening act level before disco became the “new thing” and opportunities for rock bands dried-up. I gave up and went back to college and ended up in a real career as an environmental engineer. Since then I continued to play in cover bands until the COVID lockdowns occurred. Even those local gigs were not fun most of the time. So, now I just jam with friends and play for my grand kids…which is much more fun!
Very cool comment!! I was from the last gen that did week long gigs in bars. From about 1985 to 2004? I think.
@petesmith6434 I enjoyed your comment. I too played in an opening act level group 1971-1974 and it was 9 people living on a bus. PA system, equipment, merch; all in just the 1 bus (no trailer) which was the norm back then...as you said. It's hard for me to imagine even a 4 bus/9 truck road unit, much less something like the Eras tour: 90 trucks, apparently somewhere between 15-20 buses, and a jet or two!
I enjoyed reading your comments too. I can’t imagine touring today…especially in my 70s or 80s like some of the 1960s groups are!
@@petesmith6434 Yeah the guy flipping the discs and occasionally talking crap was on more money than the musicians who took the years to learn! Imaginary teeth are now gnashing 😬🏴🇬🇧
Cool comment. Jamming with friends and family is fun. It's a great hobby but it seems like a tough gig .. few make it big
Bassist here planning a move to Nashville after 14 years of being a teacher. Maybe I’ll see you out there. Great to see you focusing on the enjoyment.
I have so many videos on being new in town and how to break in! Feel free to browse them and hit me up on a live chat if I can answer any questions!
I was the sound guy for my brother's band. After about 10 gigs, I was getting tired of the logistics, then lead guitar player got busted and the band was not as professional as it should have been and my brother left the band, so did I. Typical story and watching your video reminds me of those times. He still gigs and enjoys it.
Great video! I live in Maryland and have flown into Nashville for a weekend of gigs. I stepped up to help with production when needed. This is spot on, it is all about supporting the music. The actual playing is just a small part of every show.
Rock on!
This was really interesting. Thank you for sharing a day in your profession. I would like to hear and see more.
More to come!
I knew a guy that was in band that had a few CDs out. They played to mostly packed clubs most nights. He said it was fun the first year, but after that he said it became a drag. You name it? It happened. Bus broke down in middle of nowhere with no reception. They stayed in a band house that didn’t have heat in the middle of one of Canadas coldest winters on record. He said it was so cold you could blow smoke rings with your breath. Forget about sleeping when it’s that cold. Someone clogged up the toilet in the bus and it overflowed with guess what ? Cat fights on the bus between girlfriends. Fights between band members. Also everyone in the band caught STDs at different times. He said they would wake up and have no idea of what city they were in. It was a grind he said. Wake up, set up, sound check, eat fast food, play the gig, pack it in, on to the next city. He said they made just enough for gas and food really. Not much extra. He realized after a few years that it wasn’t sustainable. The packed clubs became only half full to just a few people on a Mon or Tue.
I have toured for over 30 years usually 6 nights a week in Europe! The number 1 for me was fatigue and not eating properly! It’s a young guy’s game! Sometimes we’d drop lucky and play the same venue for a week it was like a holiday for us. Good luck to you.🏴🇬🇧
Wow. Yea we considered one-nighters in Canada as "Lucky" because they paid a lot more and were a change from doing week long gigs at clubs. This was in the 1980s a90s and part of the 00s. Funny it was kind of opposite eh?
@@friguy4444 We played in Copenhagen one night finished about 2am. Loaded the van and drove stopping only to fill up in Germany ,to Switzerland arriving around 9.30am and played the same night! In a Transit van with no bloody heater plus we had nothing to eat! That’s an example of real life on the road for an average road band! Loved it though. We were young, I’m now 73. If you want to lose weight join a touring band 😀🏴🇬🇧
So glad I stumbled upon this video, you my friend are awesome, ah to be young again, this artist was so lucky to have you
Great experience lesson, the other side of the show, thanks for sharing.
One of the most rewarding things to do. A god gifted natural high that words could never describe. It feeds your soul not ruin it.
I watched your video and I wish you well, you have a great attitude.
As long as you find a place in your life for music, and have an attitude of service, then whether you make a living at it or ultimately have to do something else to pay the bills… you will be OK…
… my brother spent his teens and 20s trying to be a pro musician… in the 1980s his band played a residency at the Shanghai Hilton in China … I stayed in the US, had my day job and had an original/ cover band and we did local gigs and recorded a self released cassette tape… we are now in our 60s and my brother and I finally are in a band together, we still have our day jobs, we also write and record our originals… we still love to play and perform… and, yes, “we get paid to move the gear… we play for the love of it!”
Nice video man! A positive attitude goes a really long way!
Well said. Good relationships get invites back to gig. Reliability, on time, good energy on stage & eye contact & limiting alcohol consumption. Cause the word gets back real quick.
This is my favorite video from you. No question.
Great video and great job going the extra mile.
Yup. Water off a Ducks back or get out of the game! I toured for a living for over 10-15 ish years with an 8 month break in between and three months at another point. A couple of "Back threes" here and there when we'd get Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday off for one week in 12 to 15 ish?? This was another time and a different clubscape (I didn't know what else to call it lol) compared to now. I stopped touring in the early 2000's and the whole scene had changed into to what this man is doing now. The clubs have their own systems and lights for the most part. Except for special lighting just called "Specials" usually. We used to tour with a bus fulled in one half with the P.A. and light show and we traveled and lived Sundays in the other half while we traveled to the next gig. Anyway when I was touring I didn't have a home base. I didn't pay rent anywhere because we just went from town to town, city to city being booked by our Agent who took 10% off the top for the phone calls and connections that kept us playing and working 24/7. YES that's right it was a 24/7 job. It's true we only (ONLY??) played for four to five hours a night six nights a week BUT!! As our host here shows you are always "ON" and you are selling yourself. You WILL be back to that town or city within a year or less "if" they like you and at more money (If they...) so whom you sleep with how you talk to when you are on stage off stage how you treat the staff the customers etc etc. IT'S ALL PART OF THE SELL!! As an entity. YOU ARE "Johnny Rock and The Over seers" or "World 4" or "Machine Head" "Thin Ice" etc whatever your Band name is. That's your brand and you are it! It's got to be the most bizarre lifestyle ever. Or "One of the". Lot's of small towns and bars called "The Park" or "The York". Whoever will pay the price to hire you at around $2800 to 3600 per- Week. That's for EVERYONE including the sound man light man/roadie/buddy Whom is probably the second most valuable player of the team after the Agent. Without an Agent you aren't working for long. This was in Canada. A lot of Western Canada but Canada is HUGE so traveling was a lot. Anyway this is far too much info for a comment. Have a good life folks!
Yup, sounds familiar. I quit and went back to school to get a 9 - 5 job. I am grateful to have been able to make a living as a musician, but having a steady 9-5 job gave me a better life .
Practice more dude... you are not ready
Music and giving it to the people IS NUMBER ONE. Not secondary. 😢.. Before the internet it was NOT easy.. But A LOT OF FUN ALL THE TIME.. Did a 6 month tour up and down east coast in a van sleeping with the equipment. 4 of us getting out in various towns, cities getting the gigs on foot.. Lol😂.. Money for gas , food, occasional motel.. Bass player was married on the phone to the wife and finally had to go home. 😮.. We went back to V.A. with him. I could've done that for the rest of my life.. Some are built for the road and the freedom. Some can't hang. But it is a musicians best memories. At least for me..❤
Great attitude. Someone it's a pleasure to be around. Cannot help but like this guy
Great job ARON. You made it happen. Thank you for taking me along, it was great. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ thr best/paul
This one was a roller-coaster! Great video man!
I did this for years (based out of Northern California but often working with Nashville based guys). It taught me a lot. Often I would fly to Nashville and we would tour from there. One rehearsal maybe in Nashville East but sometimes not. Or drive to LA and drive back. The one part I appreciated is that someone else paid the check as opposed to being the band leader which is even more stress
Dude I just got back from Nashville. Lots of respect to you guys-I play music, not at all like I use to…moved to Austin at 24 to play music and I’d say working with all the personalities and bs from artist types is a whole skill set of its own. That’s how I ended up owning an electrical business 😂
It is a TOUGH job!
I was an aspiring recording engineer back when there were still 24 track recording studios. After about 5 years of "helping out", pro-bono and "favors" in the studio and live gigs I had enough. The humongous ego's and outsized personalities did me in.
Terrific video! I think it's great that you're showing people what it's really like. I did this for a lot of years and I miss it...and I don't. As long as you enjoy it, keep on doing it. Oh, and I hope you were paid well.😃
Super cool video filled with a lot of quality information that I need to be reminded of. Thank you for sharing! 🥁
Love music, too. Learned that traveling with the gig-gear is definitely a lot of work. Thank goodness I had my family as my road-crew. Playing for a group that enjoys the music and conversation is truly rewarding. Didn’t do it for $$; I did smile when people would graciously tip. It’s all fun
Thx . We've gota Gig 3 hrs away on Fri night. we rehearsed twice , Your attitude is what I hope the others will have, LET,s HAVE FUN!!! Thank you for the Good Vibe!!! KLH
Dang! Its why you make the big bucks. Good job man!
