Good info! I have been VERY curious about wages on lower Broadway for years. I almost moved to Nashville in the early 80’s. Ended up playing the local clubs in Missouri, hotel circuit, casinos and aboard cruise ships abroad for 35+ years. Now semi-retired and living north of Nashville. Now subbed!
That was great. Very well put very succinct, very human element being expressed as a musician. Have been playing gigs since 1976, and I really agree with your ethos. Money is a wonderful servant , and a horrible taskmaster. If you’re going to play music for the long run, you have to remember why you do it, and why you got into it in the first place. Personally… Playing music, even by myself, has saved me thousands of dollars in therapy! I subscribed!
This is fantastic information and great advice for anybody wanting to get into it. Everything is spot on. Love that you talk about not overworking yourself so you can give your all to the gig you are on.
That’s a message that gets lost when you’re struggling to make it financially. Sometimes you have to bet on yourself and believe that quality over time beats quantity. Easy to say, hard to do!
Aaron Apter. What's up brother? Randomly checking some music videos and run into this video like 'I recognize this dude.' Good to see you doing well, bro. Come a long way from Stevie gigs!
I once met a bass player that said he made way more money in Austin Tx. Said he made 150k a year the year he left for Nashville. Hes a top session guy now. You wont get rich in Nashville unless you write hit songs.
I played professionally for over 30 years, and he's pretty much right on target. There's occasions where you can play a venue that pays 300 to 500 a piece. Your fairs and festival circuit pays well.
Same as Beale St. Memphis. But we typically got at least $100 base a person for a 4person band…not including tips. After bar tab and gas maybe broke even or had a few left over. Then new strings, gear repair, gear replacements….Basically paid-to-play when it was all said and done.
Sounds like you made a similar amount of money to what I make playing in Idaho which is interesting because cost of living is higher in Nashville, depending on where you live.
I had a few performances in Nashville. I played on Printer's Alley, 6th and peabody and Fox and Lock. Broadway wasn't very impressive to me personally. I was expecting something a little better. Tbh, the other venues I visited outside of broadway were more interesting. I did subscribed to you because I posted some videos from my gigs in Nashville on my channel.
I often tell folks that the same 12 notes are in Nashville that are everywhere else. Nashville has some of the world's greatest musicians, and it also has just regular musicians earning a living. The same with venues. I find that the charm and magic of Nashville really sets in after a year of living and playing here and getting to know the scene. Thanks for the sub!
@@aaronapter There were some really great musicians I heard, some mediocre, and some bad ones playing the same stuff but the singer was flat. My friend who lived in Nashville and played professionally, said about 30 percent of musicians are actually really good. That makes sense based on what I heard on Broadway. However, there are several venues outside of Broadway that have some really cool music.
@@aaronapter I had the privilege of performing and watching bands play on 6th and Peabody and Fox&Lock which were way better venues in my opinion. Broadway has a collection of bars like anywhere else but the difference is they are all on the same street next to each other.
Every situation is a bit different! I have quite a few videos on this topic on my channel. Or tune into one of my weekly live chats Sundays at 430pmEST/130pmPST and we can talk about it!
@aaronapter I spent my whole adult life gigging,mostly nyc and surrounding areas, ,this year I'm done,it's a hard decision,but my ears ain't what the used to be and my interests have changed,there's only so many time you ca play margaratville,, I know I'm gonna miss "that feeling" anyone that plays know what I'm talking about..
Yes! Check out Rudy's! There are also a few clubs in Printer's Alley. The Villager has an open jazz jam monday night's and Rudy's has one on Sundays. But there's always gigs for jazz musicians... you just have to find them or create them! This is music city.... it's not exclusive to one gnere of music!
The gen's that have come up from 80's-2000's seem to think it's such a travesty to call a gig a 'shift', everyone somehow thinking they're above that. When I started playing clubs right out of high school in the early 1970's, we played 6 nights a week, 4-5hrs each night. Back then it was called a 'job'. No one had problem w/it & was freekin' glad to get a 'job' playing music every night, w/a weekly steady paycheck. Many of us at that time were making more than men w/families stuck in a factory job. So, no one is above it. If you're dreaming of bigger things then make your plans & work toward it, while pulling 'shifts' playing your instrument & practicing your craft. ✌️
Getting in and out of downtown is one of the most challenging aspects of gigging down here. I made a video about that. If you can handle the stress though, you can make it work!
$100-$150 + tips for 3-4 hour shift? That's brutal. That's actually what low end bar band guys make per guy in small cities. Something to consider, I'm seeing a lot musicians bailing Nashville
I agree that the pay is nog worth the energy and time of a skilled musician in any city, let alone Music City, USA. Two all musicians should consider: 1) The same 12 notes you play in your town are the exact same 12 notes you play in Nashville. Nothing magically changes when you’re in Nashville 2) Ifs YOU, not your location, that is responsible for your music career. There’s always going to be low-paying gigs in every city, and most of them will be unfair. That’s an unfortunate reality. So how do you break out of those? Think of what saying no to a $50 gig does vs saying yes. When I first got to Nashville, I did a TON of gigs below my value. Was that fair? Nope! But neither is this business. I want to change that someday, but for now, I realized that I needed to network and build up my resume and exposure. Most of the gigs the first year weren’t that great. But every know and then I met someone who knew someone who knew someone. And I used all of those connects to spider web out a bigger network. It took time. And it’s like that in every city. I like Nashville because there is so much work and so many musicians here. The whole economy is built around music. But you still have to play the game no matter where you are!
@@aaronapter 100%. thanks for your insight 🙏. I’ve been in the same house band for 14 years here in Boise, so I suffer from the “grass is always greener” and wish I was out in Nashville, but I cover a mortgage and bills playing music probably should just be grateful 😆
I think there are waves of demand for certain instruments and styles. Trying to time a trend will just leave you always chasing after something I think. There’s always demand for professional people that are good at their instruments and great at being easy to work with. That’s what I try to focus on.
as a "tourist" who's been to Nashville around 15 times and also a working musician I feel like I need to chime in. I truly believe the musicians union needs to step in here (and I'm not typically a union guy). I'm also typically a supporter of small business owners but I'm siding with the musicians here. The union needs to organize that community and fight for better pay. The idea of a professional musician getting a base pay of as little as $25/gig is ridiculous. These venues are charging a LOT of money for drinks...I was charged $10 for a BOTTLE of Miller High Life at Nudie's which is repulsive. That bottle didn't cost them $1. I can support the business owner if their margins are more in line with reality...$5 let's say. But they're all doing it. I get that there's no cover at these bars and in fact the "cover charge" is built in to the price of the beer but still. A band should be guaranteed $400 for a four hour shift and single/duo's should be $100/person. Nashville is wildly busier than the first time I went there 15 years ago. It's also wildly more expensive that it was. The pay scale for musicians hasn't evolved the way that the price scale for drinks has evolved. Thanks for the informative post and good gigging to you!
You bring up some very valid points. Eventually, I’d like to have this discussion on a broader level because what is fair is not always what is in practice. I’ve had to be very selective about what battles I pick and when to fight them. Navigating a career in music is very much like a career in politics!
I dont know about Nashville but in Key West its usually $400 a night and live acts are busier on a Wednesday than Nashville on a Saturday. If you can become a house band you can clean up nicely. But the competition is fierce there too. You gotta be real good!
I’ve heard that about KW too. I think the key takeaway is that regardless of where you are at, there’s always some sort of opportunity and some sort of competition.
How much does a Nashville Cat make? It's great you are making a living doing what you love. Nashville can be a tough town. Remember your waiter or waitress can be one of the best song sriters ever.
It's always evolving based on your network, time of year, type of gigs, etc al. It's like any other job..... part of it is skill and work, and a big part is who you know. And I always tell people that it is highly likely that the person serving you coffee is a world class player or writer!
Hey Aaron , Do you have to claim all this money on your taxes ? Ole Uncle Sam probably wants his cut ? Also , I heard Wed & Thurs are the best times to catch a famous person or musician roaming around LOL . All the best for you ! I know it ain't easy brother .
Being a musician is like any other job, so I claim money on my taxes. But this is not financial advice nor am I qualified to give it! As far as celebrities... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But thank you for the support. It's hard work, but it's also very rewarding when it all comes together!
That all depends. Many roads lead to Rome. My best advice: boots on the ground. Show up. Be patient. Network, Do this consistently with intention. I have a playlist outlining my whole experience thus far in Nashville. ruclips.net/p/PLlNjRpcYXrKr-XsAEPsMmBg2pqlwnJ-Q7&feature=shared
Thanks for all info. Would assume you have to bring your own drum set or does the honky tonk supply that? I ask because i saw an ekit roland at luke bryans honky tonk last time i was in Nashville
@aaronapter I want to stay close to the music. I always find the lo al spots. I'm not a huge tourist fan. The music will be easy to find. Finding a decent place has been tough. I won't have a car, which I think makes it easier.
@@fakestreamedia5309 those two guys you mention sell amps to make money. Very mediocre. Check out Tory Slusher, a real guitar player. White people should not attempt to play blues. Its embarrassing.
How do you pay your mortgage, bills, food, etc..... if you are not interested too much in how much you make? Are you (as they say) a weekend warrior musician who has a "real" job? Or is music your main income source?
A Year ago, my friend went to nashville, seeking his Fame and Fortune... He played an open mic night, at one of the local taverns there on, Beale street. And one of his, adoring fans. After the show. Gave him a marijuana cigarette... They found him in this car the next morning, dead, of a fentanyl overdose. The marijuana cigarette, was still between his fingers, when they found him. Sure, you might be able to make some money in nashville. But, it's probably going to be waiting tables.
@@aaronapter 😱😱 4 hours of non-stop music is physically and mentally taxing and it takes a lot of strength to maintain a high level performance throughout the session... really congratulations!!I also have done these 'marathon ' in Italy in the past but now I wouldn't be able to anymore. . 👏👏
I would like the pay to be better. I also have made $500+ on some of my regular gigs. My question is what is a “ semi-pro” and what holiday inns are hosting live music?
I agree the most musicians are underpaid… even the big names! And I do believe talent plays a big part. However, it’s about setting intentions, hard work, and networking as well. It takes lots of dedication to o this on a professional level… but it can be done! I want to be proof of that and attempt to show how on my channel!
You spend so much time playing that it really reinforces habits, both good and bad. I really have to commit to being my best every day regardless of the situation.
A four hour gig… for $50 … ( up to $175)….: From the late 1970s to 1991… was a busy society gig musician in Washington DC. ( society gig = black tie and rich wedding stuff)…. And I played a lot in the Georgetown Rock scene . NO ONE…..EVER….. t EVER…took a gig for less than $100/night…. EVER… And $150 and $200 …per man…. Wasn’t rare… I’m a drummer…ok that’s my problem… but pragmatically…. 1 hour to set up, 4 hour gig… one hour to get my stuff back in my truck…. NOT EVEN CONSIDERING THE COMMUTE… MINIMUM ..six hours in the venue…. Divided by $50…. We all worked both Union gigs and non Union gigs…..non of us were hard core pro or anti union…. But $50 for between four and six hours is disrespectful…. To yourself… the other musicians… to the industry. Aka scab. The VENUES ARE CRUSHING IT…..they are making bux…. and you’re taking 1/2 the pay of the guy flipping burgers. Does Memphis have a musicians Union.
Most musicians are in Nashville looking for a break. They are recording, playing gigs, working with agents etc. They can pick up quick money working in the honkytonks. So yes, everyone is in Nashville for the music unlike other cities.
