Music for Nothing!
Like in most other professions, for musicians too there is no such thing as a free lunch. We have to pay for the increasing transport costs, labour costs, equipment repair and maintenance and coffee costs (and support the family if there is anything left). The problem is that many of our clients think otherwise.
I’m talking about the issue of (very) late payments and even non payment of outstanding performance fees. I have personally experienced this many times even from respected corporate clients with silly excuses and dodgy accountants.
The question of taking legal action is restricted by hefty lawyer fees (many times more than our fees mind you) and the lengthy time it takes for such action. Also in many cases the performed band might not be registered and hence doesnt have a ‘legal identity’.
So what can we do? One idea might be to black list ‘usual suspects’ in a forum such as this so that our brothers in arms doesnt have to make the same mistake. It might have an adverse effect like the old saying says (in finding nemo) ‘dont bite the hand that feeds’ with us losing our precious clients. Nevertheless it can encourage them clients to be more considerate towards musicians. At the very least least pay our fees in time.
Money for nothing, chicks for free? Sure Mr. knopfler was joking about our local scene. Music for nothing and chicks for other well paid professionals is more appropriate.
January 21st, 2007 at 13:39
Late or even non-payments are normal in any business scene. Black listing them in a public forum will not work because, your competitor will be up for the grabs behind your back! This is one reason that artistes need managers to worry about these kinda things.
Alternatively, it is better to profile customers and debtors, and device a strategy on how to handle them. Not when they don’t pay, but even before you start dealing with them. Look at it like this: Wouldn’t you prefer bad debtors on your competitors side, while you have better paymasters for yourself?
January 21st, 2007 at 16:52
I do support Al-basso’s comment wholeheartedly. The problem as u have highlighted is that many bands are not equipped as a business unit with they themselves managing the band most of the time.
My goal is to highlight this as a legitimate issue especially to younger bands and performers and thinking more collectively rather than letting fellow competitors have bad debtors. However the reality is that some other band would be ready to perform when one bands deal turns sour.
January 21st, 2007 at 22:32
It’ll be very good if all bands could think collectively on certain issues. For that to happen, genuine and honest discussions must precede. I hear the same problems individually from musicians and bands. However, I have yet to see them discussing collectively and doing something about it. Here’s a fine example:
Very recently, a band tried to increase the rates that they play in the resorts. They approached other bands for this cause. Whether their intentions were genuine or not, they did not manage to get support from the other bands. Their competitors were ready to take their places at even lower prices! So how could one think collectively in this mind frame?
January 31st, 2007 at 02:43
we musicians don’t have any schools or any other ways learn music in the maldives.there are lot of musicians who wants to learn practical music and also theory but no way.
February 26th, 2007 at 15:58
so ayya
if there is a place were they can roll in and study what is the scope of attendees that u think..?
April 13th, 2007 at 21:42
i support all this guys comments n anyway having this kind of website to share ideas n experience with others is really great …. and im not a musician or performer ,,but im event organizing biznes man ….