I've played tons of gigs and some were a slug-it-out on the road type, but I gave that up and now just play alot in my home town and adjacent cities and towns. Much more chill.
Bro, this is the craziest weekend ever … all weekends aren’t like this …
Speeding my young life away.Waylon.
I’ve been playing out since the early 90’s and have never enjoyed having to travel to play. Fortunately, I play original music nobody wants to hear so it’s never a problem
Good attitude.
Im in my 60s and after 45 years of bands now we play at local hall 200 yards away and give the door charge to the soundman who does all the work with his gear. $ 300 US
We have great time but thats all the energy I have. Rather do best performance now im older
Don’t miss that shit 38 years on the road
Yup. Not a "Normal" life at all. It's not the same as it was in my time (And yours). I played week gigs for years and years. Canada mostly though.
I used to lecture and one time my laptop feeding the images to my projector failed. I had to give the lecture without images,not fun. From that point on I had a backup laptop and a spare bulb for the projector. Try to never rely on equipment and if it is practical have duplicate equipment for critical items.
Are you doing this for fun? I didn’t here you mention the Total Costs (Van Rental/Gas/Hotel) or what you got paid…
As a longtime guitar player (45 years, including stints in bands playing lead guitar, and singing), I briefly thought about going full time as a musician. But a lack of money to pay the bills, and a lack of musical opportunities made that a no go for me. It's even more of a no go for me nowadays, due to having asthma, and suffering from cluster headaches (an extreme form of headache, that is beyond painful), that make it necessary for me to have affordable workplace provided insurance to deal with those two medical issues, without winding up in the poor house.
I do get a small taste of your musical experience of being a hired gun doing one-off gigs every week. At age 61, I get my band fix nowadays playing in a church band (at my age the chances of getting into another hard driving rock band are slim to none). The songs change on a weekly basis, and I just finished practicing this weekend's songs for playing them at mass 2 hours from now on 12-string guitar. Sometimes the music director is a bit tardy with getting the songs out to those of us who sing and play at mass, and as a result of this, there are a few times where I've had to wing it, counting on my formal music training (courtesy of playing symphonic music from grande school, through my 2nd year of college), to wade through any unfamiliar songs, without looking stupid in the process.
Hi. Couldn’t figure out how to get a message to you. Could you remind me what video had the drum charts listed for a lot of the songs you play on Broadway? Thanks, my friend. Keep up the great work! XO.
You can find all of the charts right here: aaronapter.ck.page/products/ultimatenashvillesongbook
@@aaronapter
Thanks! 🥁
Well you have an amazing attitude man! Did this artist have management? If so they totally dropped the ball!! I hope you got paid for your work, the rental van and all expenses. I’ve been a professional working in the music biz for 50yrs. With over 10,000 shows and I find this situation quite ridiculous. Totally unprofessional.
I truly applaud your commitment and professionalism for keeping it together and saving the day.
You DESERVE better
Good luck!!
I think between the rental car, driving the whole way to Georgia, learning songs on the fly, and the iPad, the cost of your labor went up.
Driving 12 hours, total, for a gig with 100 people ? Stay home. You can do that without the driving. This kind of experience is more often than not. Being a road musician is a rough life. By the time he's 45, when he gets a call for a gig like this: He'll tell them no, I ain't worth it. (Probably, by the time he's 45, he'll have a day job, and just play on weekends. He'll have come to his senses.) Thanks for the video. Learn from his experience.
I agree that was a lot of work to go play for a small group. We played local last night for a whole lot more people. You must be getting paid very well to do all of this. I’d like to know how much for doing all of this.
@@bks252 When you ask how much pay, I assume that you're directing this question to the guy in the video, who drove all that distance to play a gig? For me, personally, I've done something similar in the past. After learning a bit more, and aging a bit more, I won't leave my immediate area, unless the pay would justify such a thing. I'll drive a couple of hours to do a winery gig, but that's about it, with what I normally get paid for a gig. It looked like there were about 100 people in that club that he played in. If they paid $15 apiece as a cover charge, that would be $1500. Divide that by 4, that would give each member $375. Take out the rental fee for the van, and the gas, from the $375, and it's further reduced. For 12 hours of driving, and 4 hours of playing, this is not a great wage. This was more about ego, and hoping for "contacts" than it was about solid business logic. This is more about being able to say that you're a professional musician, than it is about making sense. (PS: The one thing that this video does demonstrate, though, is this young man's ability to be responsible and resourceful. He met the challenge. That says a lot about his work ethic and smarts.)
@@KenTeelyes, sorry for my poor RUclips skills! I know how much my band gets paid and it’s very seldom that it’s enough to drive several hours. I’m curious how much he is making for a one time set. I would hope that the artist is paying for the van and gas. I’ve seen a bunch of videos from other Nashville musicians that make $250-500 per gig and of course their transportation and lodging is taken care of. Interesting hearing all these different experiences.
@@bks252 Yes, it would be interesting to see the full financial arrangement for his gig. Of course, his rationale, as he stated, is to make contacts that can lead to bigger venues, in the future. This might work, but even if you get to bigger venues, that doesn't guarntee that you'll be making a lot of money. A lot of road musicians are just hired guns, regardless of the size of the venues that they play at, and they work for humble wages. I suspect that the main motivation is that if he does gigs like this, he can avoid getting a day job, perhaps. He can tell himself that he's a musician and it's just a matter of time before he makes a great living. Maybe... but probably not. The music biz is rigged. And there's the ego stroke of telling people that you're a full time musician. Sounds impressive to those who have little knowledge of the financial arrangements.
iCloud can be accessed on your iPhone through iCloud can’t it?
Gotta love 🍏
Yes drumming is great ,I ve played with legends but I'm still humble,it's not all fun like you said they come to see the artist not the drummer
Absolutely 100% agree
Bravo Bellissimo
Great content Aaron ,
100 percent correct 🎉
I can one up your horror story. I knew a guy whose band was touring east of the mississippi for a couple months in the 90's, a few of these gigs opened for Quiet Riot. They'd show up at a venue and there was no gig booked. The venue, maybe just a bar, would have no clue who they were. So, no money. A few times the venue would let them set up and play anyways, out of pity. And, they would show up at a hotel ... and guess what, no booking!
Ugh - The iPad sitch....why is it you always need backups for backups for backups, and always at the worst moments. What a nightmare.
Sometimes things can feel stressful in the moment, but it's great to keep perspective. Even if the gig completely imploded (which it didn't), the sun would've came up and I still would be playing other gigs. We only have so much energy and space for stress, so i try to budget accordingly.
25 years on the road taught me a lot of things about life....too numerous to mention here but suffice to say i wouldn't trade a single day of it for a regular job
He’s riding the surf, it’s worth it to really live !
Now I play in a professional studio with a band ,but even that has its headaches
You always need a paper back up. I know from experience. What did you get paid for that mini nightmare. Fun is one thing...keeping the bills paid is the thing.
Typical the drummer being shit on again. Thx Aaron for what you do and have given.
Awesome video! I'm curious how much that gig paid. I hire drummers all the time for our band and not sure if I'm in the ballpark. ❤
Great video. Enjoyed it and you are so right about all the variables that happens. And one just have to deal with it calmly and trusting it will all work out ok and knoting when to step up or back down a bit. Thanks! Subscribed!! Looking forward to checking out more.
So true!
Touring bands are moving companies that moonlight as bands. Road musicians are movers who moonlight as musicians.
Spot on.
sound about right , last minute drop it all on one person ... been there done that not fun makes a good night a rotten night
I played in a lot of bands, the best band was with the best musicians , we toured in the northeast mostly, and made a lot of money, played rock clubs that held over 1000 people, played 5 nights a week, and every summer played the eastern shore hot spots rock clubs for 1 to 2 weeks. Great experience, but when we had a major label handed us a contract, my dad is a lawyer and a recording musician, said " you better sell a million albums or you owe the record company a lot of money" some guys said yes, some said no, it was over, then our keyboard player joined an alternative band which was famous and sold a lot of records, greatt time, but grueling..
You play the Wild Wing?
Ooof . No good deed goes unpunished. But pushing through hell gets ya out of it!
Par for the course, brother.
You should try powering down your ipad when travelling
Out of curiosity, was this bar on Washington Rd. near the Augusta Nationals? I moved away back in the late 90’s.
Wouldn't the artist's management (or the people who hired you) have the transport sorted? I played in touring bands for years and we either sorted it out ourselves or our manager would do it.
