"Lately, I’ve been saddened to hear about artists who are fighting for payments from event organisers or promoters. This past week, I’ve spoken to at least 3 artists who are engaged in a deadlock over due money. Sadly, without contracts, they’ll probably never see a cent from those rat bastards.
In fact, forget about what I’ve just said, I’m actually enraged about this. Here’s the simple and plain truth from your friendly neighbourhood music journalist: don’t bitch about not being able to live off of your craft if you continue to devalue it and refuse to utilise contracts (they’re like the equivalent of condoms, while the music scene is pretty much the filthy whore).
If you’re playing without a 50% upfront fee and a contract, please go to your garage right now (I’m not joking, do it!), dig around in the toolbox for the heaviest hammer you can find, go inside the house and smash your instrument to pieces – I’ve just saved you. Hallelujah!
Passion vs. money
Sometimes, when you’re asking for money, which seems to be a curse word in this godforsaken industry, slick and shady characters might question your passion levels or genuine love for music and probably tell you stupid shit like “where’s the passion, dude? You should be grateful to just get your art out there” or “this is an awesome opportunity for you. You should actually be paying me to reach the masses”. Despite these brain-farts and warped sense of reality, the truth is that if you play, they should pay. It’s really a no-brainer here. You diminish your value and worth as an artist every time you get up on a stage for peanuts. Yes, artists also have a right to get paid.
Think you’re selling out by playing for money? Well, then I’m a sell-out for writing for money. The promoter is a sell-out. The venue is a sell-out. Your mom is a sell-out. Heck, even your dog is a sell-out for eating branded dog food – get my point? Selling out is a redundant term in a society that needs (not wants) money to survive – shit doesn’t just grow on trees, you know?
As the girls from Cortina Whiplash said, “Musicians spend a lot of time rehearsing, travelling, maintaining their gear, studying and working on their trade; what gives anyone the right not to compensate them for that?” "
- Sergio Pereira
Go read more here:
