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@More Advice: Don’t worry, sorry for the misunderstanding. Believe me, the last thing I would want to hear is someone referring to my work in the music biz as “not really work”. I would also get a bit p****d off 🙂
Just to be clear, I’ve been in the music biz for 18 years. Every bit of money I’ve earned has been through music. Its my job. But some people just dont “get it”. And I’ve been on the receiving end of too many “oh, at least you love what you do” condescending type remarks. As if its just some little hobby and I live in a dream land.
Its not. Its damn hard work.
For the record, I still do make about 90% of my income through live playing. The licensing and library work is a relatively recent thing for me that I hope to grow in the future. But playing gigs for me is my job. I love being on stage and playing, but I aint doing it for charity, believe me. Its what pays my bills.
Writing and composing and recording etc is hard work as well, lots of hours. I just think that some people think these compositions just appear out of thin air and magically get recorded somehow.
Anyhow, as far as the actual point of the original article, here is my take on it. Just say no.
People who value the work of a composer will be willing to pay and not insult you will free or low-ball offers. You do actually find people like that. Its the people who dont “get it” that send emails asking you to work for free. Just tell them to get lost. Why would you even want to work for someone like that?
Let me give a quick example from my world of live playing that may relate to this: I do between 150-200 gigs a years. Im not famous or anything, just a working musician. Yet despite this, about a month ago someone comes up to me and says “hey we have this venue, come and play for exposure”. Now, how do you answer that without sound like an arrogant (insert your own word)? Thats what I mean by someone who doesn’t “get it”. Thats the kind of person that emails you and asks you to pitch a track for free. So I just said no.
And then waited for someone else who does respect what I do to call. I then worked for them for the fee I normally charge. And everyone is happy.
P.S I have actually lived in hotels and planes for about 5 years as a touring musician. Yip, it sucks big time. You actually forgot to include: Flights so early that you have to leave the hotel before they start serving breakfast; 4 hours soundchecks; dodgy backline gear onstage; delayed flights; queuing for hours to get a VISA, the airline losing your gear; or your clothes; having to share hotel rooms with the drummer!!
Ha ha. “I deserve a raise” I think we all do. I’ll drink to that
The business is tough. But it is a choice. There are ways to make money from music besides music licensing. MLR is a perfect example!
I am not sure how much income Art makes from this site. But he put in the work to create this site and now is able to charge a subscription for certain information. He used technology to his advantage.
With the knowledge and experience some of you guys possess, I see no reason why young people giving away free music even music concerns you. I know that if I had what some of you had, I would be making a lot of money and have no concerns.
No more complaining guys. This is your profession. Make it work for you! You are only preaching to the choir by getting upset and complaining here. The general public is not taking notice or getting involved in this discussion.
I wish everyone the best.
Thanks Bigg Rome.
Going against the old way of thinking always lead to opposition at first, then eventually they have no choice but to confirm or be pushed aside.
This the 21st century.
Exactly!
We cannot turn back the hands of time. We can only adapt to the current situation and work for improvement. Analog solutions will not work in a digital world. I am glad someone understands! 🙂
I am done arguing about it all. Everyone has their own path to journey down. I wish all the best.
I’m pretty sure Art and his wife aren’t kicked back in the Jacuzzi sipping Margaritas and sharing tales of all the money they make on Music Library Report, instead of being in their studio working. (Your not are you Art?)
LOL, I wish!
@More Advice, et al…I can’t believe that you even bothered to respond to DI and Bigg Rome.
I know that if I had what some of you had, I would be making a lot of money and have no concerns.
Not likely. I’m not going to get into an adolescent p*ssing match. But, if you think gear/equipment/software etc., is what makes the difference between successful and unsuccessful writers, you’re in for a rude awakening. There’s an old saying, “it’s the carpenter, not the tools.”
And Bigg Rome, as far as this “old ways/ new ways” 21st century song and dance goes, total F’ing nonsense. Who do you think invented the “new” ways in the first place?…seriously.
Steve Ballard is absolutely right. Those of us who have been doing this for any length of time (35 years for me) and have survived and succeeded, have done so by adapting, changing and finding new ways of doing business. For example…I’ve started three publishing companies in the last two years for one for television shows, and two for internet licensing. I’m about to market the TV library online. I’m also about to a release another product I’ve been developing for two years.
So while you’re spouting off about new ways / 21st century blah blah blah, some of us stuck in our supposedly “old” ways are forging new paths.
So really, get over it.
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