Had many years of gigs playing to few people, little money, etc. and loved it all - It just became too much of the same old cover tunes, burden songs, same venues, same small crowds, over and over - However it was fun for a minute or two - These days just sub once in awhile to play the pseudo wannabe rock star, lol.. \m/
6:00 what are the odds 😂😂
I always would break down what I was actually being paid by the hour. No surprise… it was always at minimum wage or below.
Great video subscribed to your channel
I couldn't do it. My stress level would be through the roof. I don't know how guys can get together and just play gig. That does not compute in my world.
It is a bit wild. You learn to adapt after being exposed to these situations regularly!
i get hired as a guitar player, i can play rhythm and lead, im usually the sound guy since i have done it professionally live and studio and i can sing lead and harmonies, the key to getting hired and getting paid is to be versatile and a problem solver, be organized, dont rely on others to take care of you were supposed to be pros
I've subbed before also it's no fun it's work ,things happen you can't control and you just keep rolling with the punches
I can cycle with my vox da5 on my handlebars and my laptop on my front backpack and my guitar on my back
The musician, RUclipsr Bad Brad can fill you in on the rest
I’m surprised you wouldn’t buy a little sprinter style truck, or wagon.
Good info but risky business. You gotta trust people to pull their part or your talent won't matter.
Mr. IPAD decided you didn't need charts..lol. maybe a backup binder with actual paper charts....still just one more task with all the rest of the things you had to do. Plus...you were Vlogging! Sobering behind the scenes reality of being a musician.
Where was the road manager?
This video just showed up in my feed, and looked interesting. I respect the hustle, but man, I honestly don’t understand how you could do this sort of thing without actually losing money, just knowing what sort of money clubs pay. Did the artist reimburse you for the car rental and hotel?
that's not a job , it's an adventure for the time you are young
Why, as a drummer, are you so worried about chord charts?
Dang that sounded so stressful and a lot of work on your end to support the artist. I hope that you got paid very well and got refunded for that van and gas and other costs. IMO, it seems that the artist’s management team dropped the ball for this gig. I hope you told the artist about it, since he wants to “treat his musicians as well.” Of course the artist is chilling when he didn’t have to deal with all that. You’re truly a team player! Wow!
Ok so how much money did you make? That gig looked like a very small crowd so I bet the money was not too good.
I made a fair amount of money. It wasn't going to make me rich, but it paid some bills. Really though, focusing solely on money and not what each situation can do for you in terms of your career was one of the big mistakes I made earlier in my career. I've made another good chunk of change just on the ad revenue from this video, making the gig very much worth my time and effort.
@@aaronapter Thanks
That’s what you call “Flying by the Seat of your pants”
But… how much bruh? What was your take home pay?
hope you got well paid because i wouldn't do it unless i made good money.
Does not sound fun at all
Way too much BS for me, hats off to ya
How do you get a road musician to turn down? Put sheet music in front of him.
You young cats today won't talk to each other. It's a generational thing. Sounds like the artist was cool buying dinner and alike. But he is ultimately responsible, in charge to make sure stuff happens. And if the artist doesn't want to take care of business than the artist must appoint someone to do so. This was very unprofessional. My stuff was always and is charted out hard copy. Sure you can loose the hard copy but you can loose anything. Letting your machine lock you out, I hope was a big lesson to you. With all that said, your point is well taken that musicians and especially drummers get paid for all of the other stressful stuff and not for playing.
At least you didn't have to sing. Trying to do that wo sleep would have been impossible
I always wondered if thise street musicians on broadway made significant money. Most of them werent real talented.
Awesome video .dont listen to all these real job hacks..lol i was in your position in my twenties but i developed relationship s and kept plugging and made 3k this week playing the keys and singing..no bus gigs but no day jobs..
How much was dude getting paid, that he could hire 3 musicians from 8 HOURS AWAY, to make it worth it? Is he loaded or what?
Believe me, I've been there - 4-6 hr drives, to play for the bartender and her boyfriend, for little to no money 😅 But, this guy made it happen for you and the band. Good on ya! 👍🏾
That’s my question! It looks like a typical bar gig in a smaller town (compared to Nashville). At MOST they typically pay $400-$500 plus tips.
How in the WORLD was it lucrative to hire 3 “hired guns”, pay for the rental van, hotel rooms and meals? This artist had to loose at least $2200?!?!
Your volume is too low. I could barely hear it.
I did it for over 20 years. Enjoyed a new lady almost every night. Did not do it for the money.
Just another reason to despise Apple products!
Thank the Good Lord, for normal life and regular jobs. This is no good short or long term.
We all have different things that bring us happiness and sanity!