Most over rated scene on the planet. Unless you're a tourist, in which case you come expecting country music but instead are delighted when the band breaks into Lady Gaga.
@@mathtrixmusiclix4248 I'M NOT SAYING THERE AREN'T ANY GOOD PLAYERS - I'M SAYING THE #MUSIC #SUCKS. SO IF YOU WANT TO BE A GOOD PLAYER AND PERFORM SHITTY MUSIC GO TO NASHVILLE.
Nobody makes money playing music. Mediocre session dudes gotta sell amps, and pedals to get by. Tory Slusher is the best guitarist in the world, and she avoids Nashville. That says something.
Respectfully, I disagree. I’ve never had more musical work before moving to Nashville. I did a complete career changeover, and started from scratch in Nashville. Literally square one. I didn’t even have instruments. I play full-time here and never sell any gear and pay my bills exclusively from playing music.
@@aaronapter anecdote. You must be on the level of Tory Slusher, the best guitarist in the world. Congratulations on your guitar virtuosity. You must get a lot of people in the industry coming up to you, and telling you that you are the greatest guitar player they have ever heard. Tory does, but she makes more money in her bedroom making magic. Why waste 2 hours at a gig to make 100 dollars? Just make money on your channel playing whatever you want.
Good info! I have been VERY curious about wages on lower Broadway for years. I almost moved to Nashville in the early 80’s. Ended up playing the local clubs in Missouri, hotel circuit, casinos and aboard cruise ships abroad for 35+ years. Now semi-retired and living north of Nashville. Now subbed!
There’s probably about 20 more videos I can make on just pay alone! I’ve also done the cruise ship circuit as well!
That was great. Very well put very succinct, very human element being expressed as a musician.
Have been playing gigs since 1976, and I really agree with your ethos.
Money is a wonderful servant , and a horrible taskmaster. If you’re going to play music for the long run, you have to remember why you do it, and why you got into it in the first place.
Personally… Playing music, even by myself, has saved me thousands of dollars in therapy! I subscribed!
Thank you so much for the kind words and your thoughtful reply. I appreciate the reminders of who we are!
This is fantastic information and great advice for anybody wanting to get into it. Everything is spot on. Love that you talk about not overworking yourself so you can give your all to the gig you are on.
That’s a message that gets lost when you’re struggling to make it financially. Sometimes you have to bet on yourself and believe that quality over time beats quantity. Easy to say, hard to do!
@@aaronapter100%
Aaron Apter. What's up brother? Randomly checking some music videos and run into this video like 'I recognize this dude.' Good to see you doing well, bro. Come a long way from Stevie gigs!
Whoa.... small world! Nashville is a long way from Chicago but it made my day to see this! Hope you're doing well!!
Awesome Information!!! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Solid video and info, thank you!!!
Thanks for watching!
I once met a bass player that said he made way more money in Austin Tx. Said he made 150k a year the year he left for Nashville. Hes a top session guy now.
You wont get rich in Nashville unless you write hit songs.
I played professionally for over 30 years, and he's pretty much right on target. There's occasions where you can play a venue that pays 300 to 500 a piece. Your fairs and festival circuit pays well.
The pay game and industry is always evolving. It’s even changed from the time I made this video!
Same as Beale St. Memphis. But we typically got at least $100 base a person for a 4person band…not including tips. After bar tab and gas maybe broke even or had a few left over. Then new strings, gear repair, gear replacements….Basically paid-to-play when it was all said and done.
One reason why I don't drink on gigs.... I try to save every cent I make!
I bought my first house playing $100 drum gigs in Memphis/Beale/Tunica. Just depends on your spending habits.
Invaluable information, thank you. 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
Tampa Bay and the surrounding three counties within an 80 mi radius are by far the best paying for musicians live music venues
Really interesting. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sounds like you made a similar amount of money to what I make playing in Idaho which is interesting because cost of living is higher in Nashville, depending on where you live.
