So I have ventured into the studio as a producer and into the real world as a Booker, promoter, and manager. So far it has been good but there have been things I have seen that worry me about the underground music scene. First off I had a few opening acts for the T.O.N.E-Z show I am booking in Lubbock ask how much I was charging them to perform. My first question was Why would I charge you to perform? The answer I got was "that's how it is done around here" Well I cannot accept that! Now that I am managing Draztik the Terrible I see the cost involved in making an album, mixing, getting guest spots, etc. If you are an opener for any tour unless it is a huge name in the business you should not have to pay someone who is making money off you in ticket sales anyway, that is them screwing you over royally.
Another promoter on facebook posted some rules to proper promotion here is just a few:
1. BOOK YOUR LOCAL ACTS (SUPPORT ACTS) TO PROMOTE THE SHOW AND SELL THOSE TICKETS.
2. MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT ON YOUR TICKETS FOR YOUR SUPPORT ACTS TO MAKE A DOLLAR OR TWO OFF OF IT. (i.e.: SELL TICKETS AT 7- LET THEM KEEP 2 OFF EACH TICKET. ALL COMMISSION. NEVER PAY DIRECT, UNLESS THEY HAVE A KNOWN NAME LIKE SAID HEADLINER OF TOUR).
3. JUST BECAUSE SAID ARTISTS NAME IS ON FACEBOOK OR ANY OTHER MEDIA SITE SAYING THEY ARE GOING ON TOUR AND HAVE FLIERS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, NOR THE NAME IN THE MARQUEE DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN ALL THE FANS KNOW THAT ARTIST IS COMING TO TOWN. MOST PROMOTION IS DONE WORD OF MOUTH AND VIA FLYER. HARD WORK AND DEDICATION MAKE A SHOW.
4. DO NOT HAVE ARTISTS PAY ON TO THE SHOW, UNLESS ITS OK-ED WITH THE TOUR. THERE'S NO WORK IN THAT. OR IT MEANS DOUBLE FOR YOU. THAT ALSO JEOPARDIZES YOUR SHOW BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO PROMOTION BEHIND IT. THAT'S WHY THIS BUSINESS IS CALLED "PROMOTIONS"
So looking at those rules why on earth would any openers feel like they should pay to play. You are not only helping the Booker/promoter by performing but you will be helping promote as well. That is a huge deal because the promoter alone cannot bring as many fans as when the openers are getting something for their hard work and getting the word out.
The other problem I have encountered is other promoters. Why if I have a show I am booking in the same city on the same day am I all of the sudden "stepping on your turf" or "starting something" there is plenty of groups/artists/acts that all Bookers and promoters can make money. And if a group promised you they would do your show in planning but eventually agree to my show because yours is not going anywhere that is an issue for you and them to work out, why am I involved? I am new to this business but am learning quickly that while I may occasionally get stepped on because I am honest in my dealings does not mean I am a doormat. So any promoter that thinks I am I hate to say you will be in for a shock when I not only take your shows and openers but run you and your BS out of town.
Opening acts deserve better treatment. Just because I would like to make money does not mean I can screw people who are helping me over. So please all you up and coming acts, don't sell yourselves short. If a promoter wants you to pay $200-300 to do a 20 min set and another promoter will give you a 20 min set for nothing and let you keep a buck or two on the tickets you sell, make the right choice. It's time we take back the underground.
We are all family but that does not mean all people in the game can be trusted.
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
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