Pay to What? Maybe! But only...

I have been asked repeatedly what my opinions are on pay to play.  The can of worms opens and here are my thoughts....

It saddens me to think that artistry is something that has become so commercialized that a venue owner would charge a band to make him money on his bar.  I mean hats off to a bar owner that has such a hopping establishment that bands actually want to pay to play the venue.  That isn't the case for just any bar however and as such should be considered when looking a gigs to play.  Never do it, if a promoter isn't making enough to pay bands well, then they aren't doing what needs to be done to make a successful show.   However, if the exposure is great enough 2,000 plus people each night and the band can still sell their merchandise at the event, then that situation is an exception to my rules.  And if you aren't making money by the 3rd trip through a market then you need to re-evaluate your talent pool.

If anyone at the lower echelons of musical society asks you to pay to play it's not worth it and you should run like hell.  The only other exception should be if you are paying for the promotions and reaping a percentage of the profit.  So many of these places ask you to buy presale tickets and resell them.  That is also not a professional show.  There has to be a good promoter, a solid theme and a gimmick or four.  Pay to play is just a way for someone else to profit off your hard work unless the promoter is Live Nation or AEG.

I found that the music industry is 75% money and 25% good music.  Sometimes you have to pay $5,000 to get onto a tour.  Not supposed to be ethical but happens all the time in this industry with backdoor deals and secret hand shakes.  Paying for radio time, face time and favors has become second nature yet in a crumbling economy people begin to question the importance of money.  The Gen Yer's 79-95 are getting ready to enter the upper echelons of these industries and with it bring a new era of integrity to the playing field.  Much of the pettiness will no longer be tolerated by most.  The US consumer and the mighty dollar make the world go round right now but soon they will no longer serve that purpose.

Enjoy playing and make wise pay to play decisions.  Always national always directly with larger name promoters and competitions.  The more people hear you the more people will want you.  Get on Pandora and pay for space.  Get on Billboard and other online music sites.  Those things pay off right now.  And pay to get on 5 dates with National Acts if you have to.   Promotion! PR! Placement!

Cheers!
Mel