Great video. Thanks 🇺🇸🍀🇺🇸
pleasure is all mine! truly humbled by anyone watching these.
Sounds like somewhere in Donelson or Hermitage with that plane overhead on way to land.
It's a bummer the base pay isn't higher in Nashville.
Can I play pm broadway, I do MJ Rock tributes. Thanks for the v informative video. Financially, personally, & Professionally.
I'm not the gatekeeper for Broadway at all! But you can give it a shot!
Awesome info !
I had a few performances in Nashville. I played on Printer's Alley, 6th and peabody and Fox and Lock. Broadway wasn't very impressive to me personally. I was expecting something a little better. Tbh, the other venues I visited outside of broadway were more interesting. I did subscribed to you because I posted some videos from my gigs in Nashville on my channel.
I often tell folks that the same 12 notes are in Nashville that are everywhere else. Nashville has some of the world's greatest musicians, and it also has just regular musicians earning a living. The same with venues. I find that the charm and magic of Nashville really sets in after a year of living and playing here and getting to know the scene. Thanks for the sub!
@@aaronapter There were some really great musicians I heard, some mediocre, and some bad ones playing the same stuff but the singer was flat. My friend who lived in Nashville and played professionally, said about 30 percent of musicians are actually really good. That makes sense based on what I heard on Broadway. However, there are several venues outside of Broadway that have some really cool music.
@@aaronapter I had the privilege of performing and watching bands play on 6th and Peabody and Fox&Lock which were way better venues in my opinion. Broadway has a collection of bars like anywhere else but the difference is they are all on the same street next to each other.
@@aaronapter No worries. Have a great day and God bless. Great channel you have here.
What’s your channel?
How do you begin playing? Is there an audition process at each club? Thanks
Every situation is a bit different! I have quite a few videos on this topic on my channel. Or tune into one of my weekly live chats Sundays at 430pmEST/130pmPST and we can talk about it!
Depends on the venue
just one of many things, Akin affect the pay!
Try to do a video on on the road backup musicians who play for big acts😊
Give me a year or so and I’ll be able to share that knowledge first-hand!
@@aaronapter who u traveling with
@aaronapter I spent my whole adult life gigging,mostly nyc and surrounding areas, ,this year I'm done,it's a hard decision,but my ears ain't what the used to be and my interests have changed,there's only so many time you ca play margaratville,, I know I'm gonna miss "that feeling" anyone that plays know what I'm talking about..
Started playing over 35 years ago and made more than they are making today. The pay has gotten worse and that is sad.
I think the situation is always fluid and there are some things better about today, while others have deteriorated. I’m just rolling with the punches.
Any gigs for jazz musicians down there? Thanks.
Yes! Check out Rudy's! There are also a few clubs in Printer's Alley. The Villager has an open jazz jam monday night's and Rudy's has one on Sundays. But there's always gigs for jazz musicians... you just have to find them or create them! This is music city.... it's not exclusive to one gnere of music!
@@aaronapter Thanks!
Thanks for posting this information! Damn, I love Ramen noodles!
You can afford a lot more than Ramen if you’re a working musician in Nashville!
The gen's that have come up from 80's-2000's seem to think it's such a travesty to call a gig a 'shift', everyone somehow thinking they're above that.
When I started playing clubs right out of high school in the early 1970's, we played 6 nights a week, 4-5hrs each night. Back then it was called a 'job'. No one had problem w/it & was freekin' glad to get a 'job' playing music every night, w/a weekly steady paycheck. Many of us at that time were making more than men w/families stuck in a factory job.
So, no one is above it. If you're dreaming of bigger things then make your plans & work toward it, while pulling 'shifts' playing your instrument & practicing your craft. ✌️
I moved from Nashville to Clarksville (TN) about 2 years ago. I still work in Nashville, but I avoid downtown every chance I get.
Getting in and out of downtown is one of the most challenging aspects of gigging down here. I made a video about that. If you can handle the stress though, you can make it work!
Nice chair
$100-$150 + tips for 3-4 hour shift? That's brutal. That's actually what low end bar band guys make per guy in small cities. Something to consider, I'm seeing a lot musicians bailing Nashville
I agree that the pay is nog worth the energy and time of a skilled musician in any city, let alone Music City, USA.
Two all musicians should consider:
1) The same 12 notes you play in your town are the exact same 12 notes you play in Nashville. Nothing magically changes when you’re in Nashville
2) Ifs YOU, not your location, that is responsible for your music career.
There’s always going to be low-paying gigs in every city, and most of them will be unfair. That’s an unfortunate reality. So how do you break out of those? Think of what saying no to a $50 gig does vs saying yes. When I first got to Nashville, I did a TON of gigs below my value. Was that fair? Nope! But neither is this business. I want to change that someday, but for now, I realized that I needed to network and build up my resume and exposure. Most of the gigs the first year weren’t that great. But every know and then I met someone who knew someone who knew someone. And I used all of those connects to spider web out a bigger network. It took time. And it’s like that in every city. I like Nashville because there is so much work and so many musicians here. The whole economy is built around music. But you still have to play the game no matter where you are!
@@aaronapter 100%. thanks for your insight 🙏. I’ve been in the same house band for 14 years here in Boise, so I suffer from the “grass is always greener” and wish I was out in Nashville, but I cover a mortgage and bills playing music probably should just be grateful 😆
Just curious if it matters what instrument? Are certain instruments more in demand? I'm guessing Nashville has plenty of everything.
I think there are waves of demand for certain instruments and styles. Trying to time a trend will just leave you always chasing after something I think. There’s always demand for professional people that are good at their instruments and great at being easy to work with. That’s what I try to focus on.
as a "tourist" who's been to Nashville around 15 times and also a working musician I feel like I need to chime in. I truly believe the musicians union needs to step in here (and I'm not typically a union guy). I'm also typically a supporter of small business owners but I'm siding with the musicians here. The union needs to organize that community and fight for better pay. The idea of a professional musician getting a base pay of as little as $25/gig is ridiculous. These venues are charging a LOT of money for drinks...I was charged $10 for a BOTTLE of Miller High Life at Nudie's which is repulsive. That bottle didn't cost them $1. I can support the business owner if their margins are more in line with reality...$5 let's say. But they're all doing it. I get that there's no cover at these bars and in fact the "cover charge" is built in to the price of the beer but still. A band should be guaranteed $400 for a four hour shift and single/duo's should be $100/person. Nashville is wildly busier than the first time I went there 15 years ago. It's also wildly more expensive that it was. The pay scale for musicians hasn't evolved the way that the price scale for drinks has evolved. Thanks for the informative post and good gigging to you!
You bring up some very valid points. Eventually, I’d like to have this discussion on a broader level because what is fair is not always what is in practice. I’ve had to be very selective about what battles I pick and when to fight them. Navigating a career in music is very much like a career in politics!
I dont know about Nashville but in Key West its usually $400 a night and live acts are busier on a Wednesday than Nashville on a Saturday. If you can become a house band you can clean up nicely. But the competition is fierce there too. You gotta be real good!
I’ve heard that about KW too. I think the key takeaway is that regardless of where you are at, there’s always some sort of opportunity and some sort of competition.
@aaronapter True, wherever you want to be, so do others!
How much does a Nashville Cat make? It's great you are making a living doing what you love. Nashville can be a tough town. Remember your waiter or waitress can be one of the best song sriters ever.
It's always evolving based on your network, time of year, type of gigs, etc al. It's like any other job..... part of it is skill and work, and a big part is who you know. And I always tell people that it is highly likely that the person serving you coffee is a world class player or writer!
@@aaronapter A Nashville Cat is a studio musician most times guitar player. Listen to the song by The Loving Spoonful, "Nashville Cats".
Hey Aaron , Do you have to claim all this money on your taxes ? Ole Uncle Sam probably wants his cut ? Also , I heard Wed & Thurs are the best times to catch a famous person or musician roaming around LOL . All the best for you ! I know it ain't easy brother .
Being a musician is like any other job, so I claim money on my taxes. But this is not financial advice nor am I qualified to give it! As far as celebrities... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But thank you for the support. It's hard work, but it's also very rewarding when it all comes together!
Are many steel players on broadway?
There are steel players, yes! They are not in every band or on every stage, but if you are a good steel player you definitely can work in this town!
Thanks for sharing. Just curious, now that there are so many clubs there now have they came up with a parking solution for all the musicians?
That’s a really great question! Give me a couple of days and I’ll make a video about this for you! I think it will be useful to others!
Awesome thanks. I know 20-30 years ago all your tip money had to go to pay for the parking ticket ;-)
Do you have ideas on some ways a really good guitar player can break into the Broadway/ Nashville playing scene?
That all depends. Many roads lead to Rome. My best advice: boots on the ground. Show up. Be patient. Network, Do this consistently with intention. I have a playlist outlining my whole experience thus far in Nashville. ruclips.net/p/PLlNjRpcYXrKr-XsAEPsMmBg2pqlwnJ-Q7&feature=shared
How many songs you gotta know 4 hours is a long time
Thanks for all info. Would assume you have to bring your own drum set or does the honky tonk supply that? I ask because i saw an ekit roland at luke bryans honky tonk last time i was in Nashville
Great question! I made a video to address this VERY question! ruclips.net/video/TXkHAG8XXvg/видео.htmlsi=jKzjziwk-VFUhZCg
@@aaronapter thanks man appreciate it!
However, sometimes I make less but I average about $100/hr base pay when I play not including tips.
Im going in July to see all the music I can. What's a good place to stay? I am going try an open mic night.
That's a fairly open question. What are you looking for and what are your desired outcomes?
@aaronapter I want to stay close to the music. I always find the lo al spots. I'm not a huge tourist fan. The music will be easy to find. Finding a decent place has been tough. I won't have a car, which I think makes it easier.
There is a reason all these top players like Guthrie trap and Tom Bukovac have RUclips channels teaching guitar, playing gigs for a living is brutal
Playing gigs for a living is tough work, but I'm enjoying myself and paying the bills. It' certainly is possible!
@@fakestreamedia5309 those two guys you mention sell amps to make money. Very mediocre. Check out Tory Slusher, a real guitar player. White people should not attempt to play blues. Its embarrassing.
How do you pay your mortgage, bills, food, etc..... if you are not interested too much in how much you make? Are you (as they say) a weekend warrior musician who has a "real" job? Or is music your main income source?
A Year ago, my friend went to nashville, seeking his Fame and Fortune...
He played an open mic night, at one of the local taverns there on, Beale street. And one of his, adoring fans. After the show. Gave him a marijuana cigarette...
They found him in this car the next morning, dead, of a fentanyl overdose. The marijuana cigarette, was still between his fingers, when they found him.
Sure, you might be able to make some money in nashville. But, it's probably going to be waiting tables.
Hahahahaha……
what's the rock scene in Nashville like?
how long is a shift?
4 hours.
@@aaronapter 😱😱 4 hours of non-stop music is physically and mentally taxing and it takes a lot of strength to maintain a high level performance throughout the session... really congratulations!!I also have done these 'marathon ' in Italy in the past but now I wouldn't be able to anymore. . 👏👏
Thank you! And you are right@@Dancingjulien it is demanding! Sometimes I do too, or even three of these in one day!
Wow, the pay is still very low, as that's about what semi-pro's get playing the Holiday Inn.
I would like the pay to be better. I also have made $500+ on some of my regular gigs. My question is what is a “ semi-pro” and what holiday inns are hosting live music?
Unless your a name band on tour musicians are so far underpaid. Takes massive amounts of talent to do this on a professional level.
I agree the most musicians are underpaid… even the big names! And I do believe talent plays a big part. However, it’s about setting intentions, hard work, and networking as well. It takes lots of dedication to o this on a professional level… but it can be done! I want to be proof of that and attempt to show how on my channel!
People willing to play for peanuts. Not a bad thing. Your chops will get so good you won't be able to believe it yourself.
You spend so much time playing that it really reinforces habits, both good and bad. I really have to commit to being my best every day regardless of the situation.
A four hour gig… for $50 … ( up to $175)….:
From the late 1970s to 1991… was a busy society gig musician in Washington DC. ( society gig = black tie and rich wedding stuff)…. And I played a lot in the Georgetown Rock scene .
NO ONE…..EVER….. t EVER…took a gig for less than $100/night…. EVER…
And $150 and $200 …per man…. Wasn’t rare…
I’m a drummer…ok that’s my problem… but pragmatically…. 1 hour to set up, 4 hour gig… one hour to get my stuff back in my truck…. NOT EVEN CONSIDERING THE COMMUTE…
MINIMUM ..six hours in the venue…. Divided by $50…. We all worked both Union gigs and non Union gigs…..non of us were hard core pro or anti union…. But $50 for between four and six hours is disrespectful…. To yourself… the other musicians… to the industry.
Aka scab.
The VENUES ARE CRUSHING IT…..they are making bux….
and you’re taking 1/2 the pay of the guy flipping burgers.
Does Memphis have a musicians Union.
In others words.." don't quit your day job"
I actually quit my day job and only play music in Nashville.
You better fall in love with Ramen Noodles and bottled water and becoming roommates with 1/2 dozen others!!!!☝️🤣
I pay for a mortgage playing drums.
Publishing is dead. Songwriting is now for the most part, a little extra money on the side.
Always move to a place where everyone else is trying to do the same thing as you - WRONG!
Most musicians are in Nashville looking for a break. They are recording, playing gigs, working with agents etc. They can pick up quick money working in the honkytonks. So yes, everyone is in Nashville for the music unlike other cities.
Most over rated scene on the planet. Unless you're a tourist, in which case you come expecting country music but instead are delighted when the band breaks into Lady Gaga.
This comment is extremely helpful and relevant to the video subject. Thank you!
@@aaronapter #POP #MUSIC #PLAGUE
I completely agree that Nashville is overrated. That is why I stayed in the Carolinas playing music. Don’t like Nashville and the nonsense hype
Wrong. Nashville is packed with badass players.
I play.
I respect
I enjoy
Thanks
🇨🇦
@@mathtrixmusiclix4248 I'M NOT SAYING THERE AREN'T ANY GOOD PLAYERS - I'M SAYING THE #MUSIC #SUCKS. SO IF YOU WANT TO BE A GOOD PLAYER AND PERFORM SHITTY MUSIC GO TO NASHVILLE.
Nobody makes money playing music. Mediocre session dudes gotta sell amps, and pedals to get by. Tory Slusher is the best guitarist in the world, and she avoids Nashville. That says something.
Respectfully, I disagree. I’ve never had more musical work before moving to Nashville. I did a complete career changeover, and started from scratch in Nashville. Literally square one. I didn’t even have instruments. I play full-time here and never sell any gear and pay my bills exclusively from playing music.
@@aaronapter anecdote. You must be on the level of Tory Slusher, the best guitarist in the world. Congratulations on your guitar virtuosity. You must get a lot of people in the industry coming up to you, and telling you that you are the greatest guitar player they have ever heard. Tory does, but she makes more money in her bedroom making magic. Why waste 2 hours at a gig to make 100 dollars? Just make money on your channel playing whatever you want.
@@aaronaptergrow your hair down to your ass. Rocknroll, man.
Hey drifter, can you make folks cry when you play and sing? Have you paid your dues, can you moan the blues, and can you bend them guitar strings?